Discover Shiojiri

Different interests may shape your choice of hotel in Shiojiri: archaeology at the Hiraide Site, winemaking and tasting, or traditional lacquerware craftsmanship in Kiso Hirasawa. Before your trip, you can decide whether cultural history, a specific connection to wine, or a craft tradition passed down through generations will shape your stay.

The Hiraide Site: History and Planning Your Visit

The Hiraide Site is located in Shiojiri, about 2 kilometers southwest of JR Shiojiri Station. From the station, you can reach the Hiraide Museum in about 10 minutes by bus on the Soga Line. The Hiraide Museum stop is not served on Sundays, public holidays, or over the New Year period, so check the timetable for your travel date. From the museum, it is an eight-minute walk to the Guidance Building in Hiraide Site Park.

The Hiraide Site was inhabited from the Jōmon period through the Heian period and was designated a National Historic Site in 1952. The area extends for about one kilometer from east to west and 300 meters from north to south along the Shibukawa River. More than 290 remains of dwellings and other structures have been discovered there to date. At Hiraide Site Park, you can enter 15 reconstructed dwellings and buildings. The discoveries and reconstructions offer different ways to explore the site: the remains reveal its archaeological significance, while the buildings you can enter bring their architectural forms to life. The Guidance Building offers hands-on activities related to prehistory and early history, including fire-making, magatama bead-making, archery, and pottery. Advance reservations are required for some activities.

Winemaking and Tasting

Winemaking began in Shiojiri in 1890, and wine production followed in 1897. At Goichi Wine, you can pay to sample four to six wines in the shop. For a different perspective, you can explore the vineyard grounds for about 15 minutes, free of charge and without a reservation; please check in at the shop first. Check the visiting arrangements in advance, as they may change.

Wine is also part of the experience at JR Shiojiri Station: platforms 3 and 4 feature a grapevine arbor said to be the only one of its kind in Japan. Niagara and Merlot grapes grow on the arbor. Niagara grapes are used at events, while a local wine producer uses Merlot for winemaking.

Kiso Hirasawa and Traditional Craftsmanship

Numerous lacquerware shops line the streets of Kiso Hirasawa, where traditional skills have been passed down for many generations. Kiso Hirasawa was selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in July 2006. These differences can help you decide what to focus on: Hiraide combines early settlement history with reconstructions you can enter, while Kiso Hirasawa is known for lacquer craftsmanship and groups of traditional buildings.

Discover more destinations: Komoro, Nagiso, Minamisaku District, Koumi, Minamijo, Yamanouchi, Nagawa, Azuma

For the broader travel overview: Nagano Prefecture.