Kiso-Hirasawa

Kiso-Hirasawa is a traditional lacquerware town in the picturesque Kiso valley. Kiso-Hirasawa grew during the Edo period as a town well known for it’s mastery of lacquerware. It sits just outside the post town of Narai, on the old trading route (Nakasendo trail) between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo).

Although it is on the Nakasendo trail, Kiso-Hirasawa was not a post town that hosted travelers but rather a town for artisans to live and produce their craft.

Japan is known for exquisite lacquerware with intricate inlaid trays, bowls and cups. Lacquerware is commonly black or red but also often found in natural or clear finishes.

Today Kiso-Hirasawa is still known as a centre of lacquareware artistry. Travelers can still wander the street and visit the various lacquerware shops. There is also a museum that explains the history of this craft, however, it is in Japanese.

Kiso-Hirasawa is essentially one street lined with shop fronts. When we visited, the streets were very quiet and we were almost the only visitors. This meant we had a very personal service at the shops we visited.

Many of the shops have their lights off, but don’t be deterred. One shop owner explained this was to protect the lacquerware. As you enter, the owners will often come into the shop from down the back or upstairs and turn on the lights for you to see their craft.

Lacquareware can be expensive, however, once you understand the work that goes into creating just once piece you will appreciate its value.

Some of the craftsmen have their own unique techniques and styles and their work can only be purchased here. We were fascinated with the unique red pattern that Mr Tezuka makes in his lacquerware.

He was very keen to find out from us how to attract more tourists and we encouraged him to have demonstrations of his craft. However, this was something that he could not do as he wanted to protect his secret techniques.

So instead, we implore you to come and visit this single street town for a glimpse into a world of bygone era to keep this unique, traditional craftsmanship alive. You can also check out his home page here.

Note: There are very limited options for food in Kiso-Hirasawa, check out the neighbouring town Narai, for lunch options.
Near the train station you will find new play equipment for the kids, however, other than this there is not a lot for young kids to do here.

How to get here

Travel to Kiso-Hirasawa on the Chūō Main line from Matsumoto or Nagoya. Express trains will not stop at Kiso-Hirasawa or Narai, so changing for a local train is required.

There is a very cute green and yellow tourist bus that travels between Kiso-Hirasawa and Narai throughout the day. The bus runs more frequently than the local trains and makes it a great way to see both Kiso-Hirasawa and Narai on the same day.

Kiso-hirasawa and Narai are part of the Nakasendo trail, the old trading route and should be included as part of this historic route. Other popular towns to visit on the Nakasendo trail include Tsumago and Magome.

Matsumoto

Narai

Nakasendo trail

More information

Japan Guide

Kiso Hirasawa – Visit Matsumoto