Kiso

Kiso-machi is a town with population of 12,000, which was born from the merger of 4 municipalities, Kisofukushima-machi, Hiyoshi-mura, Kaida-mura and Mitake-mura in 2005. Kaida-Kogen (plateau) in Kiso-machi joined to the Association of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan“ in 2006 that is the following year of the association's establishment. Since then, former Kaida-mura district has been playing a central role in the propagation of its values.
“Mt.Ontake that has been an object of worship through the ages”, “Kisoji on the Nakasendo where posting stations or checking stations were placed”, “Kiso-Hinoki which is known to be provided to the Ise Shrine”, “Kiso-Uma which is the valuable Japanese native horses”. There are a lot of culture and nature that represent Japan. The member villages of the association are often expressed as “There is nothing, but it’s nice place.”, but Kiso-machi is endowed with abundant natural resources.
I saw a family to play in the Kiso River that line with Gakeya-Zukuri houses. The scene during summer vacation in Japan like a picture, and the seasonal view of the mountain which is nearly close enough to touch, they may not special for local people. However, I think they will surely enrich visitor’s mind. Even without sightseeing spot or the endorsement by world heritage or cultural property, there are many beautiful places and things. We can encounter them a lot even in Kiso-machi. A challenge to the beauty of “the beautiful village” Kiso-machi which have both of inherited famous property and inconspicuous unnamed property, could be a challenge itself of the Association of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan”.

Interviewed in August, 2015