Located in the northeastern part of the Kiso region, Kiso Village sits in a valley surrounded by 2,000m tall mountains. The village is located at the head waters of the 227km long Kiso River, which actually divides into two rivers: the Kiso River and the Shinano River. The Kiso River, with its source in the northern part of the village flows through the length of the town southward. Other tributaries then join the main river which is lined with fields and groups of houses along its banks at 900-1,100m above sea level. The average temperature throughout the year is 8.1 ℃, and although the temperature in summer nearly reaches 30 ℃ it is not so humid in summer and has a very cold winter. Taking advantage of this climate, many vegetables well suited to alpine regions are produced. Ontake hakusai (Chinese cabbage) is very popular on the market. Oroku-kushi (combs) are another famous product of this area. These combs have been produced as a traditional craft since the mid Edo Period. The village also produces 70% of the canvases and frames in Japan.