PRIVATE / customized
  • Nakasendo – Discover the Old Japanese Routes
  • Kyoto / Shiga / Gifu / Nagano
  • Enjoy the scenic landscape as you follow the old route of Nakasendo.

Highlights

  • Visit the most preserved post towns
    The Post towns of Nakasendo, Magome, Tsumago, and Narai are still well preserved with the old-fashioned streets of Japan.
  • Hike country trails and quiet rural roads
    We will walk along key sections of the Nakasendo route. Starting from Shiga prefecture, at the junction of Nakasendo and Tokaido routes. We will also hike along the mountainous roads of Nakasendo from Magome to Tsumago using the Magome Pass and then, from Yabuhara to Narai using the Torii Pass.

Nakasendo

Nakasendo is one of five major routes that was constructed 400 years ago as one of the major routes between Edo (Tokyo now) and Kyoto. During the Edo period (1603-1867), there were 69 Shukuba (post towns) along this route which ran for about 540 km (~336 miles) so that travelers could rest, eat, and stay overnight. During the Edo period’s heavy rain events, the Tokaido route was closed while the river was flooded and people were sometimes stranded for days waiting for the permission to cross the river. Nakasendo, on the other hand, had many steep mountains and deep valleys to cross, but people were able to pass without being stopped, so it was actually favored by many travelers, from the common people to the powerful Daimyo (Lord). Many of these post towns have now lost their original purpose and disappeared, but there are still a few postal towns that hold on to the remnants of the old days.

Itinerary

  City Summary
1 JR Kyoto St. Arrive at any time during the day and enjoy exploring the area on your own, until the evening welcome meeting where you will meet your tour leader who will assist you during your stay.
Overnight in Kyoto | Meals Included:Dinner
2

Kyoto
Kusatsu Nakatsugawa
Magome

During the morning hours, stroll along Kusatsu, which was a crossroads for the two major routes, the Tokaido and the Nakasendo and a merging point for Kyoto and Edo cultures. In the afternoon, head to Magome. By train transfer to Nakatsugawa and then take a private taxi ride to the pleasant post town of Magome.
Overnight in Magome | Meal Included:Breakfast & Dinner
3 Magome
Tsumago
Take the morning to discover areas in this pleasant old town and have lunch on your own. There are historic spots in the town where you can find various shops specializing in local crafts, souvenirs, and food. In the afternoon, hike the Magome-Tsumago Trail over the Magome pass. The trail is relatively gentle and well-maintained. The section of the former Nakasendo is located between the two postal towns, about 8 km long and takes around 3 hours to walk at a leisurely pace. Experience the same atmosphere in the same way travelers of old did before.
Overnight in Tsumago | Meal Included:Breakfast & Dinner
4 Tsumago
Kisofukushima
In the morning, stroll around Tsumago which is known today as one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan. You will feel like you entered a time warp going back to the Edo period. After that, we leave Tsumago for Kisofukushima by private taxi. Once we reach, you will be free to walk through the old town for the afternoon. We will stay in a lovely traditional Ryokan with its own natural hot spring.
Overnight in Kisofukushima | Meal Included:Breakfast & Dinner
5 Kisofukushima
Yabuhara
Narai
On the fifth day following along the Nakasendo trail, we will hike from Yabuhara to Narai over the Torii Pass, one of the old road’s highest points. We will descend to Narai, another delightful postal town.
Overnight in Narai | Meal Included:Breakfast & Dinner
6 Narai
JR Matsumoto Station
There are no planned activities in the morning, so feel free to explore until the last moments in the old post town. After that, we will travel by train to Matsumoto St. from Narai St, where the tour concludes.
Meal Included | Breakfast
** We offer other tours within Japan and can accommodate customized packages and quotes in combination with this one. Please feel free to inquire for more information from our agent.

Price

Season: SUSPENDED, under review for 2024
  Price per person
Tour cost Please contact us
*For 5 to 6 participants
Please contact us
*For 7 to 8 participants
Single room supplement Please contact us
**Price is for reference only.Price will vary depending on the actual travel dates,hotels to be used,etc.Please contact us for a quote.
** This is a general guideline for the tour. We welcome any changes in the types of activities included, duration of the tour as well as upgrades in accommodations, as you request.
** Tour price listed is per person, based on sharing twin rooms; please inquire for price quotes if your group is more or less than the group size limit mentioned.

Including :

5 Nights of Accommodations | English Speaking Guide with driver | Private Vehicle | Meals (5 breakfasts, 5 dinners) | All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

Exclusive of :

Transportation to/from Japan | Domestic flight within Japan | Travel & Medical Insurance (Mandatory) | Daily Lunches & Additional Snacks | Personal Expenses (Souvenirs and Alcoholic Beverages, etc.)

Fitness Level 1.5 out of 5

Suitable for people of all ages who are in fair condition.

  Contact us about this tour
Travel planning and implementation:SAIYU TRAVEL CO.,LTD.
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda, jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan |Travel Agency Registration No. 607

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Saiyu Travel Co.,Ltd. / Since1973