Compared with many areas of Japan, Kiso is still relatively unknown. Hidden between Mount Kisokama, the main peak of Japan's central Alps and Mount Ontake, the second highest free-standing peak in Japan after Mount Fuji, this beautiful area of Japan consists of many small heritage 'postal towns' dotted along the 400 year old, Nakasendo, 'path through the mountains', trade route. Some of the postal towns remain preserved almost as they were in the Edo period 400 years ago, with their stone paths and buildings constructed from local cypresses clinging to high valley slopes carved by the Kisogawa river.