TYPE | SELF GUIDED |
TRIP LENGTH | 4 DAYS |
WALK GRADE | Moderate |
PRICE FROM | 800USD (Price per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a room) |
SINGLE OCCUPANCY | 140USD |
Highlights
- Stroll Through Time on Nakasendo’s Ancient Streets
- Overnight in Narai and Tsumago. Those are Historic Ambiance
- Discover the Timeless Elegance of Magome, Tsumago, and Narai
- Rejuvenate in a Traditional Onsen Ryokan
- Explore Serene Country Trails and Peaceful Roads
Travel back in time by traversing the Nakasendo, an ancient roadway that connected Kyoto and Tokyo during Japan’s feudal era. Experience the authentic charm of old Japan by walking along a section of the Nakasendo during the day and resting at a traditional ryokan at night.
This self-guided tour is more than just a walk. Accommodations are family-run rooted in each local community, allowing you to get more deeply in touch with the local lifestyle and people.
Our all team member were born and raised in the Kiso Valley also, we have inherited its unique culture and lifestyle from our ancestors.
We are confident that we can convey to you the authentic charm of the Kiso Valley as it has been handed down from generation to generation.
To make your journey more convenient, we offer optional daily luggage transfer service on select sections of the trail. Learn more about our luggage solutions to enhance your walking experience.
ITINERARY
Day1 Hike from Magome to Tsumago (Stay:Magome)
Begin your Nakasendo adventure with utmost convenience as we provide you with train tickets from either Kyoto or Tokyo to Nakatsugawa. Experience the thrill of riding the iconic Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nagoya, a bucket-list experience for many. From Nakatsugawa, a local bus whisks you away to the charming town of Magome, the starting point of your walking journey.
Embark on a transformative hike over the scenic Magome Pass to reach Tsumago, a post-town that captures the essence of the Nakasendo’s rich history. Here, you’ll stay at a cozy, family-run Minshuku in either Tsumago or the nearby quaint hamlet of O-Tsumago. Your stay includes a sumptuous home-cooked Japanese dinner and breakfast, offering a taste of authentic local cuisine.
After your meal, seize the opportunity to wander through the enchanting village streets in the tranquil evening, adorned in a traditional yukata gown provided by your inn.
- Walking Distance: 8.3 km / 5.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 326m ascent and 430m descent
- Time Required: Approximately 3 hours
- Accommodation: Family-run Minshuku
- Included Meal: Dinner
Day2 Hike from Tsumago to Nojiri (Stay: Kiso-Fukushima)
Experience the pinnacle of your Nakasendo journey with a captivating hike from Tsumago to Nojiri, the longest and perhaps the most scenic day on the trail. Alternatively, opt for a shorter but equally enchanting route to Nagiso. Traverse through untouched valleys and lush forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar, offering some of the most pristine landscapes of the tour.
Upon completion of the day’s hike, a train will take you to Kiso-Fukushima, where you’ll unwind at an exquisite hot spring Ryokan nestled in a tranquil valley. A complimentary transfer from the station to the Ryokan is provided for your convenience. Indulge in the Ryokan’s luxurious indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, a perfect way to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.
- Walking Distance: 18.4 km / 11.5 miles or a shorter alternative of 3.7 km / 2.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 723m ascent and 644m descent
- Time Required: Approximately 6 hours, with a 1-hour alternative available
- Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travelers Inn)
- Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day3 Hike from Kiso-Fukushima to Narai (Stay:Narai)
Take a local train from Kiso Fukushima to Yabuhara and make a memorable trip along the Nakasendo route. From Yabuhara Station, cross the Torii Pass to Naraijuku. Torii Pass, the highest pass on the Kiso Road, was considered the most difficult point on the Kiso Road during the Edo period. Enjoy the rich natural beauty of the old road while thinking back to the travelers of the Edo period.
Naraijuku is one of the longest inn towns in Japan. This is because many travelers from Edo, who were preparing to cross the Torii Pass, rested their feet at Narai-juku.
Arrive at Naraijuku, an inn town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. This is a unique opportunity to stay overnight here and explore the historic townscape and buildings. All accommodations are minshuku or ryokan that exist in the historical townscape. Your host family will delight you with a home-cooked Japanese dinner and breakfast.
Walking distance: 8.7 km / 5.5 miles
Elevation gain: 344m ascent, 270m descent
Time required: about 4 hours
Highlights Torii Pass is a scenic and historically rich hiking route.
Accommodations Choice of minshuku or ryokan in Naraijuku.
Included meals Breakfast and dinner
Day4 Hike from Narai to Kiso-Hirasara
Wake up with the sound of birdsong. The mornings at Naraijuku, nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, have a charm not found elsewhere. After having the beauty of Naraijuku all to yourself, enjoy a warm, Japanese-style breakfast.
After leaving your lodgings, head to Kiso Hirasawa, the town of lacquerware.
Lined with lacquerware stores, visitors can feel the traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
If you have time, you may wish to travel to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle.
Meals: Breakfast
Walking distance: 2.7 km / 1.6 miles
Elevation gain: 3m ascent, 45m descent
Time required: about 1 hours
Highlights Torii Pass is a scenic and historically rich hiking route.
Day1 Hike from Magome to Tsumago (Stay:Magome)
Begin your Nakasendo adventure with utmost convenience as we provide you with train tickets from either Kyoto or Tokyo to Nakatsugawa. Experience the thrill of riding the iconic Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nagoya, a bucket-list experience for many. From Nakatsugawa, a local bus whisks you away to the charming town of Magome, the starting point of your walking journey.
Embark on a transformative hike over the scenic Magome Pass to reach Tsumago, a post-town that captures the essence of the Nakasendo’s rich history. Here, you’ll stay at a cozy, family-run Minshuku in either Tsumago or the nearby quaint hamlet of O-Tsumago. Your stay includes a sumptuous home-cooked Japanese dinner and breakfast, offering a taste of authentic local cuisine.
After your meal, seize the opportunity to wander through the enchanting village streets in the tranquil evening, adorned in a traditional yukata gown provided by your inn.
- Walking Distance: 8.3 km / 5.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 326m ascent and 430m descent
- Time Required: Approximately 3 hours
- Accommodation: Family-run Minshuku
- Included Meal: Dinner
Day2 Hike from Tsumago to Nojiri (Stay: Kiso-Fukushima)
Experience the pinnacle of your Nakasendo journey with a captivating hike from Tsumago to Nojiri, the longest and perhaps the most scenic day on the trail. Alternatively, opt for a shorter but equally enchanting route to Nagiso. Traverse through untouched valleys and lush forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar, offering some of the most pristine landscapes of the tour.
Upon completion of the day’s hike, a train will take you to Kiso-Fukushima, where you’ll unwind at an exquisite hot spring Ryokan nestled in a tranquil valley. A complimentary transfer from the station to the Ryokan is provided for your convenience. Indulge in the Ryokan’s luxurious indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, a perfect way to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.
- Walking Distance: 18.4 km / 11.5 miles or a shorter alternative of 3.7 km / 2.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 723m ascent and 644m descent
- Time Required: Approximately 6 hours, with a 1-hour alternative available
- Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travelers Inn)
- Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day3 Hike from Kiso-Fukushima to Narai (Stay:Narai)
Take a local train from Kiso Fukushima to Yabuhara and make a memorable trip along the Nakasendo route. From Yabuhara Station, cross the Torii Pass to Naraijuku. Torii Pass, the highest pass on the Kiso Road, was considered the most difficult point on the Kiso Road during the Edo period. Enjoy the rich natural beauty of the old road while thinking back to the travelers of the Edo period.
Naraijuku is one of the longest inn towns in Japan. This is because many travelers from Edo, who were preparing to cross the Torii Pass, rested their feet at Narai-juku.
Arrive at Naraijuku, an inn town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. This is a unique opportunity to stay overnight here and explore the historic townscape and buildings. All accommodations are minshuku or ryokan that exist in the historical townscape. Your host family will delight you with a home-cooked Japanese dinner and breakfast.
Walking distance: 8.7 km / 5.5 miles
Elevation gain: 344m ascent, 270m descent
Time required: about 4 hours
Highlights Torii Pass is a scenic and historically rich hiking route.
Accommodations Choice of minshuku or ryokan in Naraijuku.
Included meals Breakfast and dinner
Day4 Hike from Narai to Kiso-Hirasara
Wake up with the sound of birdsong. The mornings at Naraijuku, nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, have a charm not found elsewhere. After having the beauty of Naraijuku all to yourself, enjoy a warm, Japanese-style breakfast.
After leaving your lodgings, head to Kiso Hirasawa, the town of lacquerware.
Lined with lacquerware stores, visitors can feel the traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
If you have time, you may wish to travel to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle.
Meals: Breakfast
Walking distance: 2.7 km / 1.6 miles
Elevation gain: 3m ascent, 45m descent
Time required: about 1 hours
Highlights Torii Pass is a scenic and historically rich hiking route.
WHAT’S INCLUDED / What is not included
Included
3 nights at Japanese inns along the Nakasendo Trail | |
3 breakfasts and 3 dinners | |
Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions | |
Topographical maps | |
Local support by chat | |
Preparing for your trip |
Not Included
Train tickets from Tokyo or Kyoto,Osaka or to Tokyo or to Kyoto ,Osaka | |
Train tickets for intermediate journeys on the Nakasendo Trail | |
Local support by telephone | |
Flights , Airport transfers | |
Daily Luggage Transfer (Option) | |
Single room supplement(s) if required |
Included
3 nights at Japanese inns along the Nakasendo Trail | |
3 breakfasts and 3 dinners | |
Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions | |
Topographical maps | |
Local support by chat | |
Preparing for your trip |
Not Included
Train tickets from Tokyo or Kyoto,Osaka or to Tokyo or to Kyoto ,Osaka | |
Train tickets for intermediate journeys on the Nakasendo Trail | |
Local support by telephone | |
Flights , Airport transfers | |
Daily Luggage Transfer (Option) | |
Single room supplement(s) if required |
ENQUIRE NOW
If you’re looking for further information on the Nakasendo Trail, please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.