Guida
The Aoni Traditional Buildings Preservation District is a village located at an altitude of approximately 760m in the northeastern part of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. It preserves the traditional Japanese rural landscape. In 2000, it was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The most striking feature is the collection of thatched-roof main houses arranged in a crescent shape along the contours of the land, alongside beautiful terraced rice paddies built with stone walls. The landscape offers a harmonious blend of nature and human history against the backdrop of the majestic Northern Alps.
The history of this settlement is deep, with 14 large-scale thatched-roof houses from the late Edo to Meiji periods still standing today. The village's vital infrastructure, the 'Aoni Kami-seki' irrigation system, was excavated during the 1860s over a period of four years and is still used to supply water to the rice terraces. The spiritual culture of the region is also well-preserved, with various stone Buddhas and shrines—such as the Kouma Stone Buddha group, Amida-do Stone Buddha group, Dosojin, and Batoh Kannon—scattered throughout the area, deeply connected to the lives of the local residents.
The village is filled with architectural and natural wonders. The terraced rice paddies, constructed with intricate stone walls, were recognized as one of the '100 Best Rice Terrades in Japan' in 1999 and offer different charms each season. At the center of the village, after climbing a long stone staircase, lies the Aoni Shrine, the guardian deity of the area, featuring a main hall and a Kagura stage. Near the entrance of the village, the Kouma Stone Buddha group stands as a silent witness to the ancient landscape.
You can enjoy different views throughout the four seasons. In May, the rice terraces are particularly breathtaking as the water-filled fields reflect the remaining snow from the Northern Alps, attracting many visitors. A truly unique experience is the 'Himomi no Shinji' (Fire Ritual) held on September 20th and 21st during the Aoni Shrine Annual Festival. This traditional ritual, involving the lighting of fire, is designated as an intangible cultural property of Hakuba Village. In autumn, the village is wrapped in the rich, warm colors of the harvest season.
Visiting Aoni is centered around walking and observing nature and culture. You can learn about traditional Japanese village structures while strolling through the paths and visiting shrines. Another local specialty is 'Shimai' (purple rice), an ancient grain grown in this rich natural environment. The 'Osenki no Yakata' serves as a hub for learning more about the local culture.
The area is surrounded by the peaks of the Northern Alps, including Mt. Goryu, Mt. Happo, and Mt. Monomi, making it a great base for mountaineering and trekking. To the northwest, the Ichinoki River area is also part of a landscape preservation effort to balance natural preservation with the maintenance of the scenic beauty.
Because the village includes slopes, stone steps, and unpaved paths, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Please remember that this is a living community where residents reside. Please follow these rules: