The Kiso Valley Highlights Trip – Nakasendo Way

Please note that all ascent and descent figures listed in the itinerary are approximate only and may vary slightly depending on the route taken.

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.)

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).

Ascent 767m / Descent 595m

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.

Ascent 723m / Descent 643m

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.

Please note that depending on availability, your accommodation for tonight may be in Narai, Kiso Fukushima or Matsumoto.

Ascent 344m / Descent 270m

Meals: B, D

Today is departure day. After your traditional Japanese breakfast, you can 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
• Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker

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

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 post towns of the Kiso Valley, such as Magome, Tsumago and Narai, are beautifully preserved and offer a rare glimpse into Japan’s Edo-period history. Originally established as rest stops along the Nakasendo Trail, these towns were used by feudal lords, samurai, merchants and travellers making the journey between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). Today, they welcome visitors with traditional wooden buildings, stone-paved streets and centuries-old hospitality.

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, in the southern Nagano prefecture. 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.

Nagoya is one of the closest major cities to the Nakasendo Way. From Nagoya, travellers can take a train to Nakatsugawa (approx. 50 min), where this itinerary begins.

You’ll stay in traditional Japanese inns, known as ryokans, nestled in post towns along the trail. These family-run guesthouses offer a warm welcome, tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and delicious home-cooked meals. Staying in a ryokan is a key part of the journey and an immersive cultural experience in its own right.