length
5 Days
difficulty
Moderate - Challenging
trip cost
From $2250 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Highlights
Get Ready For
- A short hike offering a great introduction to walking in Japan
- Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley
- Follow the original ishidatami (stone paving) dating back over 400 years
- Understand the history of the Nakasendo Way with our local guide
- Visit the post towns of Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima and Narai
- Follow in the footsteps of the Tokugawa Shogun and the Samurai during the Edo period (1603–1868)
On the trail
The experience
The Nakasendo Way offers picturesque, tranquil walking and a variety of trail conditions as you progress along the Kiso Valley. Much of the time you will be walking through fields and rural villages and enjoying gentle inclines that can be taken at a comfortable pace. In the forest you will be walking on a track that can be wet or uneven underfoot. In the more built-up areas the path itself is asphalt, while at its wildest it becomes unformed grit winding between alpine conifers. For sections in between these two extremes, the path is clad in what’s known as ishidatami – a traditional style of stone paving. Watch the video to get good insights into the scenic beauty and cultural attractions of the Kiso valley and its Post Towns.
ITINERARY
DAILY DETAILS
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:
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
Map
Explore
Nakatsugawa
Nakatsugawa was number 45 of the 69 traditional post towns of the Nakasendo Way. In the town’s narrow winding streets there are myriad well-preserved wooden buildings, residences and warehouses (kura). Worth a visit is the Naegi Castle ruins, located just north of the town.
Magome
Magome (Horse & Basket) was 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.
Tsumago
The enchanting main village of Tsumago (number 42 of the 69 post towns) 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.
Kiso-Fukushima
Kiso-Fukushima was one of the four security checkpoints during the Edo period and thus flourished as a political and economic centre in the Kiso Valley. The Kozenji-Temple houses the valley’s most famous temple and the largest stone garden in Japan.
Yabuhara
Yabuhara was number 35 of the 69 post towns and is located shortly before the Torii Pass (1197m), which offers great views of Mount Ontake on a clear day.
Narai
Lovely Narai was the wealthiest of the post towns along the trail. Explore and relax in the cafes and shops of this well-preserved and atmospheric town.
Inclusions
What's included?
- 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
Navigation
Finding your way
Finding your way along the Nakasendo Way (a route with not much English signage) has become a lot easier with our exclusive APP, which has all your trip information and route guidance in one handy place. You still need to be self-reliant with wayfinding. Knowing the daily distances, elevation changes and notable landmarks will enhance your navigation. Our app can pinpoint and confirm whether you’re still on the correct trail. Like with any phone app, it’s not intended to be used constantly as you walk. Read more about all the great features of the app and how to use it for navigation.
Destination 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!
FAQs
KISO VALLEY HIGHLIGHTS
The Kiso Valley has a lot of attractive spots to visit and is widely known for the well-preserved post towns of the Nakasendo Trail, an important route between Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo Period. As well as traditional inns, moss-covered Shinto shrines, old Buddhist statues and stone paths, the post towns are a highlight and give an enticing and authentic glimpse into Japan’s past. The well-known 8km trail between Tsumago and Magome is particularly impressive, and offers delightful teahouses and waterfalls. You can see Mount Ontake (the second highest mountain in Japan after Mount Fuji), particularly on the Torii Pass when hiking through to Narai.
The Kiso Valley is nestled between Tokyo and Kyoto in the heart of Japan’s mountainous terrain in the central part of Honshu, Japan’s main island. It stretches roughly 70km along the Kiso River and is characterised by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and traditional villages, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and rural lifestyle.
To fully appreciate the natural beauty, rich history and tranquil atmosphere of the Kiso Valley we recommend you spend 5 days here. Dedicating this amount of time to explore will give you a deeply immersive experience where you can walk the best parts of the Nakasendo Way, explore the historic post towns, participate in tea ceremonies, stay in traditional Japanese inns (ryokans), relax in hot springs (onsen) and unwind amidst the serene surroundings.
Our popular 7-day Nakasendo Way trip also offers an excellent way to explore the Kiso Valley. It begins with 2 additional days of walking from Mitake to Nakatsugawa before you arrive in the Kiso Valley.
See all our walking itineraries on the Nakasendo Way.
The Nakasendo Trail from Mitake to Narai is 86km. Much of the route weaves through the picturesque Kiso Valley.
Yes. This trip is an ideal introduction to walking in Japan. The majority of the trail is signed in English and Japanese, and the daily walking distance is a moderate 8–21km. There are inclines that can be taken at a comfortable pace and traditional inns offer friendly and atmospheric overnight accommodation. It is an easier hike than Japan’s more rugged and remote Kumano Kodo and the newer Michinoku Coastal Trail.
The distance from Kyoto to the Kiso Valley is around 270km. The best way to get to the Kiso Valley is by train, which takes around 3.5 hours including transfers.
The distance from Tokyo to the Kiso Valley is about 250km. The best way to get there is by train (3.5 hours).
The best time to visit the Kiso Valley is March to May and September to November.
Yes. The spring cherry blossoms and autumn colours are big draw cards for visitors to the Kiso Valley. Read more about the best times to walk the Nakasendo Way.
Japan
The Group Guided Trip – Nakasendo Way
- Fully guided walk with our qualified Japanese guide
- View spectacular scenery in Japan’s central mountains
- Dive into the colourful history of the Shogun/Samurai
- Visit 16 of the original post towns from the Nobi plain land to deep in the Kisoji valley
$4,200.00
Japan
The Group, Self-Guided Trip – Nakasendo Way
- Trek in a group of like-minded travellers
- Take a journey through the heart of Japan
- Follow in the footsteps of the Tokugawa Shogun and the Samurai
- Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima and Narai
$3,250.00
Japan
The Highlights Trip with Shimosuwa Onsen – Nakasendo Way
- Visit Shimosuwa, the only hot springs district
- Understand the feudal history with our local guide
- Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley
- Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima and Narai
$3,095.00
Japan
The Self-Guided Trip – Nakasendo Way
- A journey through the heart of Japan
- Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley
- Walk on ishidatami (stone paving) dating back over 400 years
- Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima and Narai
$3,150.00
Japan
The Shimosuwa Trip – Nakasendo Way
- Extended walk on the ancient Nakasendo Way
- Journey through the heart of Japan
- Explore Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima and Narai
- Visit the historic town of Shimosuwa and unwind in the onsens
$3,850.00
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