30 years' experience providing walking holidays worldwide
Established by 30 years' experience providing walking holidays worldwide
30 years' experience providing walking holidays worldwide
Read More Reviews
Bravo!
Auswalk Walking Holiday rated "excellent" by232 travellers
-
SELF-GUIDED
-
8 DAYS
-
Moderate
PRICE FROM
£ 1,885 per person
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
£ 270 per person
WALK MENU
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
The 500km long Nakasendo trail (literally meaning the ‘Middle Mountain Way’) has become one of Japan’s most famous and popular hiking routes. 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, wedged between the sacred mountain of Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake.
The walk was developed in the Edo period (1603-1868) and was used by feudal lords, samurai and merchants to provide access between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). There are 69 ‘post towns’ or resting places en route, where you can stay in traditional ryokan inns and bathe in hot springs. The itinerary allows you to walk the Nakasendo with options to shorten some days if you wish.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Walk pack free on well-graded ancient trails, with superb views, through beautiful Japanese forest
- Experience historically significant post towns
- Soak up Japanese culture, passing rice paddies, Japanese gardens and traditional shops
- Pass through iconic Japanese red torii gates
- Visit the impressive Karasawa waterfall
- 7 nights accommodation in a family-run or small traditional Japanese Minshuku or Ryokan, some with onsens
- Daily Japanese breakfasts and dinners mostly served in elegant tatami mat settings
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: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Ena
Meals: Traditional Japanese dinner
DAY two
ENA TO NAKATSUGAWA
We start this expedition with an easy day. Walk through small towns and pass 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 the walking day. There are a number of traditional shops including Japanese sweet or sake shops where you can sample the produce.
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Nakatsugawa
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 12.5km / 3½ – 4 hr
Elevation: +223 / -188
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 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: 17km (or 9km) / 4 ½ – 6 hr
Elevation: +633 / -529
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: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 16km / 4½ – 5½ hr
Elevation: +654 / -533 m
DAY five
KAIDA PLATEAU
We believe today’s walk is one of the best on the whole trip and is 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: 19 km (or 11km) / 5-6 hr
Elevation: +910 / -594 m
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 to continue to Karuizawa.
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 7km / 2 – 3 hr
Elevation: +355 / -317 m
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 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; if so please book the 7-day Nakasendo Way walk. Alternatively, we recommend spending another night in a traditional ryokan in Karuizawa and finishing your holiday after breakfast tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 16.5 km / 4 – 5 hr
Elevation: +325 / -883 m
DAY eight
ONWARD TRAVEL DAY
You have the option of finishing this walk the day before and making your way back to Tokyo on the train. We highly recommend finishing the walk with a relaxing stay in Karuizawa and waking up refreshed ready to take on the travel back to Tokyo. This is the day that is not included on the 7 day Nakasendo Way walk.
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 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)
- 7 nights stay in an intimate family-run or smallish traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation
- 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 more like a bed and breakfast with just say 2 to 4 rooms. They 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. You will need to know 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 TO ENA
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 ENA
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 hr. Cost (if no JR Rail Pass) approx. AUD$10.
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 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 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 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
DEPARTURE DATES
-
DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESingle OccupancyDetails
-
1 Mar 2024 - 30 Nov 2024AVAILABLE
from £ 1885
SINGLE OCCUPANCY£ 270FOR HIGH SEASON CHARGES SEE GENERAL INFO.
-
1 Mar 2025 - 30 Nov 2025AVAILABLE
from £ 1980
SINGLE OCCUPANCY£ 280FOR HIGH SEASON CHARGES SEE GENERAL INFO.
-
1 Mar 2026 - 30 Nov 2026AVAILABLE
from £ 2090
SINGLE OCCUPANCY£ 295FOR HIGH SEASON CHARGES SEE GENERAL INFO.
sections
Overview
The 500km long Nakasendo trail (literally meaning the ‘Middle Mountain Way’) has become one of Japan’s most famous and popular hiking routes. 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, wedged between the sacred mountain of Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake.
The walk was developed in the Edo period (1603-1868) and was used by feudal lords, samurai and merchants to provide access between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). There are 69 ‘post towns’ or resting places en route, where you can stay in traditional ryokan inns and bathe in hot springs. The itinerary allows you to walk the Nakasendo with options to shorten some days if you wish.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Walk pack free on well-graded ancient trails, with superb views, through beautiful Japanese forest
- Experience historically significant post towns
- Soak up Japanese culture, passing rice paddies, Japanese gardens and traditional shops
- Pass through iconic Japanese red torii gates
- Visit the impressive Karasawa waterfall
- 7 nights accommodation in a family-run or small traditional Japanese Minshuku or Ryokan, some with onsens
- Daily Japanese breakfasts and dinners mostly served in elegant tatami mat settings
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: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Ena
Meals: Traditional Japanese dinner
DAY two
ENA TO NAKATSUGAWA
We start this expedition with an easy day. Walk through small towns and pass 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 the walking day. There are a number of traditional shops including Japanese sweet or sake shops where you can sample the produce.
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Nakatsugawa
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 12.5km / 3½ – 4 hr
Elevation: +223 / -188
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 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: 17km (or 9km) / 4 ½ – 6 hr
Elevation: +633 / -529
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: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 16km / 4½ – 5½ hr
Elevation: +654 / -533 m
DAY five
KAIDA PLATEAU
We believe today’s walk is one of the best on the whole trip and is 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: 19 km (or 11km) / 5-6 hr
Elevation: +910 / -594 m
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 to continue to Karuizawa.
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 7km / 2 – 3 hr
Elevation: +355 / -317 m
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 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; if so please book the 7-day Nakasendo Way walk. Alternatively, we recommend spending another night in a traditional ryokan in Karuizawa and finishing your holiday after breakfast tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: 16.5 km / 4 – 5 hr
Elevation: +325 / -883 m
DAY eight
ONWARD TRAVEL DAY
You have the option of finishing this walk the day before and making your way back to Tokyo on the train. We highly recommend finishing the walk with a relaxing stay in Karuizawa and waking up refreshed ready to take on the travel back to Tokyo. This is the day that is not included on the 7 day Nakasendo Way walk.
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast
What’s Included
- 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)
- 7 nights stay in an intimate family-run or smallish traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation
- 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 more like a bed and breakfast with just say 2 to 4 rooms. They 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. You will need to know 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 NAGOYA
TRAVEL FROM OSAKA TO NAGOYA
TRAVEL TO ENA
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 ENA
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 hr. Cost (if no JR Rail Pass) approx. AUD$10.
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 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 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 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
Departure Dates
-
DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESingle OccupancyDETAILS
-
Date1 Mar 2024 - 30 Nov 2024AVAILIBILITYAVAILABLEPRICEfrom £ 1885SINGLE OCCUPANCY£ 270DETAILS
FOR HIGH SEASON CHARGES SEE GENERAL INFO.
-
Date1 Mar 2025 - 30 Nov 2025AVAILIBILITYAVAILABLEPRICEfrom £ 1980SINGLE OCCUPANCY£ 280DETAILS
FOR HIGH SEASON CHARGES SEE GENERAL INFO.
-
Date1 Mar 2026 - 30 Nov 2026AVAILIBILITYAVAILABLEPRICEfrom £ 2090SINGLE OCCUPANCY£ 295DETAILS
FOR HIGH SEASON CHARGES SEE GENERAL INFO.
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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.