Shiojiri brings together archaeological traces, traditional crafts and winegrowing. At the Hiraide Site, visitors can explore the extent of a settlement as well as reconstructed buildings they can enter. In Kiso Hirasawa, lacquerware shops and skills passed down through generations shape the cultural landscape. Winegrowing and winemaking also have a long history in Shiojiri, marked by specific dates and a grapevine arbor at the station.
Hiraide Site: Settlement Remains and Reconstructed Buildings to Explore
The Hiraide Site lies about two kilometers southwest of JR Shiojiri Station. It stretches along the Shibukawa River for about one kilometer from east to west and 300 meters from north to south. Its east–west extent is therefore considerably greater than its north–south axis. The settlement existed from the Jōmon period through the Heian period; in 1952, the site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan. More than 290 remains of dwellings and other buildings have been discovered there to date.
Fifteen reconstructed dwellings and other buildings that visitors can enter stand in Hiraide Site Park. The Guidance Building complements these displays with hands-on activities related to prehistory and early history, including fire-making, magatama bead-making, archery and pottery. Some activities require advance reservations. The Hiraide Site thus brings together archaeological remains, reconstructed buildings and practical activities, offering different ways to engage with history without suggesting that they are all the same experience.
Plan Your Visit to the Hiraide Museum
The Hiraide Museum is about ten minutes from Shiojiri Station by bus on the Soga Line. The Hiraide Museum bus stop is not served on Sundays, public holidays or during the year-end and New Year period. Take these limitations into account when planning your visit, and check the schedule for the day you intend to travel. From the museum, it is an eight-minute walk to the Guidance Building. This walking time helps you plan the route between the museum and the hands-on activities; it is not the walking time for the entire Hiraide Site.
Winegrowing, the Grapevine Arbor and Tastings
Winegrowing began in Shiojiri in 1890, and winemaking followed in 1897. At JR Shiojiri Station, a grapevine arbor on platforms 3 and 4 is considered the only one of its kind in Japan. Niagara and Merlot grapes grow there. Niagara grapes are used for events, while a local winemaker uses the Merlot grapes for winemaking.
At Goichi Wine, vineyard visits and tastings differ in cost and format. Visitors can explore the vineyards free of charge for about 15 minutes, without a reservation; those interested should ask at the shop. At the Goichi Wine shop, you can taste four to six wines for a fee. If you plan to take part in either option, check the current visiting conditions in advance.
Kiso Hirasawa: Lacquerware and Traditional Buildings
Kiso Hirasawa is another cultural highlight in the municipality. Numerous lacquerware shops line its streets, and traditional skills have been passed down through many generations. In July 2006, Kiso Hirasawa was selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Alongside the Hiraide Site’s long settlement history, Shiojiri thus offers crafts and groups of traditional buildings as distinct points of interest. For planning your trip, the comparison offers a useful guide: Hiraide is known for its archaeological traces and reconstructed buildings, while Kiso Hirasawa is known for lacquerware and the passing down of craft skills.
Discover more destinations: Kitaazumi District, Shimotakai District, Iida, Hakuba, Nagawa, Kamitakai District, Azuma, Chiisagata District.
For the main travel overview: Nagano Prefecture.
