Chikuma

History of Settlement and City Formation

Although Chikuma only appeared on the map as a modern administrative unit relatively recently in 2003, the history of settlement in this area is rooted in deep antiquity. Archaeological finds, including the famous Mori Shogunzuka burial mound, indicate that as early as the Kofun period (3rd–7th centuries), an influential power center for the ancient Shinano Province was located here.

Factors of Development and Growth

The transformation of small settlements into a prosperous district was driven by a combination of geographical and economic advantages:

• The Water Artery: The city is located on the banks of the Chikuma River (the longest in Japan), which provided fertile land and opportunities for transporting goods.
• Transport Hub: During the Edo period, the important Hokkoku Kaido trail passed through this area, connecting the capital with the coast of the Sea of Japan. The Inariyama post station became a bustling center for trade and a rest stop for travelers.
• Valley Geography: The moderate climate of the Nagano Valley favored the stable development of agriculture.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, the region has been famous not only for trade but also for its aesthetics. The Obasute rice terraces became a legendary location, celebrated in classical Japanese poetry for the beauty of the moon reflecting in the water of the fields. Economically, the area developed as a center for sericulture and apricot cultivation, while the discovery of hot springs (onsens) laid the foundation for the resort culture that continues to attract guests to this day.

Historical Milestones

• 4th Century: Construction of the majestic Mori Shogunzuka burial mound, which became the tomb for the rulers of the ancient Shinano Province.
• Early 10th Century: The Obasute rice terraces are mentioned for the first time in the imperial poetry anthology "Kokin Wakashū" as a place famous for the beauty of the moon.
• Circa 1500: Construction of the Arato Mountain Castle, which served as a defensive fortification during the Warring States period (Sengoku).
• 1603–1867: The heyday of Inariyama as an important post station on the Hokkoku Kaido trail, connecting Edo (Tokyo) with the coast of the Sea of Japan.
• Late 17th Century: The beginning of the apricot-growing tradition when, according to legend, Princess Toyo-hime brought the first saplings to the region.
• 1893: Opening of the first hot spring in the Togura area, marking the beginning of the development of the famous Togura Kamiyamada Onsen resort.
• 1900: Opening of the Obasute railway station, which quickly became famous for its panoramic views of the Zenkoji Valley.
• 1959: Founding of the city of Koshoku, which later became the administrative core of the modern agglomeration.
• 1999: The Obasute rice terraces were the first agricultural sites to receive the status of a National Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan.
• September 1, 2003: The official birth of the modern city of Chikuma through the merger of the city of Koshoku, the town of Togura, and the town of Kamiyamada.
• 2020: The city's cultural landscape and legends associated with the moon were officially recognized as a Japan Heritage site titled "The Moon’s Capital."

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Chikuma is a journey from strategically important post stations and agricultural lands to a modern tourist and cultural center. Here are the key moments that defined the city's modern appearance and economy:

• The Flourishing of the Inariyama Trade Hub: During the Edo period, this area established itself as a key point on the Hokkoku Kaido trail. This laid the foundation for the city's commercial potential, fostered the development of sericulture, and shaped the unique architecture of the merchant quarters that attracts tourists today.
• Formation of the Resort Zone: The discovery of thermal springs in the late 19th century radically changed the development path of the Togura and Kamiyamada districts. Its transformation into an onsen resort reoriented the local economy toward hospitality and wellness tourism, making the city a popular holiday destination.
• "Apricot Village" Branding: The purposeful development of horticulture in the Mori district created a recognizable agricultural brand. This decision ensured the economic stability of local farms and gave rise to the tradition of seasonal festivals that attract thousands of visitors every spring.
• Transport Integration: The construction of the railway line and the opening of Obasute Station not only improved logistics but also created a new tourist attraction thanks to the famous panoramic views, which became one of the "calling cards" of the Japanese railways.
• Preservation of the Cultural Landscape: State protection of the Obasute rice terraces was a vital urban planning decision. Choosing to forego modern development in favor of preserving traditional land use allowed the city to join the list of Japan Heritage sites and secure its niche in cultural tourism.
• Administrative Consolidation (2003): The merger of several settlements into the single city of Chikuma allowed for the unification of scattered tourist assets (history, nature, and hot springs) under a single management, optimizing infrastructure and strengthening the region's position within Nagano Prefecture.

Architectural Eras and Urban Planning

The architectural character of Chikuma is a unique tapestry of historical layers: from ancient burial mounds and feudal fortresses to merchant quarters and the retro atmosphere of 20th-century resort zones. The city did not develop according to a single master plan, but rather as a conglomerate of settlements centered around transport routes and natural resources.

Ancient Heritage and Feudal Architecture

The earliest and most significant structures date back to the periods of state formation and internal power struggles. These eras are characterized by monumentality and defensive functions.

• Kofun Period (3rd–7th centuries): A prime example is Mori Shogunzuka—a monumental keyhole-shaped burial mound. This structure demonstrates ancient engineering skills in working with stone and landscape, serving as a symbol of the power held by the rulers of the ancient Shinano Province.
• Sengoku Period (15th–16th centuries): Arato Mountain Castle is a classic example of a yamajiro (mountain fortress). The architecture here is strictly utilitarian: earthen ramparts, wooden palisades, and observation towers integrated into the complex mountain terrain to protect the territory.

Merchant Architecture of the Edo Period (1603–1868)

During the long era of peace and flourishing trade, a recognizable style of post stations and merchant houses emerged. The Inariyama district has preserved the historical layout characteristic of important hubs along the Hokkoku Kaido trail.

• Kurazukuri Style (Dozo): A distinctive feature of Inariyama is its buildings with thick earthen walls covered in white plaster. This style, fire-resistant and imposing, was used by wealthy merchants for warehouses and living quarters, highlighting the city's economic status.
• Machiya (Townhouses): Traditional wooden houses with narrow facades and long rooms extending deep into the block form the dense historical streetscape.

Resort Urbanism and Showa Aesthetics (20th Century)

The development of hot springs in the Togura and Kamiyamada areas brought elements of resort architecture to the city, blending Japanese traditions with the influence of Western modernization.

• Traditional Ryokans: Wooden inns with internal gardens, tiled roofs, and spacious tatami halls. They embody the classical Japanese aesthetic of hospitality.
• Showa Retro Style: The streets of the onsen quarters have preserved the atmosphere of the mid-20th century (Showa period). This is reflected in the characteristic neon signs, narrow alleys with bars (izakaya), and the specific design of public baths, creating a nostalgic look for the city.

Agricultural Landscape

A special type of urban heritage is the Obasute rice terraces. This is an example of harmonious interaction between man and nature, where agricultural architecture (stone-walled terraces, irrigation canals) forms a unique cultural landscape that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Historical Figures and Legends

• Princess Toyo-hime (Legendary figure) — According to local legend, it was this noble lady who brought the first apricot saplings to the region when she married a local ruler. Thanks to her, the Mori district transformed into the famous "Apricot Village," which is today the main symbol of the city.
• Sakai Ryunosuke (1868–1932) — Entrepreneur and visionary. Originally the owner of a soy sauce factory, he foresaw the decline of trade on the Hokkoku Kaido trail due to the construction of the railway. In 1893, he took a risk by drilling a well and discovered the first hot spring, becoming the founder of the Togura Kamiyamada Onsen resort.

Literary Heritage

• Matsuo Basho (1644–1694) — The great haiku poet. He visited these parts in 1688, inspired by the beauty of the moon over the Obasute rice terraces. His journey is immortalized in his travel diary "Sarashina Kiko" ("A Visit to Sarashina Village"), and the poems written here have made the city a pilgrimage site for poetry lovers.
• Kobayashi Issa (1763–1827) — One of the three great haiku masters and a native of the neighboring region who frequently visited Chikuma. He left behind many poems dedicated to the local nature, hot springs, and the daily lives of the people in the Chikuma River valley.

Modern Figures

• Tatsumi Yoda (born 1940) — A major businessman and media mogul born in the city. He is the founder of Avex Group, one of the giants of the Japanese entertainment industry, and played a key role in popularizing modern Japanese pop culture.
• Junichi Kakizaki (born 1971) — A world-renowned artist and florist born in Chikuma. A master of land art and ikebana whose works are exhibited in galleries worldwide, he often uses the natural motifs of his home region in his creative work.
• Anri Kumaki (born 1982) — A popular singer-songwriter and native of the city whose work is known for its lyrical quality. Some of her songs have been used as soundtracks for famous Japanese films and dramas.
• Abdullah Kobayashi (born 1976) — A professional wrestler performing in the "deathmatch" style. He is known for his extreme matches and is one of the stars of Japanese pro-wrestling (Big Japan Pro Wrestling).
• Tyler Lynch — An American who became the manager of a traditional inn (ryokan) in Togura Kamiyamada. An active community figure, he has made a huge contribution to reviving the resort's popularity and adapting Japanese hospitality for international tourists.