Kiso Ontake Tourism Office

📢 Notice: Footbath Reopened

The footbath at Kisogawa Shinsui Park in Kiso-Fukushima has reopened today (25 March 2026) following repairs.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We hope you enjoy a relaxing moment by the Kiso River.

▽Google Maps
https://share.google/RzYFWGQuMvPDM6yIe

📢 Notice: Footbath Temporarily Closed

The footbath at Kisogawa Shinsui Park in Kiso-Fukushima is currently temporarily closed due to equipment issues.

We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

We will provide an update once a reopening date has been confirmed.

▽Google Maps
https://share.google/RzYFWGQuMvPDM6yIe

📢 Notice: Torii Pass Walking Trail (Narai Side) Construction

Bridge repair work has started on the Torii Pass walking trail (Narai side) of the historic Nakasendo Trail, located near Narai-juku in Shiojiri City.

🛠 Restriction period
March 2 – April 24, 2026 (planned)

The trail from the Kiso Village side to Mine no Chaya Rest Area remains open via the normal route.

From Mine no Chaya, hikers can continue toward Narai Station by following a detour route.

Yesterday, staff from the tourism office visited the site with a local guide from Kiso Village to check the conditions.

When walking from the Kiso Village side, you will reach a fork in the path just past Mine no Chaya.
Please take the left path, which is the detour route.

Although it is a slightly longer walk, there are pleasant spots along the way where you can catch glimpses of Narai-juku through the trees.

Please note that some snow may still remain on parts of the trail, so watch your step when walking.

#木曽路 #中山道 #鳥居峠 #奈良井宿

The Shirakawa Ice Pillars in Mitake, Kiso Town, are the best time to see right now! These towering natural ice pillars formed when underflow water from Mt. Ontake freezes into a giant 250 m-wide, 50 m-high curtain of ice — are one of Nagano’s most magical winter sights

🚗 Access:
There’s no regular bus service to the ice pillars, so you’ll need to visit by car or taxi. From Kiso-Fukushima Station, taxis take about 30 minutes. Parking is available at Keyaki no Yu(accommodation) from there it’s just a short walk to the riverbank viewing area.

📍 Tips for your visit:
• Winter roads and paths can be icy. Please prepare with appropriate winter clothing and gear.

We are preparing for the Ice Candle Festival in Kiso Fukushima.

The festival will be held from 6:00 pm to approximately 9:00 pm on 6th and 7th February 2026.
Warm lights will be lit up on the ancient Nakasendo trail.

They need volunteers for the festival to make ice.
If that sounds good to you, there’s no need to book ahead—just come by on the day.

Place: Kato-gumi(加藤組) in Kiso-Fukushima("https://x.gd/0mdm0" on Google Maps)
Time and Day: From 1:00 pm to around 3:00 pm every day until 3rd February

Notice of Closure : the Torii Pass on the Nakasendo Road（Shiojiri City Narai-juku side）

The bridges on this trail are old and unsafe. It will be repaired to keep visitors safe.
During the work, the trail on the Shiojiri City Narai-juku side will be closed all day (24 hours).

Closure Period​ : March 2, 2026 (Mon) - April 24, 2026 (Fri)​
Restriction Details​ : Full closure (24 hours) / No entry​
*more information: https://www.vill.kiso.nagano.jp/kurashi_joho/kankogyousei/toritogekouji_english.html

The restriction period may change depending on weather conditions and construction progress.

The trail on the Kiso Village side is open, but you cannot pass through between Kiso Village and Shiojiri City on this trail.

We are sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you for your cooperation.​

【Contact (Help)】
Shiojiri City Hall (Project Owner) Construction Department / Construction Division
TEL: (+81) 263-52-0280

"Hinoki (Cypress) Hat Rental has started in the Kiso area."

Why don't you wear the Hinoki Hat, which is designated as a traditional craft of Nagano Prefecture and walk trails in Kiso?
You can rental and return it along the trails: Nakasendo trails in Kiso area and Ontake Kodo in Otaki Village.
*Please note that there are exceptions.

Period: From 5th January to 15th February 2026
Price: A deposit of 2,000 JPY (only cash) is required at the rental centre.
*The deposit will be fully refunded, provided there is no issue when you return it.
Place: ①Kiso Ontake Tourism Office in Kiso Town
②Otaki Village Tourist Information Centre in Otaki Village
Reception hours: From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For more details, please check the website as follows.
https://kiso-nagano.ne.jp/news/cypresshat/

Kiso Ontake Tourism Office and related organisations will be closed due to the New Year holiday below.

・Kiso Ontake Tourism Office in Kiso Town
From 28 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
・Kaida Kogen Tourist Information Centre in Kiso Town
From 28 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
・Otaki Tourist Information Centre in Otaki Village
From 28 December 2025 to 4 January 2026

We apologise for the inconvenience.
We appreciate your understanding in advance.

Warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

🌿 Update: Walking Trails at Jōyama Historic Site Forest

We are pleased to inform you that the repair work on the damaged sections of the walking trail, caused by falling rocks, has now been completed.
As of September 1st, all trail closures have been lifted, and visitors can once again enjoy walking through the forest with peace of mind.

In the future, further maintenance such as the felling of hazardous trees is planned (date to be confirmed).
Currently, no additional closures are scheduled, but we kindly ask for your caution if work is taking place during your visit.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during the closure period.
We look forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the natural beauty and history of Jōyama Historic Site Forest.

――――――――――

Buckwheat flowers at Kisoumanosato in Kaida Kogen, Kiso Town, have started blooming.
It may be good to see them this weekend.

Please visit there by a local bus or car.
・If you take the bus there, it takes approximately 40 minutes. Please get off at "Kisoumanosato Entrance Bus Stop", and walk for approximately 5 minutes.
・If you drive by car, it takes approximately 30 minutes.

【August 6 Update】Jōyama Historic Site Forest – Walking Trail Status
As of August 6, the removal of fallen rocks along the Jōyama Historic Site Forest trail has been successfully completed.

However, repair work on the damaged trail section is still ongoing, and that specific area remains closed to ensure visitor safety.

🔒 Still Closed: The section of the trail affected by rockfall
🚶‍♀️ Open to Public: All other hiking courses are open as usual

We kindly ask all visitors to respect closure signage and refrain from entering restricted areas.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Further updates will be shared via the official website and social media channels of the Kiso Ontake Tourism Bureau.

#木曽町　 #木曽谷
#城山史跡の森　 #ハイキングコース
#通行止めのお知らせ
#信州の自然
#長野観光
#観光情報