OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
The 500km long Nakasendo trail (literally meaning the Middle Mountain Way), has become one of Japan’s most famous hiking routes because of its breathtaking scenery. The walk makes its way over ancient paved paths, through well preserved authentic Japanese towns, via cypress and cedar forest and peaceful rural Japanese scenery. Shrines and waterfalls dot the landscape as you make your way through the Kiso Valley that’s wedged between the sacred mountain of Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake.
The walk has 69 ‘post towns’ or resting places en route (you stay in the most beautiful of the post towns), where you can stay in traditional ryokan inns and bathe in onsens. The itinerary allows you to walk the Nakasendo with options to shorten some days if you wish.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 6 nights accommodation in intimate mostly family-owned Ryokans, Japanese guesthouses or inns
- Traditional Japanese breakfasts and dinners with an emphasis on real Japanese food served in elegant tatami mat settings
- Walk pack free on well-graded ancient trails, with superb views, through Japanese forest and bathe in onsens
AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
PRICE FROM
$ 1755
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 145
per personITINERARY
DAY one
Arrive in Ena
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: Enakyo Grand Hotel
Meals: Traditional Japanese dinner
Close to some of Ena’s most popular landmarks, such as Atago Shrine and Fuji Sengen Shrine, Enakyo Grand Hotel is a great destination for tourists. It has a good onsen with magnificent views of Enakyo gorge, the prefectural natural parks. After soaking up with the natural hot springs, you can enjoy the delicious seasonal dinner.
DAY two
ENA TO NAKATSUGAWA
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: Nagataki
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 12.5 km / 3½ – 4hr
Elevation: +271 / 241 m
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 adapt your meal if you don’t eat meat or fish.
DAY three
Nakatsugawa to Tsumago
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: Fujioto Ryokan
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 17 or 19km / 4½ – 6hr
Elevation: +846 / -745
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 make you feel at home by sharing their passion and knowledge of the region.
DAY four
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 / -925
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 five
KAIDA PLATEAU
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: Kisoji No-Yado Iwaya
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 11 or 19 km / 5 – 6hr
Elevation: +1782 / -1466
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 six
YABUHARA TO NARAI VIA TORII PASS
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: Tsuruya Ryokan
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 7km / 2 – 3 hr
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 seven
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 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: +701 / -1253
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 6 nights stay in an intimate family-run or smallish traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation
- Explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in hills north of Kiso-Fukushima
- 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
One of the highlights of this trip is staying each night in an excellent Ryokan or Minshuku.
Ryokans are what we would call a guesthouse and they are often quite different both in style and size.The rooms are in a Japanese style with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping on. The larger Ryokan style hotels rooms may have actual beds but not always. Note that the rooms may or may not have ensuites.
The Onsen or bathing area is central to the experience of staying at Ryokan. The Onsens are usually communal and separated by gender.
The Japanese dinners and breakfast are much more elaborate affairs then what we are used to in the west. Almost always a traditional Kaiseki set meal is offered. There are options of eating from a buffet at the larger Ryokans.
A Minshuka is a family-run accommodation are more like a bed and breakfast with just say 2 to 4 rooms. The are very common in rural Japan and only usually frequented by Japanese people. The advantage of staying at a Minshuku is that you get to meet the local people and enjoy the Japanese culture at a much deeper level. The atmosphere at a Minshuka is more like that of staying in someone’s home with traditional meals served in a more intimate fashion. Note that baths and toilets are often shared.
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.
On arrival in Nagoya, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) from Nagoya to Ena. The Rapid service stops less often than the Local service. Both are of the same price and stop in Ena. Approx. travel time 1 ¼ hr. Cost (if no JR Rail Pass) approx. YEN 1,000.
See Japan Rail Map for additional details.
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.
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. 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
We can offer this walk all year round but it can get quite cold in the depths of winter through late November to February. Snow gear will be necessary and there may be a problem trying to get accommodation.
WEATHER
From the end of March, the temperature increases to make it a very pleasant time to walk. In summer it’s quite warm and humid in Japan but still good for taking on the trail. There is also more of an opportunity to take a swim in a stream. Autumn is said to be a very good time to walk the trail
The walk is offered in winter but not recommended as many of the accommodations close and it may snow. If you do walk at this time you will need proper winter walking gear.
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
$ 145
per person
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
oderate PRICE FROM
$ 1755
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 145
per person
Overview
The 500km long Nakasendo trail (literally meaning the Middle Mountain Way), has become one of Japan’s most famous hiking routes because of its breathtaking scenery. The walk makes its way over ancient paved paths, through well preserved authentic Japanese towns, via cypress and cedar forest and peaceful rural Japanese scenery. Shrines and waterfalls dot the landscape as you make your way through the Kiso Valley that’s wedged between the sacred mountain of Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake.
The walk has 69 ‘post towns’ or resting places en route (you stay in the most beautiful of the post towns), where you can stay in traditional ryokan inns and bathe in onsens. The itinerary allows you to walk the Nakasendo with options to shorten some days if you wish.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 6 nights accommodation in intimate mostly family-owned Ryokans, Japanese guesthouses or inns
- Traditional Japanese breakfasts and dinners with an emphasis on real Japanese food served in elegant tatami mat settings
- Walk pack free on well-graded ancient trails, with superb views, through Japanese forest and bathe in onsens
Itinerary
DAY one
Arrive in Ena
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: Enakyo Grand Hotel
Meals: Traditional Japanese dinner
Close to some of Ena’s most popular landmarks, such as Atago Shrine and Fuji Sengen Shrine, Enakyo Grand Hotel is a great destination for tourists. It has a good onsen with magnificent views of Enakyo gorge, the prefectural natural parks. After soaking up with the natural hot springs, you can enjoy the delicious seasonal dinner.
DAY two
ENA TO NAKATSUGAWA
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: Nagataki
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 12.5 km / 3½ – 4hr
Elevation: +271 / 241 m
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 adapt your meal if you don’t eat meat or fish.
DAY three
Nakatsugawa to Tsumago
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: Fujioto Ryokan
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 17 or 19km / 4½ – 6hr
Elevation: +846 / -745
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 make you feel at home by sharing their passion and knowledge of the region.
DAY four
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 / -925
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 five
KAIDA PLATEAU
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: Kisoji No-Yado Iwaya
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 11 or 19 km / 5 – 6hr
Elevation: +1782 / -1466
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 six
YABUHARA TO NARAI VIA TORII PASS
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: Tsuruya Ryokan
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 7km / 2 – 3 hr
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 seven
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 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: +701 / -1253
What’s Included
- 6 nights stay in an intimate family-run or smallish traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation
- Explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in hills north of Kiso-Fukushima
- 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
One of the highlights of this trip is staying each night in an excellent Ryokan or Minshuku.
Ryokans are what we would call a guesthouse and they are often quite different both in style and size.The rooms are in a Japanese style with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping on. The larger Ryokan style hotels rooms may have actual beds but not always. Note that the rooms may or may not have ensuites.
The Onsen or bathing area is central to the experience of staying at Ryokan. The Onsens are usually communal and separated by gender.
The Japanese dinners and breakfast are much more elaborate affairs then what we are used to in the west. Almost always a traditional Kaiseki set meal is offered. There are options of eating from a buffet at the larger Ryokans.
A Minshuka is a family-run accommodation are more like a bed and breakfast with just say 2 to 4 rooms. The are very common in rural Japan and only usually frequented by Japanese people. The advantage of staying at a Minshuku is that you get to meet the local people and enjoy the Japanese culture at a much deeper level. The atmosphere at a Minshuka is more like that of staying in someone’s home with traditional meals served in a more intimate fashion. Note that baths and toilets are often shared.
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.
On arrival in Nagoya, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) from Nagoya to Ena. The Rapid service stops less often than the Local service. Both are of the same price and stop in Ena. Approx. travel time 1 ¼ hr. Cost (if no JR Rail Pass) approx. YEN 1,000.
See Japan Rail Map for additional details.
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.
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. 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
We can offer this walk all year round but it can get quite cold in the depths of winter through late November to February. Snow gear will be necessary and there may be a problem trying to get accommodation.
WEATHER
From the end of March, the temperature increases to make it a very pleasant time to walk. In summer it’s quite warm and humid in Japan but still good for taking on the trail. There is also more of an opportunity to take a swim in a stream. Autumn is said to be a very good time to walk the trail
The walk is offered in winter but not recommended as many of the accommodations close and it may snow. If you do walk at this time you will need proper winter walking gear.
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.