Guide
Kosoge no Sato is a traditional settlement located in Mizuho, Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture. It has been officially designated as an "Important Cultural Landscape" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, preserving the traces of a way of life that has coexisted with nature for centuries. The village is centered around a straight approach leading to Kosoge Shrine (locally known as "Kaido"). The landscape is characterized by houses arranged in terraces to suit the terrain and distinctive stone walls constructed from local andesite stone. Today, approximately 63 households and 153 residents continue to maintain the landscape through community-led efforts, such as the management of traditional water channels.
Historically, this area was known as Kosoge-go or Kosoge-so. Under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, the landscape—including the use of forests, water, and residential structures—is strictly protected. This includes the use of forests for timber and disaster prevention, the management of water through ponds and channels, and the preservation of residential forms like house forests and hedges. Furthermore, Kosoge Shrine has a long history as one of the three major ascetic training sites (Shugendo) in the Northern Shinano region, serving as the spiritual center of the community.
To understand the village structure, the straight approach to Kosoge Shrine is an essential route. As the elevation changes, you can observe houses arranged in a terraced fashion and the masterful use of andesite stone walls built into the terrain. Another fascinating feature is the "Kawa" (or "Tane"), traditional reservoirs that collect spring water for daily use and snow melting. Additionally, the irrigation system drawing water from Hokuryu Lake to supply rice paddies and fields showcases the deep connection between the villagers and their water resources.
Based on regional records, the landscape is particularly beautiful around May, when the natural greenery becomes lush and vibrant. For the best experience, we recommend visiting during daylight hours when the topography and water structures are most visible. Please note that the parking area gates are generally closed at 5:00 PM, so please plan your visit during the daytime.
Visitors can observe traditional Japanese village structures, such as the "Otema" community system used for maintaining water channels, as well as the ingenious use of stone walls and spring water reservoirs. The area is also known for its historical cultural heritage, such as the "Kosoge no Hashimatsu" (pillar-carrying festival), which reflects the deep-rooted traditions of the region.
Kosoge no Sato is situated in the Mizuho district of Iiyama City. It is part of a larger cultural landscape that includes Kosoge Shrine and the neighboring Kobe, Sekizawa, and Harita districts. The nearby Hokuryu Lake also plays a significant role in the local natural environment.
The terrain consists of slopes ranging from 470m to 540m in altitude, with many stone walls and uneven steps. We strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please be mindful that the parking area closes at 5:00 PM and is unavailable during the winter season. As this is a living residential area, please respect the privacy of residents by avoiding trespassing on private property and keeping noise levels low.