Try writing your name.
Tell us how you pronounce your name. We will help you find its Japanese spelling, and you can try writing it on paper yourself.
KISO FUKUSHIMA · NAKASENDO
Your name,
in Japanese.
KISOPASS is a personalized wooden name pass, made by Kiso-Fukushima Station. Your name in Japanese can help local people say hello. Try writing it with us, hear stories about the Nakasendo, then wear your pass as you explore Kiso.
¥3,000with your name
~5 minto make your pass
Handwritten for you
ABOUT KISOPASS
Write your name.
Hear about the Nakasendo.
You can try writing your own name in Japanese at the shop. Then, through four illustrated storytelling cards, we introduce travel in Edo-period Japan, the Nakasendo, travel passes, and the idea behind KISOPASS today.
Your name is written in katakana, Japanese characters that represent its sounds. This helps local people read your name and say hello. Tell us what interests you about Kiso, and we can suggest places we know that you might enjoy.
KISOPASS is not an admission ticket or a discount card. It is a wooden name pass that helps travelers and local people start a conversation.
HOW IT WORKS
Make your pass.
Then take it for a walk.
Tell us your name, and we will write it on your wooden pass. Making a pass takes about 5 minutes.
Hear the story behind your pass.
Four illustrated cards introduce the Nakasendo and travel passes. We then write your name by hand on a piece of local hinoki wood.
Wear it around Kiso.
Wear your pass as you explore Kiso. Your name can help start a conversation, and the wood is yours to keep as a reminder of your visit.
Find our small shop by Kiso-Fukushima Station during your journey.
See location & opening hoursMADE IN KISO
Giving hinoki wood
a new use.
We use hinoki cypress offcuts and reclaimed wood from building work in Kiso. Upcycling gives this wood a new use as a personalized wooden travel pass.
Giving hinoki from Kiso a new use.
The Kiso wooden housing promotion council provides the wood. Knots and differences in the grain are part of each pass.
Work for the local community.
Each wooden blank is prepared at Miyama no Ie, a local welfare workshop.
A connection to the town.
We introduce travelers to local shops and places. KISOPASS brings together local wood, work, travel, and conversation.
EXPLORE KISO
While you are in Kiso.
Two guides to help you find a place to stop, understand local food, or try a few words of Japanese.
Find shops for right now
KISONOW
Check scheduled opening hours and local events. Use it directly in your browser — no installation needed. Event information is in Japanese.
Open KISONOW
A little local knowledge
KISOPASS Guide
Words for saying hello, stepping into a shop, and enjoying soba. A short English-language guide for your walk through Kiso.
Open KISOPASS Guide
VISIT THE SHOP
Visit us by
Kiso-Fukushima Station.
A message from the owner.
My English is limited, but I will do my best to talk with you in simple English and Japanese. I can tell you about Kiso and show you some Japanese greetings.
- Hours
- 13:30–16:00Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday
- Closed
- Tuesdays & Saturdays
- Price
- ¥3,000 per pass, including your name
- Address
- 5398-23 Fukushima, Kiso-machi,
Nagano 397-0001, Japan - Last arrival
- 16:00. If you will arrive later, contact us in advance to check whether we can accommodate you.
- Payment
- Cash and contactless cards accepted. Chip insertion and magnetic-stripe payments are not supported.
Morning visits by appointment
Visits between 9:30 and 11:00 can be arranged in advance. Contact us on WhatsApp (KisopassJapan), Instagram or email to agree on a date and time.
WhatsApp: KisopassJapan
Ask about a visit on WhatsAppCheck Instagram for temporary changes and announcements. Instagram ↗
NEXT-DAY PICKUP
Collect your pass outside our shop hours
If our shop hours do not fit your plans, you can collect your KISOPASS at the Kiso Ontake Tourism Bureau. Order and pay at the bureau the day before, then return there to collect your pass the next day.
The day before: order and pay
Visit the Kiso Ontake Tourism Bureau counter, tell the staff the name you would like on your pass, and pay ¥3,000, including your handwritten name.
The next day: collect your pass
Return to the same tourism bureau counter to collect your personalized KISOPASS.
Please order and collect during the tourism bureau’s opening hours. Confirm your pickup time when placing your order.
Also in the shop.
Alongside KISOPASS, we sell hinoki bookmarks and small accessories made with old Japanese fabric.
Hinoki bookmarks
Bookmarks made from hinoki cypress wood.
Accessories made with old Japanese fabric
Small accessories that give old Japanese fabric a new use.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
A few useful answers
Where can I get a KISOPASS?
At our KISOPASS shop by Kiso-Fukushima Station. If our shop hours do not fit your plans, you can order and pay at the Kiso Ontake Tourism Bureau the day before and collect your pass there the next day.
How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
A pass costs ¥3,000, including your handwritten name. Making it takes about 5 minutes.
Does it include admission or discounts?
No. KISOPASS is a wooden name pass, not an admission ticket or discount card. It is a way to help start conversations with local people.
Can I contact you before visiting?
Yes. Send us an Instagram message or email if you would like to discuss your visit or your travel plans.
Can I visit if I do not speak Japanese?
Yes. The owner speaks limited English and will do his best to chat with you using simple English and Japanese. He can share information about Kiso and introduce Japanese greetings.
Do you sell anything besides wooden name passes?
Alongside KISOPASS, we sell hinoki bookmarks and small accessories made with old Japanese fabric.
Can I pay by card?
Cash and contactless cards accepted. Chip insertion and magnetic-stripe payments are not supported.
What language are the storytelling cards in?
The illustrated cards include Japanese and English text. The owner uses simple English and Japanese to talk you through them.
Can I arrange a visit in advance?
Visits between 9:30 and 11:00 can be arranged in advance. Contact us on WhatsApp (KisopassJapan), Instagram or email to agree on a date and time.
What is the latest arrival time?
16:00. If you will arrive later, contact us in advance to check whether we can accommodate you.
Can I collect a pass outside the shop’s opening hours?
Yes. Visit the Kiso Ontake Tourism Bureau the day before, give the staff your name and pay ¥3,000. Collect your pass at the same counter the next day. The bureau is open 8:30–17:30, except during the year-end and New Year holidays. Confirm your pickup time when ordering.