Kiso Lacquerware & Narai-juku Festival

Event Overview

The Kiso Lacquerware & Narai-juku Festival is a special event where the refined culture of traditional lacquerware meets the nostalgic atmosphere of a historic post town. Visitors can witness the exquisite techniques of Kiso lacquerware through specialized exhibitions and participate in hands-on workshops led by skilled artisans. The event also features local markets, offering a wonderful way to connect with the heritage and charm of the Kiso region.

Highlights & Activities

The main draw of this festival is the rare opportunity to see the intricate production processes of lacquerware and touch finished masterpieces of exceptional beauty. Through various workshops, you can even try creating your own unique piece of lacquerware. Additionally, the surrounding area will host the 'Kiso Hirasawa Fruit Market' and small-scale pop-up markets, where you can purchase local specialties and handcrafted goods directly. Immerse yourself in a moment where tradition meets modern life while strolling through the beautifully preserved streets.

Schedule

This event will take place over two days: June 6 (Sat) and June 7 (Sun). During this period, you can enjoy lacquerware exhibitions, craft workshops, and various local markets. Please note that specific program timings and event starts may change depending on the daily operational status, so we recommend checking details on-site.

Venue & Access

The event is held throughout the historic areas of the Kiso region.

By Car

• *From Tokyo**: Via Chuo Expressway and Nagano Expressway (via Shiojiri IC) using Route 19 (approx. 3.5 hours).
• *From Nagoya**: Via Chuo Expressway (via Nakatsugawa IC) using Route 19 (approx. 2.5 hours).
• *From Nagano City**: Via Nagano Expressway (via Shiojiri IC) using Route 19 (approx. 1.5 hours).
• *From Ina**: Via Route 361 through the Konpe-ei Tunnel (approx. 30 mins).

By Train

• *From Shiojiri Station**: Take a local train to the Niegawa, Kiso-Hirasawa, or Narai areas (approx. 20 mins).
• *From Shinjuku Station**: Use limited express trains via Shiojiri Station (approx. 2.5 hours).
• *From Nagoya Station**: Use limited express trains via Shiojiri Station (approx. 1.5 hours).

Tips for Visitors

To fully enjoy the craft workshops and local markets, we recommend allowing plenty of time for travel. Since workshops and limited-edition items are highly popular, it is best to arrive early for registration. As parking near the historic streets is limited, please consider using public transportation such as local community buses or the special-stop trains.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As much of the event involves walking through historic streets and outdoor areas, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to participate in a workshop, please dress appropriately for the activity. For the latest information regarding reservations, payment methods, or English language support, please check the official website.