The Nakasendo is a mere path as it descends from Torii-toge to Narai. This is a somewhat wild area, precipitous and prone to landslides. There have been a series of major landslides in recent years which have destroyed the original path and forced a detour around it. The detour rejoins the Nakasendo after several hundred yards. A sign here commemorates one of many attempts by Takeda Katsuyori, son of Takeda Shingen, to break into the Kiso valley during the Warring States period. Katsuyori led 2,000 samurai, but they were ambushed and lost 500 men before retreating back to their base.
Torii-toge
The path continues through well established woodland to some more ishidatami near the bottom. Here a small road appears and offers a spectacular view of Narai before the final descent into the town.
