Kōshoku, dissolved municipality in Nagano prefecture, Japan
Kōshoku is a dissolved municipality in Nagano Prefecture that was established in 1959 and merged into the larger city of Chikuma in 2003. The area sits in the Shinano River valley and features quiet streets, simple houses, and small shops that reflect rural life.
The area was originally part of Shinano Province, established over 1,300 years ago and known for horse breeding and rice cultivation. After a long rural history, Kōshoku became an independent municipality in 1959 before merging into Chikuma in 2003.
The name Kōshoku comes from the time when it was an independent municipality and is kept alive through the memories of longtime residents. Local festivals here feature traditional dress, music, and shared meals that bring the community together and reflect the bonds between people who have lived in the area for generations.
The area is quiet and best explored on foot, where you can discover old burial sites and traditional buildings. The best time to visit is spring for apricot blossoms or to enjoy the nearby hot springs, which are accessible year-round.
The famous Mori Shogunzukakofun is a large, keyhole-shaped tomb from the late Kofun period sitting atop a mountain, offering insight into early Japanese leadership and power. This makes the area an important archaeological site revealing thousands of years of human settlement.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
