kiso valley

Ciao, we are in japan! Too beautiful... after visiting the castle, we have a full day to spend from matsumoto. We would like to go to the kiso valley. Which is the best town to go (and easy to reach using jr pass)? We can walk alsoon nakasendo hikking if able to go back to matsumoto in tbe afternoon... please, is it feasible? Where we should go ...? Grazie! Arrivederci.

Which is the best town to go (and easy to reach using jr pass)?

The best one is Tsumago. The most easy to reach is Narai.

We can walk alsoon nakasendo hikking if able to go back to matsumoto in tbe afternoon... please, is it feasible? Where we should go ...?

I recommend to visit Magome and Tsumago and walk in between the two:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6075.html

The most touristy is Tsumago and you can combine Narai with the lacquerware town of Kiso-Hirawawa. Both are closer to Matsumoto so you don't spend as much time riding the train.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6081.html

You can check with the tourist office on the upper level of Matsumoto Station to find which train will stop at Kiso-Hirasawa. Hirasawa station is up on the side of the hill overlooking the town. You can walk down and browse the many stores, and if you wish, check out the museum (see above link) where the Olympic medals were finished.

When you've seen enough expensive beautiful creations, you can take a leisurely stroll further into the mountains along the Kiso River to Narai. It takes about 20-25 minutes and is level. Narai has all the old Edo architecture, some old temples, and a series of springs along the side of the road. Purists put the place down because cars are allowed on the road. This keeps the number tourist buses down. There are tourist shops here also, but just not as blatant as in Tsumago.

You can cross the river to a good Chinese restaurant or find a soba shop in town before heading back to the unmanned station in Narai (you pass it walking into town) for a local back to Matsumoto.