This time, I will introduce a post town on the old road called Nakasendo, Tsumago in Nagano prefecture.
Nakasendo extends from Nihonbashi Tokyo to Kyoto, just as Tokaido. Unlike Tokaido, mainly on the coastal area, Nakasendo is in the inland area with a unique rustic atmosphere. Especially, the part called Kisoji in the mountains in central Japan is exotic. This route has eleven post towns in Gifu and Nagano prefectures in central Japan.
Many non-Japanese tourists walk this part just carrying a backpack. From Magome to Tsumago , a transport service is available which takes your suitcases to your hotel at low cost. Travelers might take advantage of this service to enjoy the area trekking without heavy bags. Since the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from visiting Japan, I hope the situation will be improved soon.
The area has preserved the old townscape through maintaining traditional houses. People actually live in the houses managing souvenir shops, Japanese style hotels, pensions, post offices and so on. If you spend money in these towns in Kisoji area, the large part of it will be used for preserving efforts. You can have a good time in towns just like those in the Edo period from the beginning of the 16th century to the latter 19th century. It is like a time travel with the donation for a good cause.
The delicacy of the towns are Kuri Kinton, Gohei mochi, Oyaki, and Soba noodles.
Kuri Kinton is a simple sweet made from steamed mashed chestnut mixed with sugar. They are shaped like a chestnut by twisting the dough in a cloth. They contain no preservatives so they are made only in Autumn months after the harvest.
Gohei mochi is a snack made from cooked rice cakes into a circular shape, arranged on a stick, broiled over a stove. It is usually seasoned with sesame seeds, miso and sugar. You can get one at lots of stands or restaurants. They serve one sometimes with soba noodles.
Oyaki is a bun stuffed with various ingredients such as pickled nozawana.
Soba noodles in this region are relatively thick topped with minced white radish and a special soy flavored sauce.
They are all authentic Japanese cuisine with little fat. The may not be so rich taste from the Western standard, but are healthy and good for you.
As I mentioned before, you can stay at traditional houses as they are managed as inns. It feels as if stay at the Edo period's guest houses. In winter chilly nights, they put 炬燵Japanese style foot warmersover your futon quilts.
I recommend this area for those wish to explore real Japanese towns.