- Hiking the Nakasendo Trail: Discover the Old Japanese Post Towns of Kiso Valley
- Nagano, Gifu
- Enjoy the scenic streetscapes as you trace the historic Nakasendo route
- Price
- from JPY 230,000
- Duration
- 4nights 5days
- Season
- March to November
Tour Concept
This tour offers a dedicated guide throughout the itinerary, and is designed for active travelers who wish to experience the historic post towns of the Nakasendo—walking in the footsteps of Edo-period wayfarers through streetscapes that retain the charm of medieval Japan. The itinerary provides a well-balanced journey: walking through old townscapes and traditional mountain trails, while utilizing local trains and buses for segments with modern road traffic to ensure an efficient and enjoyable travel experience.
Highlights
Nakasendo Route and Kiso Valley
The Nakasendo is one of five major historic highways built over 400 years ago to connect Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. During the Edo period (1603–1867), there were sixty-nine post towns along this roughly 540-kilometer (336-mile) route, where travelers could rest, eat, and stay overnight. The Tokaido route was often impassable during heavy rains, as flooding rivers could close the path, leaving people stranded for days until they received permission to cross. The Nakasendo, by contrast, traversed steep mountains and deep valleys but remained passable—making it a preferred route for many travelers, from commoners to powerful lords. Today, while most of the post towns have lost their original function and vanished, several in the Kiso Valley still preserve the atmosphere and remnants of those bygone days.
Visit the three best-preserved post towns of the Kiso Valley along the Nakasendo Route
The Kiso Valley is the most well-preserved section of the historic Nakasendo. On this tour, you'll explore the post towns of Narai, Tsumago and Magome, where traditional buildings and cobblestone streets still evoke the charm of Japan’s bygone eras. Wandering through these timeless towns will make you feel as if you've stepped back into the medieval days of Edo-period travel.
Hike scenic country trails and tranquil rural roads
Enjoy a guided walk along key sections of the historic Nakasendo route, including the well-maintained mountain paths between Narai and Yabuhara as well as between Tsumago and Magome.
Itinerary
01
Tokyo – Shiojiri
Meet your guide at Shinjuku station in Tokyo at 12:00, then take an express train to Shiojiri in Nagano prefecture. On arrival, walk to hotel near the station.
02
Shiojiri – Narai – Kisofukushima
We will take a local train to Narai post town and explore this delightful, well-preserved area in the morning. Then, we'll begin our hike to Yabuhara via the Torii Pass—one of the highest points along the old Nakasendō route (approximately a 3-hour hike). From Yabuhara, we'll take a local train to Kisofukushima, where you'll spend the night in a charming Japanese-style ryokan featuring its own natural hot spring.
03
Kisofukushima – Tsumago
Enjoy a morning stroll through the old town of Kisofukushima, then head to Tsumago by local train and bus. Upon arrival, explore Tsumago—widely recognized today as one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan.
04
Tsumago – Magome – Nakatsugawa
Hike the Tsumago–Magome Trail over Magome Pass. The trail is relatively gentle and well-maintained. This section of the historic Nakasendō lies between the post towns of Tsumago and Magome, stretches approximately 8 kilometers, and takes about three hours to walk at a leisurely pace.
In the afternoon, we will visit the old post town of Magome, known for its historic atmosphere and charming streets lined with shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and regional delicacies. Afterwards, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Nakatsugawa Onsen. Enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner and relax in the soothing hot springs at night.
05
Nakatsugawa – Nagoya
After breakfast, we will head to Nagoya by express train and tour will end around noon at Nagoya station.
Price
| Price per person | |
|---|---|
| Tour cost for 2025/2026 4nights 5days |
JPY330,000 Group of 2 people |
| JPY260,000 Group of 3 people |
|
| JP230,000 Group of 4-5 people |
|
| Single room supplement | JPY20,000 |
**Prices are for reference only. Final costs may vary depending on actual travel dates, accommodations, and other factors. Please contact us for a customized quote.
** This itinerary serves as a general guideline for the tour. We are happy to customize the content—including activity types, tour duration, and accommodation upgrades—based on your preferences.
Fitness Level 1.5 out of 5:
This tour is suitable for participants of all ages who are in reasonably good health.Payment:
We require booking fee of JPY50,000 per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 45days prior to departure.Form of payment :
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa or Master)Inclusions:
4nights accommodationsEnglish speaking guide thorough out the tour
Express train (standard reserved seats) as mentioned in the itinerary
Local train and bus fares as mentioned in the itinerary
4 Breakfasts and 3 dinners
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Luggage delivery service on Day2, 3 and 4.
- One suitcase per person will be delivered to your next hotel.
Exclusive of:
International & domestic AirfaresMeals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as laundry bills, extra luggage delivery service etc
Climate
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer comfortable climate, while summer (June–August) can be hot. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking. Waterproof hiking shoes are highly recommended, and don’t forget to bring a full set of rain gear (jacket and pants) as it may rain any time.Accommodations
Due to the limited number of accommodations in this region, we strongly recommend making reservations well in advance. Some properties—particularly traditional Japanese-style inns—may offer futon-style bedding, where guests sleep on a mattress laid out on tatami flooring. In addition, certain accommodations may not have private showers, with communal hot spring baths available instead.Dietary Restriction
Hotels in remote area such as Eastern Hokkaido may only accept requests for special meals to medical (such as allergy) and religious needs.Note
** According to weather conditions and local information, we may be forced to adjust or change tour schedule as needed. Please note that any supplementary costs incurred in such cases will need to be covered by the guest.
Contact us about this tour
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. Jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan ｜Travel Agency Registration No. 607
