Koshu Kaido Walk (17) Tsutaki – Kanazawa: May 10, 2025

Having finished my walks in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Yamanashi prefectures, my Koshu Kaido walk entered Nagano prefecture. Today I walked from Tsutaki, the southernmost shukuba station in Nagano prefecture and the 43rd shukuba station from Tokyo (Edo), to Kanazawa, the 44th station. The distance is about 15 kilometers, and most of the area is in Fujimi-machi, Nagano prefecture.

The Koshu Kaido headed north-northwest through mountainous areas. The site of Tsutaki is now around National Route 20. 

The gate and walls of the main inn remain. The railroad was installed away from the Koshu Kaido in this area, and the shukuba became gradually quieter. 

 

The Koshu Kaido has turned to the national route in some places and has kept old situation in other places. Stone Buddha were seen at various points along the road. (See als the 2nd photo)

 

After walking for about two hours, I came across a huge solar power generation facility along the road. Fujimi-machi is known as one of the solar-panel clusters in Japan. They started to construct many solar plants in the 2010s becouse of long hours of sunlight in this region. There are now more than 1,000 solar power plants, both large and small.

In recent years, however, there have been disputes over the development of the plants as various conflicts between the developers and local residents have arisen. The town has begun to regulate construction.

In addition, there have been a series of incidents of copper cable theft from solar power plants nationwide. I found surveillance cameras installed at the plants. I also saw warning signs saying "under surveillance" on the fences. (see also the 4th photo)

As I walked further, I saw a huge greenhouse. This is the facility of the "Yatsugatake Mirai Farm," which is funded by the major food company Kagome and Fujimi-machi. Tomatoes are produced here and sent to Kagome's neighboring food factories.

 

After walking another hour, we came to the Misayama Godo Milestone. It is the 48th or 49th milestone from Edo, which is 192-196 km away. A large keyaki (zelkova) tree remains on the west side from the Edo period, and an enoki (Chinese hackberry) was planted on the east side in later years. This is the only place on the Koshu Kaido where a pair of mounds remain on both sides of the road. (See also the top photo)

 

The Koshu Kaido soon enters Chino City. There are many solar power plants in this area as well. JR Aoyagi Station is located just before Kanazawa shukuba station.