Located in the midstream of Kiso River, Yaotsu is the final point reachable by river boat and flourished from the Edo to Taisho periods as a port town where many goods were traded. Today, the river has lost its function as a logistical means, however, it has been designated as Hida-Kisogawa Quasi-National Park for its scenic beauty. The white-walled warehouses, historical floats and Karakuri Festival comprise a few of the many traditional landscapes that still remain and which attract huge numbers of tourists from all regions.