OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
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.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The itinerary allows you to walk the Nakasendo with options to shorten some days if you wish
- Enjoy authentic Japanese dinners and breakfasts, served in elegant tatami mat settings, served at your traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation
- Walk pack free on well-graded ancient trails, with wondrous views, through old forest and bathe in onsens
AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
PRICE FROM
$ 1755
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 110
per personITINERARY
DAY one
ARRIVE IN NAKATSUGAWA
Today is a travel day for you to make your way to the town of Nakatsugawa where the old post town (Nakatsugawa-juku) has been extensively restored. This is a great place to explore at leisure and includes a number of traditional shops (Japanese sweets, sake etc).
Accommodation: Nagataki
Meals: Traditional Japanese dinner
Situated in Nakatsugawa, within 12 km of Enakyo Wonderland.
Nagataki features accommodation with a garden and free WiFi. The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a wardrobe. The chef can adopt your meal if you don’t eat meat or fish.
DAY two
Nakatsugawa to Tsumago
Take a gentle walk through the outskirts of Nakatasugawa to the small post town of Ochiai-juku. From here we head up into the hills along the famous Ochiai-juku stone pavement to arrive at Shinchaya. Then easier walking along quiet country roads to the beautifully restored post-town of Magome-juku. Take some time here and explore! Then continue along rugged tracks through the forest over Magometoge Pass and down into the post town of Tsumago-juku. This town has also been wonderfully restored.
Shorter options for today’s walk:
Walk from Nakatsugawa to Magome (approx. 9 km), then catch bus to Tsumago.
Catch bus from Nakatsugawa to Magome and start the walk from there to Tsumago. (approx. 8.5 km)
Accommodation: Fujioto Ryokan
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 17km / 4½ – 5hr
Elevation: +846 / -745 m
The Fujihara family welcomes you to this traditional property set in the heart of Tsumago. Although the rooms are simple, and toilet and bath facilities communal, the bright spaces, central garden and convenient location in the village more than make up for this. The Fujihara family also makes you feel at home by sharing their passion and knowledge of the region.
DAY three
NAGISO TO NOJIRI
Today’s walk is all about outstanding nature and enjoying the stunning Japanese landscape. Walk along trails that follow running streams and dense forest, and through small villages enjoying the Japanese cultural experience and friendly locals. The main route of the Nakasendo between Nagiso (Midono-Juku) and Nojiri-juku lay along the Kiso River. However, this route was often blocked due to flooding and landslides. At such times, the alternative “Yogawa Route” over Nenouetoge Pass was used instead. This is the trail you will walk today which takes you across the hills and through mountain villages, visiting forests of tall cedars and striking deciduous trees. In autumn, this landscape is a blaze of colour.
Accommodation: Kisoji No-Yado Iwaya
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 16 km / 4½ – 5½ hr
Elevation: +1044 / -924
Set in Kiso, 41 km from Takato Joshi Park, Kisoji No-Yado Iwaya offers accommodation with free WiFi. Rooms are quiet, clean, spacious and with comfortable beds. The accommodation is very close to the old townscape of Fukushima-shuku and the ruins. They also offer a delicious Japanese breakfast.
DAY four
KAIDA PLATEAU
We take a break from the Nakasendo Way today to explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in hills north of Kiso-Fukushima. Head up into the hills via a quiet country road to visit the impressive Karasawa Waterfall. Continue along forest trails to Jizo Pass before a gentle descent to the Kaida Plateau. Enjoy easy walking through Kiso Horse Park following part of the old Hida Kaido Route. Either finish at the Tourist Information Centre nearby or continue via Shiroyama Observatory near Nishino Pass to finish your walk in the settlement of Nishino-Shimomukai.
Alternatively, if you want a quieter day, you might explore the town of Kiso-Fukushima itself. If you choose this option, there is a short walk to the Gongen Waterfall that starts on the far side of the Kiso River.
Accommodation: Kisoji No-Yado Iwaya
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 19km (or 11) / 5-6 hr
Elevation: +1782 / -1466
Set in Kiso, 41 km from Takato Joshi Park, Kisoji NoYado Iwaya offers accommodation with free WiFi. Rooms are quiet, clean, spacious and with comfortable beds. The accommodation is very close to the old townscape of Fukushima-shuku and the ruins. They also offer a delicious Japanese breakfast.
DAY five
YABUHARA TO NARAI VIA TORII PASS
A shorter walk today and our last outing in the beautiful Kiso Valley. From the post town of Yabuhara, follow the Nakasendo Way over the famous Torii Pass to the beautifully restored post town of Narai. To get to the start of the walk in Yabuhara, take the train from Kiso-Fukushima. At the end of the walk in Narai, take the train to Nagano, then transfer to the shinkansen (bullet train) to continue to Karuizawa for the night. Note that travel time from Narai to Karuizawa is approx. 2 ½ – 3 hr. You will need to factor this into your day.
Accommodation: Tsuruya Ryokan
Meals included: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 7 km / 2-3hr
Elevation: +507 / -500
End the week at this well maintained accommodation, Tsuruya Ryokan, a family-friendly ryokan that brings the best of Karuizawa-machi to your door. Spend a relaxing time at this accommodation with their very good onsen and enjoy a buffet breakfast with lots of fresh fruits.
DAY six
KARUIZAWA TO YOKOKAWA VIA USUI PASS
Now, far to the northeast of the Kiso Valley, we have one more opportunity to walk a section of the old Nakasendo Way. Today’s walk leaves Karuizawa on a delightful path that weaves its way up forested hillsides to Usui Pass. At the top of the pass, take in the grand mountain views from Miharashidai, enjoy a break at one of the teahouses nearby, or visit the Usui Pass Kumano Kotai Shrine. Note that there is a bus service between Karuizawa and Usui Pass. Beyond the pass, the gently undulating path leads over forested hills with an astounding display of colours in autumn, before a steep descent leads to Yokokawa. The last few km are gentle once more as you follow the historic rail trail that parallels the Old Usui Line. A spectacular finish to your Nakasendo walking holiday.
You have the option of finishing your walk at this point and making your way back to Tokyo. In this case please book the 6-day version of the Nakasendo Kaido Plateau trip. However, we recommend spending another night in a traditional ryokan in Karuizawa and finishing your holiday after breakfast tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Tsuruya Ryokan
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 16.5km / 4-5 hr
Elevation: +701 / -1253
End the week at this well maintained accommodation, Tsuruya Ryokan, a family-friendly ryokan that brings the best of Karuizawa-machi to your door. Spend a relaxing time at this accommodation with their very good onsen and enjoy a buffet breakfast with lots of fresh fruits.
DAY seven
Onward travel day (if you have chosen to stay an extra night in Karuizawa)
Your holiday finishes after another traditional Japanese breakfast served in your ryokan. Then you’re ready to make your journey back to Tokyo.
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in hills north of Kiso-Fukushima
- 6 nights stay in an intimate family-run or smallish traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation
- Walk with a light pack, with luggage transfers most days from accommodation to accommodation (please see Luggage Transfer section in General Info for details)
- Superb traditional multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner each day
- Itineraries can be flexible to shorten the walking or slow the trip down by adding more rest days
- Enjoy worry-free navigation with Stroll’s comprehensive walk notes
- On the ground support from local representatives
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
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.
GENERAL INFO
TRAVEL FROM TOKYO TO ENA
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.
HIGH SEASON
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
DEPARTING FROM YOKOKAWA OR KARUIZAWA TO TOKYO
At the end of your holiday, you will have details for travelling back to Tokyo from either Yokokawa Train Station or Karuizawa.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
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.
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS
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.
AVAILABILITY
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.
WEATHER
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.
INSURANCE
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.
INFORMATION PACK
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.
CONTACT
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
MAP
AT A GLANCE
7 DAYS
oderate
$ 1755
per person twin/double share
$ 110
per person
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
oderate PRICE FROM
$ 1755
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 110
per person
Overview
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.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The itinerary allows you to walk the Nakasendo with options to shorten some days if you wish
- Enjoy authentic Japanese dinners and breakfasts, served in elegant tatami mat settings, served at your traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation
- Walk pack free on well-graded ancient trails, with wondrous views, through old forest and bathe in onsens
Itinerary
DAY one
ARRIVE IN NAKATSUGAWA
Today is a travel day for you to make your way to the town of Nakatsugawa where the old post town (Nakatsugawa-juku) has been extensively restored. This is a great place to explore at leisure and includes a number of traditional shops (Japanese sweets, sake etc).
Accommodation: Nagataki
Meals: Traditional Japanese dinner
Situated in Nakatsugawa, within 12 km of Enakyo Wonderland.
Nagataki features accommodation with a garden and free WiFi. The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a wardrobe. The chef can adopt your meal if you don’t eat meat or fish.
DAY two
Nakatsugawa to Tsumago
Take a gentle walk through the outskirts of Nakatasugawa to the small post town of Ochiai-juku. From here we head up into the hills along the famous Ochiai-juku stone pavement to arrive at Shinchaya. Then easier walking along quiet country roads to the beautifully restored post-town of Magome-juku. Take some time here and explore! Then continue along rugged tracks through the forest over Magometoge Pass and down into the post town of Tsumago-juku. This town has also been wonderfully restored.
Shorter options for today’s walk:
Walk from Nakatsugawa to Magome (approx. 9 km), then catch bus to Tsumago.
Catch bus from Nakatsugawa to Magome and start the walk from there to Tsumago. (approx. 8.5 km)
Accommodation: Fujioto Ryokan
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 17km / 4½ – 5hr
Elevation: +846 / -745 m
The Fujihara family welcomes you to this traditional property set in the heart of Tsumago. Although the rooms are simple, and toilet and bath facilities communal, the bright spaces, central garden and convenient location in the village more than make up for this. The Fujihara family also makes you feel at home by sharing their passion and knowledge of the region.
DAY three
NAGISO TO NOJIRI
Today’s walk is all about outstanding nature and enjoying the stunning Japanese landscape. Walk along trails that follow running streams and dense forest, and through small villages enjoying the Japanese cultural experience and friendly locals. The main route of the Nakasendo between Nagiso (Midono-Juku) and Nojiri-juku lay along the Kiso River. However, this route was often blocked due to flooding and landslides. At such times, the alternative “Yogawa Route” over Nenouetoge Pass was used instead. This is the trail you will walk today which takes you across the hills and through mountain villages, visiting forests of tall cedars and striking deciduous trees. In autumn, this landscape is a blaze of colour.
Accommodation: Kisoji No-Yado Iwaya
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 16 km / 4½ – 5½ hr
Elevation: +1044 / -924
Set in Kiso, 41 km from Takato Joshi Park, Kisoji No-Yado Iwaya offers accommodation with free WiFi. Rooms are quiet, clean, spacious and with comfortable beds. The accommodation is very close to the old townscape of Fukushima-shuku and the ruins. They also offer a delicious Japanese breakfast.
DAY four
KAIDA PLATEAU
We take a break from the Nakasendo Way today to explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in hills north of Kiso-Fukushima. Head up into the hills via a quiet country road to visit the impressive Karasawa Waterfall. Continue along forest trails to Jizo Pass before a gentle descent to the Kaida Plateau. Enjoy easy walking through Kiso Horse Park following part of the old Hida Kaido Route. Either finish at the Tourist Information Centre nearby or continue via Shiroyama Observatory near Nishino Pass to finish your walk in the settlement of Nishino-Shimomukai.
Alternatively, if you want a quieter day, you might explore the town of Kiso-Fukushima itself. If you choose this option, there is a short walk to the Gongen Waterfall that starts on the far side of the Kiso River.
Accommodation: Kisoji No-Yado Iwaya
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 19km (or 11) / 5-6 hr
Elevation: +1782 / -1466
Set in Kiso, 41 km from Takato Joshi Park, Kisoji NoYado Iwaya offers accommodation with free WiFi. Rooms are quiet, clean, spacious and with comfortable beds. The accommodation is very close to the old townscape of Fukushima-shuku and the ruins. They also offer a delicious Japanese breakfast.
DAY five
YABUHARA TO NARAI VIA TORII PASS
A shorter walk today and our last outing in the beautiful Kiso Valley. From the post town of Yabuhara, follow the Nakasendo Way over the famous Torii Pass to the beautifully restored post town of Narai. To get to the start of the walk in Yabuhara, take the train from Kiso-Fukushima. At the end of the walk in Narai, take the train to Nagano, then transfer to the shinkansen (bullet train) to continue to Karuizawa for the night. Note that travel time from Narai to Karuizawa is approx. 2 ½ – 3 hr. You will need to factor this into your day.
Accommodation: Tsuruya Ryokan
Meals included: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 7 km / 2-3hr
Elevation: +507 / -500
End the week at this well maintained accommodation, Tsuruya Ryokan, a family-friendly ryokan that brings the best of Karuizawa-machi to your door. Spend a relaxing time at this accommodation with their very good onsen and enjoy a buffet breakfast with lots of fresh fruits.
DAY six
KARUIZAWA TO YOKOKAWA VIA USUI PASS
Now, far to the northeast of the Kiso Valley, we have one more opportunity to walk a section of the old Nakasendo Way. Today’s walk leaves Karuizawa on a delightful path that weaves its way up forested hillsides to Usui Pass. At the top of the pass, take in the grand mountain views from Miharashidai, enjoy a break at one of the teahouses nearby, or visit the Usui Pass Kumano Kotai Shrine. Note that there is a bus service between Karuizawa and Usui Pass. Beyond the pass, the gently undulating path leads over forested hills with an astounding display of colours in autumn, before a steep descent leads to Yokokawa. The last few km are gentle once more as you follow the historic rail trail that parallels the Old Usui Line. A spectacular finish to your Nakasendo walking holiday.
You have the option of finishing your walk at this point and making your way back to Tokyo. In this case please book the 6-day version of the Nakasendo Kaido Plateau trip. However, we recommend spending another night in a traditional ryokan in Karuizawa and finishing your holiday after breakfast tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Tsuruya Ryokan
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 16.5km / 4-5 hr
Elevation: +701 / -1253
End the week at this well maintained accommodation, Tsuruya Ryokan, a family-friendly ryokan that brings the best of Karuizawa-machi to your door. Spend a relaxing time at this accommodation with their very good onsen and enjoy a buffet breakfast with lots of fresh fruits.
DAY seven
Onward travel day (if you have chosen to stay an extra night in Karuizawa)
Your holiday finishes after another traditional Japanese breakfast served in your ryokan. Then you’re ready to make your journey back to Tokyo.
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast
What’s Included
- Explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in hills north of Kiso-Fukushima
- 6 nights stay in an intimate family-run or smallish traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation
- Walk with a light pack, with luggage transfers most days from accommodation to accommodation (please see Luggage Transfer section in General Info for details)
- Superb traditional multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner each day
- Itineraries can be flexible to shorten the walking or slow the trip down by adding more rest days
- Enjoy worry-free navigation with Stroll’s comprehensive walk notes
- On the ground support from local representatives
Accommodation & Dining
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.
General Info
TRAVEL FROM TOKYO TO ENA
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.
HIGH SEASON
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
DEPARTING FROM YOKOKAWA OR KARUIZAWA TO TOKYO
At the end of your holiday, you will have details for travelling back to Tokyo from either Yokokawa Train Station or Karuizawa.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
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.
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS
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.
AVAILABILITY
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.
WEATHER
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.
INSURANCE
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.
INFORMATION PACK
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.
CONTACT
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
ENQUIRE NOW
If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.