Unno-juku

Kaino-juku is a tourist spot where the streetscape remains from its establishment as a post town on the Hokkaido Road in the second year of the Kan'ei era. The townscape along the road, which was also selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Roads," still has buildings from that time period, such as traditional inn-style architecture and thatched roofs, allowing visitors to feel the historical atmosphere. A water channel flows through the center of the road, and visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the town, feeling the atmosphere and imagining what life was like during that time period.

Shiratori Shrine, located in the center of Unno-juku, is a shrine dedicated to the famous Sanada clan, who were known as warlords, as well as to the legend of Emperor Jimmu. Its blessings range from prayers for victory to matchmaking and traffic safety. The shrine is particularly famous for its "Shiratori Festival," which has been held since the Edo period. During the festival, there are performances of yamakasa (floats) and taiko drums, creating a lively atmosphere. In addition, the shrine's grounds offer a beautiful natural scenery with waterfalls and ponds, making it a great place to take a leisurely stroll.

In the area surrounding Unnojuku, there are many local gourmet dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and charming souvenirs. At "Unnojuku Fukushimaya," a long-established soba noodle restaurant that blends into the historic streetscape of Unnojuku, you can enjoy specialty ohagi made with locally produced walnuts and carefully crafted handmade soba noodles. In addition, at "Seseragi," a rest stop and souvenir shop, you can find charming souvenirs such as sweets made with local walnuts and Unnojuku's original seven-spice blend. One of the charms of Unnojuku is being able to encounter delicious gourmet dishes and souvenirs while strolling through the town.

Unno-juku has a museum called the "Unno-juku Museum" that utilizes historic buildings built during the Kan'ei era. Inside the building, which still retains traces of the prosperous sericulture industry of the time, materials related to the Unno family, the most powerful clan in the Tohshin region, and exhibits related to sericulture are displayed, conveying the culture and history of Unno-juku. If you want to learn more about the history of the region while strolling through the streets of Unno-juku, be sure to visit the museum.

In Kaino-juku, there are several accommodations where you can spend a unique time surrounded by a historic townscape. These include "Kaino-juku Furusato-kan," where you can spend private time as only two groups are allowed per day, and "NAGANO branch Hotel," where you can use a building designated as a traditional structure for one group only. You can experience accommodations that are only available in Kaino-juku.