Tomi: History, Art, and Highland Nature

Unno-juku and the Yunomaru Highlands represent two distinct themes in Tōmi City: historic road culture and highland nature. They are complemented by art, Kabuki, guided experiences, and seasonal activities. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth first deciding whether to focus primarily on history, scenery, or winter sports. Some experiences require advance reservations or take place on set dates.

Unno-juku and the Old Hokkoku Road

In Tōmi City, Unno-juku began as a post station on the old Hokkoku Road in 1625, during the Edo period. The streetscape combines Edo-period inns and shops with Meiji-period houses used for silkworm farming. The stretch of street along the former Hokkoku Road is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

The Unno Juku Friendship Festival is held every year on November 23. It includes a procession in traditional costumes along the historic street. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the date for the relevant year. Local guides lead tours of Unno-juku, introducing its history and distinctive features; reservations are required.

A cooking experience in an old house in Unno-juku also draws on local food culture. It uses ingredients from Tōmi City, including Shinano walnuts, Shinshu Golden Shamo chicken, Mimaki tofu, and Shirato potatoes. As reservation options may change, check booking information in advance.

Art, Kabuki, and Independent Exploration

The Umeno Memorial Painting Museum in Tōmi City focuses its collection on modern Japanese Western-style painting. Kabuki is another aspect of the local culture: the Higashimachi stage is still used for performances. If seeing a performance is important to your trip, check the dates in advance.

A self-guided tour of Tōmi City has 24 stops, including 15 historic sites or cultural properties and six wineries. You can visit the stops at your own pace. This offers a different format from the guided tour of Unno-juku, which requires a reservation.

High-Altitude Marshland and Plant Life

The Ikenotaira Marshland lies at an elevation of 2,000 meters in the crater of Sanpō-ga-mine, a volcano formed tens of thousands of years ago. About 1,200 species of subalpine and alpine plants grow there. The Yunomaru Highlands are also home to a large cluster of Renge azaleas, designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan. The information about the marshland and azaleas offers different points of interest for travelers interested in highland landscapes or plants.

Winter Activities and Day-Use Facilities

Winter sports and snowshoeing are among the activities at Yunomaru Ski Area. The winter season runs from December to March, and all courses are open to snowboarders as well. This is a specific seasonal reference point to consider when planning your travel dates.

The day-use facilities also differ in their focus. Yurakukan is a day-use hot spring bath with a 40-square-meter indoor bath and an outdoor bath with a view. Yuufuru Tanaka combines hot spring bathing, swimming, and fitness facilities for day visitors. While bathing pools are the focus at Yurakukan, Yuufuru Tanaka also offers swimming and fitness facilities.

For the broader travel overview: Nagano Prefecture.