The Nakasendo Way connects Tokyo and Kyoto, via a mountainous inland route, featuring a network of 69 ‘post towns’ spread along 540 km. These post towns once provided travellers with a chance to provide accommodation, fresh horses and other provisions. The section through the Kiso Valley was known as the Kiso-ji or the Kiso Road and features 11 post towns. The 27 km section that connects the 4 southernmost towns (Magome, Tsumago, Midono [Nagiso], and Nojiri) has become a very popular hiking trail in recent years. On this walk, we have added the gorgeous walk up to the Kaido Plateau, in our estimation one of the best walks in the region.
The Kiso-ji is a hilly path of ancient stone pavements and dirt trails that will lead you through landscapes alive with seasonal flowers, clear-water creeks, and tall old forests.
You will spend each night in a traditional Japanese ryokan-style accommodation. These Japanese guesthouses come in a number of styles ranging from traditional wooden structures to more modern hybrid hotels.
Ryokans have Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping on. Few Ryokan hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms may or may not have ensuites, but be prepared for a little luxury when it comes to the heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the Ryokan, especially when they’re located in an onsen area. These are usually communal and separated by gender.
Meals are elaborate affairs from a western point of view served in a traditional dining area. A traditional Kaiseki set meal is what is usually offered. Sometimes there is the option of a buffet at the larger Ryokans.
Please note that we will endeavour to book the accommodation displayed. However, if it is not available, we will book alternative accommodation of the same standard.
Take the Tokaido Line shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya. Approximately 1 ¾ hr travel time.
You can get tickets from the JR ticket window just before the shinkansen barrier gates. Even if you have a JR Rail Pass (which covers the cost of all JR line travel), you will need to show some sort of ticket to indicate your seat.
Tip 1 – Try to get a window seat on the right-hand side of the train for possible views of Mt Fuji on a clear day.
Tip 2 – if you have not invested in a JR Rail Pass (only available outside Japan), you can save some money by buying a Non-Reserved Seat on the shinkansen rather than a Reserved Seat. Price is approx. YEN 5,500 difference. Total cost for Non-Reserved Seat from Tokyo to Nagoya approx. YEN 13,000.
Then, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) from Nagoya to Ena. The Rapid service stops less often than the local service. Both are the same price and stop in Ena. The approximate travel time is 1 ¼ hr. The cost (if no JR Rail Pass) is approximately YEN 1,000.
In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing significantly.
NEW YEAR PERIOD – 30TH DECEMBER TO 4TH OF JANUARY
GOLDEN WEEK – GENERALLY BETWEEN 29TH APRIL TO 5TH MAY
OBON PERIOD – MID-AUGUST ( BETWEEN THE 10TH TO 20TH OF AUGUST)
Please speak to the office to get a quote for the above times
At the end of your holiday, you will have details for travelling back to Tokyo from either Yokokawa Train Station or Karuizawa.
On this walk, you will need to catch some buses and have the option of catching them to shorten some walk days also. Most of these rides will be very short. You won’t be able to pre-book any of these rides but catching them on the day is a seamless process. These bus fares are at your own cost.
This walk has the luggage transferred most days; we will let you know when we can’t move the bags due to the remoteness. The luggage will be waiting for you at the following accommodation. In the evenings, you will be supplied with a yukata (Japanese Gown) to wear so you will need to carry only essential items on those days when your luggage isn’t available.
Autumn and Spring are the best times to walk. Summer is ok and it is possible to take a swim as you walk. Winter can be quite problematic but it is still possible. You will need snow gear and be warned some accommodations close down from late November to February.
From the end of March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer it’s quite warm and humid but still good for walking, particularly if you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream.
The walk is offered in winter but bring some warm clothes and good rain gear. The area is just as beautiful if not more and is not busy at all. Soaking in an onsen outside in the cool of the night is one of those real authentic Japanese experiences that you can look forward to after a big day on the track.
As walkers, we believe spring and autumn to be the best time as the weather is perfect for walking.
See the weather information about the local average weather at different times of the year.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com
The Nakasendo Way connects Tokyo and Kyoto, via a mountainous inland route, featuring a network of 69 ‘post towns’ spread along 540 km. These post towns once provided travellers with a chance to provide accommodation, fresh horses and other provisions. The section through the Kiso Valley was known as the Kiso-ji or the Kiso Road and features 11 post towns. The 27 km section that connects the 4 southernmost towns (Magome, Tsumago, Midono [Nagiso], and Nojiri) has become a very popular hiking trail in recent years. On this walk, we have added the gorgeous walk up to the Kaido Plateau, in our estimation one of the best walks in the region.
The Kiso-ji is a hilly path of ancient stone pavements and dirt trails that will lead you through landscapes alive with seasonal flowers, clear-water creeks, and tall old forests.
You will spend each night in a traditional Japanese ryokan-style accommodation. These Japanese guesthouses come in a number of styles ranging from traditional wooden structures to more modern hybrid hotels.
Ryokans have Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping on. Few Ryokan hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms may or may not have ensuites, but be prepared for a little luxury when it comes to the heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the Ryokan, especially when they’re located in an onsen area. These are usually communal and separated by gender.
Meals are elaborate affairs from a western point of view served in a traditional dining area. A traditional Kaiseki set meal is what is usually offered. Sometimes there is the option of a buffet at the larger Ryokans.
Please note that we will endeavour to book the accommodation displayed. However, if it is not available, we will book alternative accommodation of the same standard.
Take the Tokaido Line shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya. Approximately 1 ¾ hr travel time.
You can get tickets from the JR ticket window just before the shinkansen barrier gates. Even if you have a JR Rail Pass (which covers the cost of all JR line travel), you will need to show some sort of ticket to indicate your seat.
Tip 1 – Try to get a window seat on the right-hand side of the train for possible views of Mt Fuji on a clear day.
Tip 2 – if you have not invested in a JR Rail Pass (only available outside Japan), you can save some money by buying a Non-Reserved Seat on the shinkansen rather than a Reserved Seat. Price is approx. YEN 5,500 difference. Total cost for Non-Reserved Seat from Tokyo to Nagoya approx. YEN 13,000.
Then, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) from Nagoya to Ena. The Rapid service stops less often than the local service. Both are the same price and stop in Ena. The approximate travel time is 1 ¼ hr. The cost (if no JR Rail Pass) is approximately YEN 1,000.
In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing significantly.
NEW YEAR PERIOD – 30TH DECEMBER TO 4TH OF JANUARY
GOLDEN WEEK – GENERALLY BETWEEN 29TH APRIL TO 5TH MAY
OBON PERIOD – MID-AUGUST ( BETWEEN THE 10TH TO 20TH OF AUGUST)
Please speak to the office to get a quote for the above times
At the end of your holiday, you will have details for travelling back to Tokyo from either Yokokawa Train Station or Karuizawa.
On this walk, you will need to catch some buses and have the option of catching them to shorten some walk days also. Most of these rides will be very short. You won’t be able to pre-book any of these rides but catching them on the day is a seamless process. These bus fares are at your own cost.
This walk has the luggage transferred most days; we will let you know when we can’t move the bags due to the remoteness. The luggage will be waiting for you at the following accommodation. In the evenings, you will be supplied with a yukata (Japanese Gown) to wear so you will need to carry only essential items on those days when your luggage isn’t available.
Autumn and Spring are the best times to walk. Summer is ok and it is possible to take a swim as you walk. Winter can be quite problematic but it is still possible. You will need snow gear and be warned some accommodations close down from late November to February.
From the end of March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer it’s quite warm and humid but still good for walking, particularly if you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream.
The walk is offered in winter but bring some warm clothes and good rain gear. The area is just as beautiful if not more and is not busy at all. Soaking in an onsen outside in the cool of the night is one of those real authentic Japanese experiences that you can look forward to after a big day on the track.
As walkers, we believe spring and autumn to be the best time as the weather is perfect for walking.
See the weather information about the local average weather at different times of the year.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com