Situated in the mountainous Nagano Prefecture in central Honshu, Japan, Kiso-Fukushima is a picturesque rural town best known as the historic check-point for the 500 -kilometre Nakasendo route that linked Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo Period. Encompassed by rugged mountain landscapes, the town is an ideal base from which to hike up Mount Ontake, the second largest volcano in Japan following Mount Fuji. The Yamamura Residence is the stately former home of the local Owari clan governor surrounded by a lush garden and showcases numerous artefacts that include original documents, ceramics, weapons and clothing. Perched on a hilltop and overlooking the Kiso River is Fukushima Sekisho-ato, the fascinating remains of the Fukushima check-point where travellers on the Nakasendo route were required to present their passes before continuing on their journey.