Ena (formerly known as Oi-juku) was one of the post towns of the Nakasendo Way. Oi-juku was the 46th station from Tokyo. In 1834, there were still 41 guesthouses here. Visit the Hiroshige Museum, a great regional museum with a focus on Japanese wood block prints, especially scenes from the Nakasendo Way by Hiroshige Utagawa and other artists inspired by their travels through the Kiso Valley.

Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Ena
Meals: Traditional Japanese dinner

We start this expedition with what looks like an easy day. Walk through small towns, passing rice paddies and Japanese gardens along the way, soaking up Japanese culture as you go.  Once you get to Nakatsugawa, post town number 45, there is the opportunity to explore the old town, its traditional buildings and the Naegi Castle ruins (note this will add a fair few kilometres to your walk!). There are a number of traditional shops, like Japanese sweets or sake shops, where you can sample the local specialities.

Accommodation:Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Nakatsugawa
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 12.5 km / 3½ – 4hr
Elevation: +223 / 188 m

From Nakatsugawa as you walk out of town you pass a set of iconic Japanese red torii gates that you will also find on the Kumano Kodo. There is a little bit of elevation and descent today on the Nakasendo trail, particularly before Ochiai, but it’s worth it having walked over the ancient cobblestone path and then arriving at the stunning little town of  Magome   This town, number 43 of the 69 post towns, is said to be one of the major highlights of the Nakasendo Way.  There is time to take a stroll and explore the many beautiful small shops in the main street.

From Magome, the Nakasendo Way begins to climb up to the Magome Pass at 800m above sea level. The trail makes its way via woodland and not far from the Odaki-Medaki waterfalls, past rice paddies and through the old village of O-tsumago. The walk ends at the gorgeous village of Tsumago with its long rows of traditional Japanese wooden houses, town number 42 of the 69 post towns.

Accommodation:Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Tsumago
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 17 or 19km / 4½ – 6hr
Elevation: +633 / -529

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: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Kiso Fukushima
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 16 km / 4½ – 5½ hr
Elevation: +654 / -533

We believe today’s walk is one of the best on the whole trip and not to be missed. We take a break from the Nakasendo Way today to explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in the hills north of Kiso-Fukushima. Head up into the hills via a quiet country road to visit the impressive Karasawa Waterfall. Continue along the 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 the 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, note that there is a short walk to the Gongen Waterfall.

Accommodation:Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Kiso Fukushima
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 11 or 19 km /  5 – 6hr
Elevation: +910 / -594

Today’s shorter walk is your 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.

Accommodation:  Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Kiso Fukushima
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 7km / 2 – 3 hr
Elevation: +355 / -317

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 run parallels to the Old Usui Line. A spectacular finish to your Nakasendo walking holiday.

With this trip option, you have finished your walk and at this point, you will make your way back to Tokyo. Alternatively, we do recommend spending another night in a traditional ryokan in Karuizawa and finishing your holiday after breakfast tomorrow morning. Please book the 8-day Nakasendo Way walk if you would prefer this option.

Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast
Walking: 16.5km / 4-5hr
Elevation: +325 / -883