Aoki, village in Chiisagata district, Nagano prefecture, Japan
Aoki is a small village in Chiisagata District in Nagano Prefecture, situated in a basin surrounded by mountains on three sides. The settlement spreads across 500 to 850 meters in elevation, with extensive forests, agricultural fields for rice and vegetable cultivation, and scattered residential structures of varying sizes.
The village was part of the Ueda Domain during the Edo period in the former Shinano Province and was officially established as a village in 1889. Local residents gained recognition as 'Gimin', meaning 'righteous people', for historical actions that continue to shape community identity today.
The name Aoki means 'blue tree' and reflects the forested nature of the place. Residents gather for Gimin Taiko drumming festivals throughout the year, using traditional percussion to honor historical local events and keep community bonds strong.
The village is surrounded by forest and green areas offering many paths for hiking and nature exploration, particularly along mountain trails and woodland routes. Access depends mainly on National Route 143, making a car essentially necessary or requiring advance planning for local bus connections.
The village is known for over 800 stone Buddha statues lined along a mountain pass called Shunarara, which visitors can encounter on a quiet, contemplative route. This collection gives insight into the spiritual history of the region and draws travelers interested in discovering hidden religious sites.
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