If you are going to Nakasendo trail, we recommend that you also visit Nezame-no-Toko, a 30-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride from Agematsu Station!
The contrast between the huge white rocks carved out over tens of thousands of years by the clear waters of the Kiso River and the beautiful emerald green surface of the water is like a natural Japanese garden. Also known as the setting of the legend of Urashima Taro, a Japanese folktale, this is a special spot where you can experience the natural beauty and ancient culture of Japan at the same time.
If you visit in conjunction with a stroll through the old towns along Nakasendo, you will surely have a trip where you can enjoy both Japanese history and nature.
Why Nezame-no-Toko is Special: Highlights and Attractions
Let us introduce you to one of the Kiso Valley's (木曽谷) most spectacular scenic spots.
A natural work of art: a spectacular view of huge white rocks
The greatest attraction of Nezame-no-Toko(寝覚めの床) is the breathtaking natural spot created by the Kiso River, which has carved out the granite over the years. The white bedrock creates intricate patterns on the riverbed, and the crystal clear river water makes the beauty even more striking.
Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the giant rocks from the observation deck, and by descending the stairs to the riverbank, you can feel the greatness of nature's power up close.
A sacred place of the legend of Urashima Taro
The legend of "Urashima Taro (浦島太郎)," a beautiful classic Japanese folk tale, is told at "Nezame no Toko". In this tale, a fisherman named Urashima Taro is taken by a rescued turtle to the undersea Dragon's Palace, where he spends a pleasant time with the beautiful Otohime (Princess Otome).
The story goes that the place where Urashima Taro was startled awake when he opened the box is the floor of this Nezame-no-Toko (寝覚めの床).
How to get to the Nezame no toko
Here is how to get to the Nezame no toko (寝覚めの床).
Basic information on the floor of Nezame-no-Toko
Address: 1704-1 Agematsu, Agematsu-cho, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Hours: Open 24 hours a day (nighttime visits are deprecated for safety reasons)
Admission fee: Free of charge
Best time to visit: April to November (especially beautiful in October and November when the leaves change color)
Access by train
The nearest station is Agematsu Station (上松駅) on the JR Chuo Main Line. From the station, it is a 10-minute ride on the local bus to Nezame no toko. It can also be reached on foot in about 30 minutes from Agematsu Station.
For detailed information on how to get to Kiso-valley from Tokyo, please see the article below!
From Agematsu Station to Nezame no toko
Exit from Agematsu Station, head toward the main road, and follow the signs for a 30-minute walk to get there. There are easy-to-understand tourist information signs along the way, so there is no need to worry about getting lost. You can also take a bus from Agematsu Station.
Safety precautions
The riverbank is slippery, so be careful where you step.
Stay away from the river when the water level is high.
Be especially careful in winter because of the possibility of icy road surfaces.
Sightseeing spots along the Kiso
To enjoy the charm of Nezame-no-Toko, we recommend that you visit it in combination with other spots along Kisoji. Accessible in about 3 hours from Tokyo, Kisoji is dotted with attractive spots.
Shukubamachi along the Nakasendo Route
Agematsu-juku: This town is home to the Nezame no Toko, and has a history of prosperity as a post town along the Nakasendo trail during the Edo period (1603-1868). Even today, it retains its old buildings and historical aspects, and visitors can enjoy gourmet foods made from local ingredients and handicrafts made from specialties of the Kiso region (within walking distance).
Fukushima-juku: A barrier town that flourished as the center of Kiso (10 minutes by train from Agematsu Station)
Narai-juku: The longest inn town in Japan (30 min. by train from Agematsu Station)
Tsumago and Magome inn s: inn towns that retain traces of the Edo period (about 30 minutes by train)
Nature spots
Atera Valley: A very famous for its clear emerald blue water (about 20 minutes by car)
By combining these spots, you can enjoy both natural beauty and historical culture in a fulfilling Kisoji sightseeing tour. We invite you to experience the special experience of viewing a work of nature's art created over tens of thousands of years, while contemplating the legend of Urashima Taro, at Nezame-no-Toko.
