The Kiso Valley Highlights Trip

Arrive in Nakatsugawa, number 45 of the 69 post towns on the Nakasendo Way. Spend the rest of the day exploring. You will find many of the old buildings and shops still working today, and you may like to visit the Naegi Castle ruins, located, just north of the town.

This afternoon there is the option to add a guided Backstreets Walking tour of Nakatsugawa. An expert local guide will escort you as you wander through the town’s narrow winding streets and discover the myriad of well-preserved wooden buildings, residences and warehouses (kura) originally constructed during the historical Edo Period, a time when the town prospered with a population of over 1000 people and around 200 houses. This is an opportunity to learn of the town’s rich history and gain an understanding of local village life as you encounter local people along the way. (Additional cost applies – please enquire at time of booking)

Meals: D

After leaving Nakatsugawa at the ancient Kosatsuba (official proclamation board) we will come across red torii gates just after Nakatsugawa Juku. There will be some steep slopes today before Ochiai and then we will be walking on an old cobblestoned way. It’s on this route that we will be walking up to the entrance of Magome, one of the highlights of the Nakasendo Way. Magome (Horse & Basket) is number 43 of the 69 post towns along the way to Edo (Tokyo). It truly is a reminder of how the post towns were in the Edo period (1603–1868). We will have lunch in Magome at one of the many Japanese inns (own expense).

The Nakasendo Way continues through the centre of Magome past the old shops and inns. The trail begins to climb up to the small settlement of Touge, which is is a good spot to take a rest break. We will then walk over the Magome Pass (800m) and slowly descend through peaceful woodland. We will hear the roar of the Odaki-Medaki waterfalls, which slowly fade as you pass streams and rice paddies coming into the old (smaller) village of O-Tsumago.

Leaving O-Tsumago, the trail climbs briefly before descending into the enchanting main village of Tsumago, (number 42 of the 69 post towns). The street is lined with traditional Japanese wooden houses, shops and ryokan (inns). You might want to stroll through the streets after dinner wearing a traditional yukata gown provided by your accommodation.

Meals: B, D

Leaving the old town of Tsumago at the ancient Kosatsuba (official proclamation board) you will see on the board the old wooden tablets which state that no Christianity can be practised. The trail ascends steeply up the valley then continues through the forest on what is known as the Yogawa Forest Route to Nojiri, passing through cedar forests and farmland. It is one of the most scenic sections of the walk. The forest walk joins the Kiso River as you descend into Nojiri. After a late lunch in Nojiri, make your way to the train station for a 40-minute ride to Kiso-Fukushima. Located halfway on the Nakasendo Way between Kyoto and Tokyo, Kiso-Fukushima was an important checkpoint during the Edo period.

Meals: B, D

Today we will catch the train from Kiso-Fukushima to Yabuhara and start our final day’s walk of the Nakasendo Way, hiking up to the Torii Pass, named after the Shinto Torii Gate, which marks one of four protective sites surrounding Mount Ontake. At 1197m, the Torii Pass is a great vantage point for views of Mount Ontake on a clear day. The descent takes us along narrow mountain paths until you emerge at the outskirts of Narai, a lovely post town and the wealthiest of the post towns along the trail. Explore and relax in the cafes and shops of this well-preserved and atmospheric town.

Meals: B, D

Today is departure day. After your traditional Japanese breakfast, you will say goodbye to your guide and take the train to your next destination.

Meals: B

• 4 nights in traditional Japanese guesthouses/inns (ryokan)
• Daily meals (as listed in the itinerary)
• Luggage transfers on your hiking days
• Pre-tour briefing at your hotel in Nakatsugawa
• RAW Travel’s exclusive navigation app
• Local and Australian emergency contact

• Flights
• Local bus and train tickets
• Single supplement
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than water at meals
• Expenses and items of a personal nature
• Lunches