length

6 Days

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

trip cost

from $4290 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

6 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

from $4290 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Guided Trip

our walk experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Yoga Classes
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Similar Walks

Overview

Japan Yoga & Hiking

Renew your spirit with our Yoga & Hiking adventure in Japan. Discover the beautiful Kiso Valley and sections of the historical Nakasendo Way.

Japan’s Nakasendo Way – or Central Mountain Route – was one of five major routes established by the Shogunate (Military Dictator) during the Edo period (1603–1868). The entire route is 533km long and has 69 post towns, which were set up to feed and accommodate the feudal lords, samurai and merchant travellers. The ancient way passes through the Kiso Valley wedged between two of Japan’s sacred mountains (Mt Ontake 3067m and Mt Komagatake 2956m) and is one of Japan’s most breathtaking and scenic areas.

Your daily walks will take you on ancient stone paths known as ishidatami, passed hidden waterfalls, through stunning cedar and cypress forests and passed numerous wayside shrines. Stay overnight in traditional ryokans, enjoy the wonderful, well-preserved ancient villages and taste the local delights of the  Kiso Valley and Gifu Prefecture.

To complement your daily explorations on foot, we offer energising and restorative yoga and meditation sessions. Led by an experienced, certified yoga teacher, our daily practice aims to grow a deeper sense of inner health, providing you with techniques to help you balance your mind and body.  We invite you to escape the chaotic schedules of life and find rejuvenation through these spiritually engaging sessions.

Yoga and meditation sessions are suitable for people of all levels. Our day hikes require a good level of general fitness.

Nakasendo way _gallery0025

Highlights

Get Ready For

  • Delve into the sacred tradition of yoga while reconnecting with nature
  • Guided Shinrin- yoku (forest bathing) session
  • Simple beauty and elegance of Japanese style accommodation
  • Japanese cooking class
  • Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima and Narai
  • Savour exquisite and delicately presented traditional Japanese dishes
  • Follow in the footsteps of the Tokugawa Shogun and the samurai during the Edo period (1603–1868)
Japan_Nakasendo_ gallery0015

Yoga Classes

Your teacher

Each day we’ll be taking a class with our local teacher, Mika Saito, who travels with the group and will lead us through a practice that will ground us and prepare for the beautiful walking along the Nakasendo way. Mika is a certified yoga teacher, gaining qualifications first in India then Japan. She has an outgoing, friendly personality and looks forward to welcoming you to her Japanese homeland and sharing her yoga experience and her knowledge of the local culture and traditions. Classes include:

  • Sun salutations to warm the body
  • Asana (body movements)
  • Pranayama (breath awareness/exercises)
  • Meditation
  • Self-reflection

Itinerary

daily details

Day 1: ARRIVE NAKATSUGAWA

Arrive in Nakatsugawa, number 45 of the 69 post towns on the Nakasendo Way. You will be collected from the train station in the afternoon and transferred to your accommodation. If you arrive earlier, you may want to explore the nearby Nakatsugawa Old Town where restored, wooden buildings house sake shops, confectionery stores and restaurants. After settling into your accommodation, you will meet your yoga teacher for your first yoga session to help shake off any jet-lag from your travels and build up an appetite for tonight’s dinner. Your walking guide will hold a briefing this afternoon.

Meals: D

Day 2: MAGOME TO TSUMAGO (12KM)

We begin the day with an energising early morning yoga session. After breakfast, we will take a local bus to Magome and embark on our first walk directly from through the quaint little UNESCO World Heritage town, the 43rd of the 69 post towns along the way to Edo (Tokyo). Magome translates as horse basket and is said to have derived from old stories of merchants who would have to remove their horse’s basket at this point of the trail and carry it themselves, as the path was too steep for laden horses.  You will discover just how steep the street is as you take the time to stroll around and explore the small shops and cafes.

After lunch we set off on a beautiful walk that encompasses tranquil forest, streams and rice paddies. We venture up and over the Magome Pass (800m) and slowly descend through peaceful woodland. If time allows we may divert to the Odaki-Medaki waterfalls, before making our way to the village of O-Tsumago. Our accommodation for the night is here but we will continue on to the enchanting town of Tsumago. The street is lined with traditional Japanese wooden houses, shops and ryokans (inns). There is time to wander around this photogenic town before heading back to our accommodation for the night. Dinner this evening will consist of seasonal, homegrown ingredients which have been cultivated using traditional farming methods. The meal is an example of tasty Japanese country food and is evidence of their dedication to natural farming methods and hospitality. The property produces its own rice, honey, vegetables and eggs.

Meals: B, D

Day 3: O-TSUMAGO TO KISO-FUKUSHIMA (18KM walking, then TRAIN)

After a multi-course breakfast we depart O-Tsumago early this morning, following the Nakasendo trail back through the old town of Tsumago. The walk today takes us through villages, and bamboo and cedar forests. Sections can be quite hilly and the Nenouetoge pass has some steep, sustained ascents and descents. A highlight of the walk are the beautiful streams and rivers running alongside the trails. The forest walk joins the Kiso River at Nojiri.

After a late lunch in Nojiri, we make our way to the train station for a 40-minute ride to Kiso-Fukushima. Located at the halfway point on the Nakesendo Way between Kyoto and Tokyo, Kiso-Fukushima was an important checkpoint during the Edo period. The barrier station was set up to check all travellers and to apprehend people who may have been travelling illegally. Two highlights of the town are the beautiful Kozenji Temple with its attractive stone garden and the ashiyu or public onsen foot bath. We take a short transfer to our accommodation for the next 3 nights, a gorgeous Japanese Inn located amongst scenic country side. We unwind from our walk with a restorative yoga session on the outdoor terrace overlooking Mount Ontake. We are in for a fabulous dining experience over the next 3 nights. With a focus on fresh, local produce, meals are a highlight and are prepared with acute attention to detail and artistic flair.

Meals: B, D

Day 4: KISO-FUKUSHIMA (10–12KM WALKING)

We start the day with a therapeutic yoga session before breakfast. Later this morning, we will embark on a walk to the Karasawa Waterfall. The waterfall is located in the Jizo-toge pass, the mountain pass on the way to Kaida Kogen highland and offers an ideal environment for a meditative experience. After visiting the waterfall we have the opportunity to learn how to make soba noodles from buckwheat flour. Soba noodle is a common and popular Japanese dish that originates from the Kaido Kogen region (where we are staying). Once you have made your noodles you will be able to enjoy them for lunch.

This afternoon our guide will lead the group in a Shinrin-yoku session, Originating in Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the wellness practice of immersing yourself in nature to enhance health, happiness and general wellbeing.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: TRAIN FROM KISO-FUKUSHIMA TO YABUHARA. Walk TO NARAI (8KM)

After breakfast and a morning yoga session we will transfer to Kozenji Temple. The temple is known for Kanuntei – the largest stone garden in the Orient. There is time to look around the art gallery at the temple before we step back in history and visit the Fukushima Sekisho museum – one of the four most important checkpoints during the Edo period. They have a collection of weapons, photographs and attire of that time.

We then take a train to Yabuhara, where we will have lunch before heading off on our afternoon hike. From Yabuhara, the trail begins with a short walk through the town before a sustained ascent up the hill and into the forest. After some steep climbing we will reach the Torii Pass from which, on a clear day, we will have great views of Mount Ontake. It is a beautiful walk through the forest as you descend into one of the most well-preserved post towns, Narai. It truly is a reminder of how the post towns were in the Edo period (1603–1868). We have free time here to explore the shops, cafes, shrines and museums before we return to Kiso-Fukushima by train and our final dinner together.

Meals: B, D

Day 6: DEPART KISO-FUKUSHIMA

Today is departure day. We celebrate our journey’s end with a final yoga session. After your traditional Japanese breakfast you can make your way to the local train station for your onward travel.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included?

Included
  • 2 nights in traditional Japanese accommodation
  • 3 nights countryside Onsen Hotel (traditional Japanese style rooms, ensuite facilities)
  • 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
  • Guided walking along the Nakasendo Way
  • Daily yoga and meditation sessions
  • Guided Shinrin-yoku session
  • Cooking class
  • Luggage transfers while on tour
  • Qualified and experienced yoga teacher
  • Local transport while on the tour
  • Yoga mat bag
  • Local and Australian emergency contacts
Excluded
  • Flights
  • Yoga mat (please bring your own from home)
  • Transport to/from the tour
  • Travel insurance
  • Beverages other than water at meals
  • Expenses and items of a personal nature
  • Lunches (with the exception of Day 4)
Nakasendo-Way-Destination-Guide-Cover

Exclusive Guide

get inspired

Ready to step back in time and discover a centuries-old road through the mountains of central Japan? The Nakasendo Way is a stunning 94km journey from Mitake to Narai. Steeped in history, much of this walk weaves through the picturesque Kiso Valley. The ‘post towns’ strung out along the route give an enticing and authentic glimpse into Japan’s past.

There is so much to discover on this route! Find out more in our comprehensive destination guide – it’s bursting with inspiration, travel essentials, practical information and more!

Download Now

Japan Yoga group0000
Exploring the narrow backstreets of Nakatsugawa
Japan_Nakasendo_ gallery0011

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

This trip exceeded all my expectations. The yoga component was exceptional value. Conducted by two expertly qualified, inspirational instructors, it was truly the icing on the cake and the perfect ingredient to prepare and reward our bodies for each days walk. Our local guide led, advised and informed us on history and customs and also facilitated our transport between towns when needed. It was perfect on every level and a most rewarding challenge, physically and spiritually.

Rosemary Squire, Mt Martha (VIC) – October 2019

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Our walk was everything we could have hoped for. The local accommodation and food were exceptional. The immersion in local culture fabulous and the mixture of trails through small villages, forests and farmland kept us stimulated and intrigued. What a wonderful experience. Thank you RAW Travel.

Kim Elise Brodie, Bulimba (QLD) – April 2019

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

We had such a great trip. The itinerary was perfect – with a mixture of forest walking, exploring villages and open farmland. The accommodation was excellent and the meals a real highlight. The planning by RAW Travel was excellent – thanks so much. An exceptional experience overall.

Jennifer Bryant, Cape Otway (VIC) – June 2019

Similar Walks

Yoga Hiking & Japan

5 Days

Australia – Guided walks

Yoga and hiking, Byron Bay

Guided meditation Moderate
  • Daily meditation and yoga practice
  • Guided coastal and hinterland hikes with local guides
  • Bush tucker walks with an Indigeneous guide
  • Delicious, healthy vegetarian food
from

$2,750.00

view trip
5 Days

Nakasendo Way

The Kiso Valley Highlights Trip – Nakasendo Way

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • A short hike offering a great introduction to walking in Japan
  • Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley
  • Walk on ishidatami (stone paving) dating back over 400 years
  • Understand the history of the Nakasendo Way with our local guide
  • Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima and Narai
from

$2,095.00

view trip
7 Days

Kumano Kodo

The 7 Day Trail – Kumano Kodo

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • Walk the full length of the Nakahechi trail
  • Stay in traditional guesthouses
  • Gain insights into life in rural Japan and the spiritual history
  • Enjoy delicious handmade Japanese food with fresh local ingredients
from

$2,450.00

view trip
6 Days

Kumano Kodo

The Highlights Trip – Kumano Kodo

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Stay in traditional minshuku and ryokan accommodation
  • Experience a traditional boat ride along the Kumano-gawa river 
  • Savour delicious Japanese food using fresh local ingredients
  • Visit all 3 grand shrines, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan
from

$2,190.00

view trip

TRIP date selection

when would you like to travel?

Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

dates
availability
price
single occupancy
dates
07/10/2023 - 12/10/2023
availability
Sold Out
price
$4,290
single occupancy
$0

sign up to our newsletter

explore the world with Raw