Stroll
Nakasendo Way
Japan

Nakasendo Way

An ancient feudal highway through the mountains of central Japan, where beautifully preserved Edo-period post towns give walkers a rare and genuine glimpse into the country's samurai past.

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Tips, tricks, and trail insights - everything you need to know about multi-day walks in Nakasendo Way.

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Overview

The Nakasendo, which literally means "the road through the mountains", was one of Japan's great Edo-period highways, connecting Kyoto with Edo - present-day Tokyo. In its heyday, around the seventeenth century, it was crowded with feudal lords, samurai, merchants and pilgrims. Our walk follows the most scenic stretch through the Kiso Valley, where the narrow valleys and mountainous terrain have left many sections of the trail and several post towns largely unchanged. Towns like Tsumago, Magome and Narai feel untouched, their wooden inns and cobbled lanes preserved as if time simply forgot them. Nights are spent in traditional ryokans, with onsen baths and home-cooked meals waiting at the end of each day.

Available Strolls

Japan-forest-path-on-the-Nakasendo-trail
Self-Guided

Nakasendo Highlights - 6 Days

Duration6 days
Walking Grade
4
From£1,640
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Hikers walking through Autumn Forest on Nakasendo Way
Self-Guided

Nakasendo Highlights - 5 Days

Duration5 days
Walking Grade
4
From£1,455
View Stroll
Hiker-on-a-Secluded-Forest-Road-to-the-Nakasendo
Self-Guided

Nakasendo Way - 8 Days

Duration8 days
Walking Grade
4
From£2,245
View Stroll
Overlooking-view-of-Kiso-Valley-in-Magome
Self-Guided

Nakasendo & the Kaida Plateau - 7 Days

Duration7 days
Walking Grade
4
From£2,025
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Traditional Japanese Water Purification Fountain
Self-Guided

Nakasendo Way - 7 Days

Duration7 days
Walking Grade
4
From£2,080
View Stroll
statue on the Nakasendo
Self-Guided

Nakasendo & the Kaida Plateau - 6 Days

Duration6 days
Walking Grade
4
From£1,795
View Stroll
Narai
Self-Guided

Essential Nakasendo - 4 Days

Duration4 days
Walking Grade
3
From£1,125
View Stroll

The Nakasendo Experience

Wonder
Walk ancient cobblestone paths through Magome, Tsumago and beautifully restored Narai
Pass iconic red torii gates, proclamation boards and centuries-old post towns
Live like a local staying in traditional ryokans, enjoying tatami dining and multi-course Kaiseki meals
Wellness
Slow travel on a well-graded path pack-free walking through rice paddies, villages and cedar forest
Unwind in Enakyo Onsen baths with panoramic views over Enakyo Gorge
Friendly family-run minshukus, home-cooked food and intimate Japanese hospitality
Nature
Walk the Kiso Valley beneath Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake
Visit Karasawa Waterfall, Odaki-Medaki falls and streams through dense woodland
Cross the Kaida Plateau, Jizo Pass and autumn-bright deciduous forests

What you'll eat

Kaiseki
Traditional multi-course dinners served in guesthouses, seasonal and carefully paced
Sake
Regional sake sipped where old merchant routes still shape local tastes
Soba
Mountain buckwheat noodles, simple and satisfying after a long walking day

Where you'll stay

Minshuku
Family-run guesthouses with warm hosts, shared baths, and an intimate homely feel
Ryokan
Tatami rooms, shoji screens and futons give each night a distinctly Japanese rhythm
Onsen Hotels
Larger country stays where communal baths ease tired legs after the trai

How you'll travel

Shinkansen
Arrive from Tokyo or Osaka by bullet train, fast and surprisingly serene
Regional Trains
Short rail journeys link trail sections, post towns, and overnight stops
Mountain Buses
Useful local buses help reach trailheads and the Usui Pass section

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More About This Destination

  • Accommodation in authentic Japanese Ryokans and guesthouses.
  • Multi-course dinners and breakfasts during the walk.
  • Luggage transport for most days (see the luggage transfer section on individual walk pages for specific details).
  • Comprehensive walk notes written and curated by Stroll to assure that you can walk with confidence.
  • 24/7 support from the Stroll team on the ground.


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From late March, temperatures rise, making it an ideal time for walking and if you are a flower lover the cherry blossom season is in swing. Summer in Japan is warm and humid but still suitable for the trail, with more chances to cool off in streams. Autumn is also excellent for walking, with pleasant weather and with the change of colour of the foliage quite spectacular.
Overall, spring and autumn are the best times for walking, offering the most comfortable conditions.
Check local weather information for average conditions throughout the year.

As with any journey, it is essential to be prepared for your walking holiday. While we will be transporting your luggage from accommodation to accommodation, you will still be carrying a lightweight day pack with you. Here is what we suggest that you carry with you each day:

  • Walking notes, a map, and a map case
  • Insulated lunch pack and silicon container (when supplied)
  • Quality waterproof jacket with a hood
  • Warm jumper or jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Please be sure to have comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen (at least 15+)
  • At least 2 litres of water
  • First aid kit
  • Toilet paper
  • Some Japanese money
  • Mobile phone (please note that reception is not available in all walk areas)
  • Personal insect repellent, band-aids, and a small container of salt mixed with rice grains
  • Personal necessities (example: required medication)

Now that we have the essentials packed, it is time to think of those additional items that may be worth packing along with you. These may include and are not limited to:

  • Waterproof over-trousers
  • Warm hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera (with an extra battery or sim cards)
  • Binoculars
  • Small torch
  • Walking sticks
  • Thermos (for hot drinks)
  • Additional snacks

The 500km long Nakasendo Way which literally means the "Middle Mountain Way," has become one of Japan’s most famous and popular hiking routes. The walk traverses ancient paved paths, via well-preserved authentic Japanese towns and through serene cypress and cedar forests. Many shrines and waterfalls dot the landscape as you hike through the Kiso Valley, brilliantly located between the sacred Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake.

The trail was developed during the Edo period (1603-1868), and was used by feudal lords, samurai, and merchants traveling between Kyoto and Edo (what is now called Tokyo). Along the route, there are 69 'post towns' where travellers would rest in traditional ryokan inns and bath in hot springs. These towns have retained much of their historical charm, providing a looking glass back into Japan's past.

We offer various itineraries on the Nakasendo Way, allowing hikers to shorten the amount of walking days if desired. Walking the trail immerses you in Japan’s rich history and natural beauty. What’s more walkers get to enjoy local cuisine, traditional crafts, and the warm hospitality of the Japanese people along the way.


Book Your Nakasendo Way Walk Today

Ena

Ena is nestled in the Gifu Prefecture, is a charming and historic city. It’s famous for Oi-juku, an Edo-period post town. It has cultural gems like the Hiroshige Museum of Art, showcasing exquisite Japanese woodblock prints, adding to its allure. It is often the starting point for the Nakasendo Way. Ena offers picturesque views of rice paddies and beautifully maintained traditional gardens.

Nakatsugawa

Nakatsugawa is situated in Gifu Prefecture and is a delightful city rich in history. It’s renowned for its Edo-period charm, featuring traditional buildings and the Naegi Castle ruins. This is a great place to explore if you have time. As a key stop along the Nakasendo Way, it offers scenic views, Japanese style local shops, and cultural delights like traditional Japanese sweets and sake.

For more information, please visit Nakatsugawa City or the Gifu Prefecture Tourism website.

Tsumago

Tsumago is a beautifully preserved post town in Nagano Prefecture along the Nakasendo. It feels like when you visit here it is a journey back to the Edo period. It’s famous for its traditional wooden buildings and charming streets. Strolling through Tsumago, you can visit ancient inns like the Honjin and Wakihonjin, and enjoy local crafts and cuisine. AIt is a highlight of the  Nakasendo Way and a glimpse into Japan's rich history.

Kiso-Fukushima

Kiso-Fukushima is located in the Nagano Prefecture and is one more of the historic gems along the Nakasendo way and from the Edo period. This former post town on the Nakasendo Way features well-preserved samurai residences and the fascinating Fukushima Sekisho-Ato, an ancient checkpoint museum. The town is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Kiso River and Mount Ontake. You can indulge in soothing hot springs, savour local cuisine, and explore traditional crafts. With its charming streets and rich cultural heritage, Kiso-Fukushima offers a peaceful and enriching experience into Japan's historical past.

For more information please visit the Kiso Ontake website

Narai

Narai also in the Nagano Prefecture is a wonderfully preserved post town along the Nakasendo Way. Known as "Narai of a Thousand Houses," it features traditional wooden buildings, charming streets, and a rich history. Visitors can explore its Edo-period architecture, quaint shops, and local eateries. Narai offers a tranquil and picturesque glimpse into Japan's past, making it a delightful destination for history lovers.

Yokokawa

Yokokawa, located in Gunma Prefecture has much scenic beauty and historical significance. It's a key stop on the Nakasendo Way, offering walkers superb views while walking and the opportunity to stay in traditional inns. The glorious Usui Pass is also on the path.

For more information please visit Gunma Tourism website.

Karuizawa

Karuizawa is as much a ski town as anything else but is also a wonderful place to stay in warmer months. It is located in Nagano Prefecture and is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and mild climate. Nestled at the foot of Mount Asama, it offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities like hiking and various cultural attractions. Walkers can explore the picturesque Shiraito Falls, hike through lush forests, and enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage. The town also has charming shopping streets, high-end boutiques, and fine dining options. The historical sites such as the Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza shopping street and the Former Mikasa Hotel add to its allure. Karuizawa is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making it a great place to finish the Nakasendo Way before making your way back to Tokyo.

For more information, please visit the Karuizawa Tourist Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your main luggage is collected each morning and transferred to your next accommodation while you walk. The allowance is one bag per person up to 20kg. One important thing to be aware of: on one night of the itinerary, your main luggage will not be with you due to limitations of the local courier service. You'll need to pack a small overnight bag in your daypack for that evening — Stroll will flag exactly which night this is and what to prepare when you book.

Check-in is generally from 3:00 PM, with check-out before 10:00 AM. Dinner is typically served at a set time, so plan to arrive by 6:00 PM at the latest. If you're running behind, call your accommodation to let them know — if you haven't arrived by dark, your hosts will assume something has gone wrong and begin making enquiries.

A few customs are worth knowing before you arrive. Remove your shoes at the entrance and change into the indoor slippers provided. Your room will likely include a yukata (cotton robe) for the evening — wear something underneath, fold the left side over the right, and tie the belt firmly. A loose yukata is considered disrespectful. Meal times are set, so confirm dinner and breakfast times when you check in. Towels and toiletries are usually provided, though this varies by property.

Onsens are one of the great pleasures of the Nakasendo, and there are a few important customs to follow. You bathe completely naked — swimwear is not permitted. Before entering the communal bath, wash and rinse yourself thoroughly at the shower stations provided. Keep your towel out of the water. Onsens are separated by gender. If you have tattoos, be aware that many onsens in Japan restrict entry — speak with your accommodation host in advance, as policies vary. Some places offer stickers to cover small tattoos for a modest additional charge. If possible, avoid peak bathing times and be mindful of other guests. A rest day in Kiso-Fukushima is a good opportunity to properly enjoy the local onsens.

Japan is a densely populated country, and you're never far from civilisation on the Nakasendo, but coverage can still be patchy on some forest and mountain sections. Most accommodations have WiFi.

A shower-proof daypack with a waterproof liner is ideal. Key items include a waterproof jacket, warm layer, sun hat and sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum), comfortable walking boots, 2–3 litres of water, lunch supplies, a first aid kit with insect repellent, toilet paper, your phone, a battery pack, and cash. Walking poles are highly recommended — the track includes short but steep hill sections and they make a real difference. In summer, wear long sleeves and pants due to leeches, and pack bug spray. A folding umbrella and a bandana or handkerchief are also worth throwing in.

Japan runs largely on cash, and the Nakasendo is no exception. Most ATMs outside airports and convenience stores don't accept foreign cards, so withdraw sufficient Yen early — the best options are at the airport on arrival or at 7-Eleven and other convenience store ATMs.

No. Tipping is not customary in Japan and is generally not expected — in fact, it can sometimes be politely refused. Excellent service is simply the standard. Enjoy it without the need to tip.

Japan has a rich culture of etiquette and a little preparation goes a long way. Remove your shoes before entering homes, ryokans, and many traditional restaurants — indoor slippers are usually provided. Speak quietly in public spaces, particularly on trains and buses. Avoid eating or drinking while walking. When visiting temples and shrines, dress modestly and follow any posted guidelines. A slight bow when greeting people is always appreciated. Note that it is illegal to bring over-the-counter medicines containing pseudoephedrine or codeine into Japan — check your medications before you travel.

Traditional Japanese cuisine relies heavily on soy sauce (shoyu), miso, and fish stock (dashi), which feature in almost everything and are very difficult to remove. If you can tolerate these in trace amounts, your accommodation options increase significantly. Vegetarian meals can be arranged at most inns with advance notice, though fish and seafood feature prominently in the standard diet. Strict vegans and those with coeliac disease will find things more challenging. Dietary requirements must be declared at the time of booking and cannot be changed afterwards. Bring supplementary snacks if your needs are complex.

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