• SELF-GUIDED
  • 7 DAYS
  • Moderate
PRICE FROM £ 1,695 per person
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £ 235 per person

OVERVIEW

The Nakasendo Way, connects Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto via a mountainous inland route, featuring a network of 69 post towns spread along 540 km. The section through the Kiso Valley was known as the Kiso-ji or the Kiso Road, with its 11 post towns. The 27 km section that connects the four 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. Countless daimyo processions, including samurai, farmers, merchants, and others, travelled along the road during the Edo Period of the 1600s and beyond.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Experience the Kaido Plateau, one of the best walks in the region
  • An itinerary enabling you to walk the Nakasendo with options to shorten some days
  • Walk pack free on well-graded ancient trails, with wondrous views, through old forest and bathe in onsens
  • The stunning Kiso Valley and the famous Torii Pass
  • Incredible mountain views
  • Enjoy authentic Japanese dinners and breakfasts served in mostly elegant tatami mat settings, served at your traditional Japanese accommodations

AT A GLANCE

TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
PRICE FROM
£ 1695 per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
£ 235 per person

ITINERARY

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in hills north of Kiso-Fukushima
  • 6 nights stay in an intimate family-run or small traditional Japanese accommodation
  • Walk with a light pack, with luggage transfers (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 Minshuku or Ryokan-style accommodation. These Japanese guesthouses come in a number of styles ranging from traditional wooden structures to more modern hybrid hotels.

A Minshuku is a family-run accommodation that are often found in rural Japan. There is a fine line between a Minshuku and some smaller Ryokans, making it hard to distinguish between the two. Most Minshukus are very small, with only a few Japanese-style rooms, a bit like a Bed and Breakfast Japanese style. Staying at a Minshuku has its advantages, as it is a good chance to meet the local people and get right up close to the Japanese culture. The atmosphere is often like that of a home with traditional meals served much like at a Ryokan but with even more intimacy. Be prepared, as baths and toilets are often shared.

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 unavailable, we will book alternative accommodation at the same standard.

GENERAL INFO

TRAVEL TO NAKATSUGAWA

Tip – 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. Check the Japan Transit Planner website (https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/) for approximate travel times and pricing.

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.

TRAVEL FROM TOKYO TO NAGOYA

Take the Tokaido Line Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagoya.

Approx. travel time 1hr 45mins.

Tip – try to get a window seat on the right-hand side of the train for possible views of Mt Fuji on a clear day.

TRAVEL FROM OSAKA TO NAGOYA

Take the local train from Osaka to Shin-Osaka. Take the Tokaido Line Shinkansen bullet train from Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya. Approx. travel time 48mins.

TRAVEL FROM NAGOYA TO NAKATSUGAWA

On arrival in Nagoya, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa. The Rapid service stops less often than the Local service. Both are of the same price and stop in Nakatsugawa. Approx. travel time 1 ¼ hr. Cost (if no JR Rail Pass).

The free “Japan Direct” rail app is very useful. Enter your station of origin and destination and all services, travel times, and costs are displayed. There is also an option to select for routes when travelling “with Japan Rail Pass”, too.

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 daily however please note that on Day 4, your main luggage will be shipped in advance to your accommodation in Karuizawa. You will need to organise yourself accordingly and keep a few overnight things for your night in Kiso Fukushima. Your day pack should be sufficiently large to accommodate these items when walking.

Why can’t the luggage be transferred daily from Kiso Fukushima? Because we use a local courier service for all transfers between Nakatsugawa and Kiso Fukushima. However, outside of this region we must use a larger National courier service and they cannot provide same day service.

AVAILABILITY

Autumn and Spring are the best times to walk. Summer is good too, it can get warm but it is possible to take a swim as you walk. Winter can be a bit more challenging due to snow and less daylight hours but it is still possible. You will need snow gear. Please keep in mind 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

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    Details
  • 1 Mar 2024 - 30 Nov 2024
    AVAILABLE

    from £ 1695

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 235
  • 1 Mar 2025 - 30 Nov 2025
    AVAILABLE

    from £ 1765

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 245
  • 1 Mar 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
    AVAILABLE

    from £ 1835

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 255

sections

Overview

The Nakasendo Way, connects Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto via a mountainous inland route, featuring a network of 69 post towns spread along 540 km. The section through the Kiso Valley was known as the Kiso-ji or the Kiso Road, with its 11 post towns. The 27 km section that connects the four 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. Countless daimyo processions, including samurai, farmers, merchants, and others, travelled along the road during the Edo Period of the 1600s and beyond.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Experience the Kaido Plateau, one of the best walks in the region
  • An itinerary enabling you to walk the Nakasendo with options to shorten some days
  • Walk pack free on well-graded ancient trails, with wondrous views, through old forest and bathe in onsens
  • The stunning Kiso Valley and the famous Torii Pass
  • Incredible mountain views
  • Enjoy authentic Japanese dinners and breakfasts served in mostly elegant tatami mat settings, served at your traditional Japanese accommodations
Itinerary
What’s Included
  • Explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in hills north of Kiso-Fukushima
  • 6 nights stay in an intimate family-run or small traditional Japanese accommodation
  • Walk with a light pack, with luggage transfers (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 Minshuku or Ryokan-style accommodation. These Japanese guesthouses come in a number of styles ranging from traditional wooden structures to more modern hybrid hotels.

A Minshuku is a family-run accommodation that are often found in rural Japan. There is a fine line between a Minshuku and some smaller Ryokans, making it hard to distinguish between the two. Most Minshukus are very small, with only a few Japanese-style rooms, a bit like a Bed and Breakfast Japanese style. Staying at a Minshuku has its advantages, as it is a good chance to meet the local people and get right up close to the Japanese culture. The atmosphere is often like that of a home with traditional meals served much like at a Ryokan but with even more intimacy. Be prepared, as baths and toilets are often shared.

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 unavailable, we will book alternative accommodation at the same standard.

General Info

TRAVEL TO NAKATSUGAWA

Tip – 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. Check the Japan Transit Planner website (https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/) for approximate travel times and pricing.

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.

TRAVEL FROM TOKYO TO NAGOYA

Take the Tokaido Line Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagoya.

Approx. travel time 1hr 45mins.

Tip – try to get a window seat on the right-hand side of the train for possible views of Mt Fuji on a clear day.

TRAVEL FROM OSAKA TO NAGOYA

Take the local train from Osaka to Shin-Osaka. Take the Tokaido Line Shinkansen bullet train from Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya. Approx. travel time 48mins.

TRAVEL FROM NAGOYA TO NAKATSUGAWA

On arrival in Nagoya, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa. The Rapid service stops less often than the Local service. Both are of the same price and stop in Nakatsugawa. Approx. travel time 1 ¼ hr. Cost (if no JR Rail Pass).

The free “Japan Direct” rail app is very useful. Enter your station of origin and destination and all services, travel times, and costs are displayed. There is also an option to select for routes when travelling “with Japan Rail Pass”, too.

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 daily however please note that on Day 4, your main luggage will be shipped in advance to your accommodation in Karuizawa. You will need to organise yourself accordingly and keep a few overnight things for your night in Kiso Fukushima. Your day pack should be sufficiently large to accommodate these items when walking.

Why can’t the luggage be transferred daily from Kiso Fukushima? Because we use a local courier service for all transfers between Nakatsugawa and Kiso Fukushima. However, outside of this region we must use a larger National courier service and they cannot provide same day service.

AVAILABILITY

Autumn and Spring are the best times to walk. Summer is good too, it can get warm but it is possible to take a swim as you walk. Winter can be a bit more challenging due to snow and less daylight hours but it is still possible. You will need snow gear. Please keep in mind 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
Departure Dates
  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • Date
    1 Mar 2024 - 30 Nov 2024
    AVAILIBILITY
    AVAILABLE
    PRICE
    from £ 1695
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 235
    DETAILS
  • Date
    1 Mar 2025 - 30 Nov 2025
    AVAILIBILITY
    AVAILABLE
    PRICE
    from £ 1765
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 245
    DETAILS
  • Date
    1 Mar 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
    AVAILIBILITY
    AVAILABLE
    PRICE
    from £ 1835
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 255
    DETAILS

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.
May 16, 2024

The Sound of Marlborough

Read More
March 8, 2024

What’s the right Camino de Santiago route for me?

Read More
February 16, 2024

Larapinta Loonies – A poem by Stroller Michael Gibbs about walking the Larapinta Trail

Read More
January 24, 2024

Nakasendo Way Trail – by Sam Ludbey

Read More
June 22, 2022

Getting Fit for Hiking

Read More
June 22, 2022

Royal National Park – Garie Beach to Figure Eight Pools return

Read More
May 12, 2022

10 REASONS WHY WALKING IN NATURE HAS BECOME MORE POPULAR

Read More
March 1, 2022

POLE POSITION

Read More
February 18, 2022

Five Wonderful Reasons to Walk in Australia

Read More
February 16, 2022

Everything you need to know about hiking socks

Read More