30 years' experience providing walking holidays worldwide
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SELF-GUIDED
6 DAYS
Moderate
The Nakasendo Way connects Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto via a 540 km trail through the stunning Japanese countryside and via authentic Japanese towns. The whole mountainous inland route traverses 69 post towns spread along the trail. Walk the most beautiful section via the Kiso Valley, also known as the Kiso-ji or the Kiso Road. The 27 km section that connects the four southernmost towns has become a very popular hiking trail in recent years. We include this section plus a lot more.
The Kiso-ji is a hilly path of ancient stone pavements and dirt trails that will lead you through landscapes alive with seasonal flowers, crystal clear waterways, and old endemic forests. The trail was used by samurai, farmers, merchants, and the public during the during the Edo Period of the 1600s and beyond. Its primary use now is for walkers to immerse themselves in real Japan.
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 (eg Japanese sweets, sake etc).
Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Nakatsugawa
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 a bus to Tsumago.
Catch the bus from Nakatsugawa to Magome and start the walk from there to Tsumago. (approx. 8.5 km)
Total distance: 17 km
Approx. time: 4 ½ – 5 hr
Ascent: 846 m
Descent: 745 m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Tsumago
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.
Total distance: 16 km
Approx. time: 4 ½ – 5 ½ hr
Ascent: 1044 m
Descent: 925 m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Kiso Fukushima
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 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.
Total distance: 7 km
Approx. time: 2 – 3 hr
Ascent: 507 m
Descent: 500 m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
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 astounding display autumn colours in season, 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 5-day Nakasendo Highlights trip. However, we strongly recommend spending another night in a traditional ryokan in Karuizawa and finishing your holiday after breakfast tomorrow morning.
Total distance: 16.5 km
Approx. time: 4 – 5 hr
Ascent: 701 m
Descent: 1253 m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
Your holiday finishes after another traditional Japanese breakfast served in your accommodation. Then you’re ready to make your journey back to Tokyo.
Meals included: Breakfast
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
At the end of your holiday, you will have details for travelling back to Tokyo from either Yokokawa Train Station or Karuizawa.
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.
This walk has the luggage transferred daily however please note that on Day 3, 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.
Please see below a table outlining when your luggage will be available:
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.
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 outside onsen 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.
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.
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.
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
The Nakasendo Way connects Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto via a 540 km trail through the stunning Japanese countryside and via authentic Japanese towns. The whole mountainous inland route traverses 69 post towns spread along the trail. Walk the most beautiful section via the Kiso Valley, also known as the Kiso-ji or the Kiso Road. The 27 km section that connects the four southernmost towns has become a very popular hiking trail in recent years. We include this section plus a lot more.
The Kiso-ji is a hilly path of ancient stone pavements and dirt trails that will lead you through landscapes alive with seasonal flowers, crystal clear waterways, and old endemic forests. The trail was used by samurai, farmers, merchants, and the public during the during the Edo Period of the 1600s and beyond. Its primary use now is for walkers to immerse themselves in real Japan.
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 (eg Japanese sweets, sake etc).
Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Nakatsugawa
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 a bus to Tsumago.
Catch the bus from Nakatsugawa to Magome and start the walk from there to Tsumago. (approx. 8.5 km)
Total distance: 17 km
Approx. time: 4 ½ – 5 hr
Ascent: 846 m
Descent: 745 m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Tsumago
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.
Total distance: 16 km
Approx. time: 4 ½ – 5 ½ hr
Ascent: 1044 m
Descent: 925 m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Kiso Fukushima
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 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.
Total distance: 7 km
Approx. time: 2 – 3 hr
Ascent: 507 m
Descent: 500 m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
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 astounding display autumn colours in season, 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 5-day Nakasendo Highlights trip. However, we strongly recommend spending another night in a traditional ryokan in Karuizawa and finishing your holiday after breakfast tomorrow morning.
Total distance: 16.5 km
Approx. time: 4 – 5 hr
Ascent: 701 m
Descent: 1253 m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Small family-run Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel in Karuizawa
Your holiday finishes after another traditional Japanese breakfast served in your accommodation. Then you’re ready to make your journey back to Tokyo.
Meals included: Breakfast
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
At the end of your holiday, you will have details for travelling back to Tokyo from either Yokokawa Train Station or Karuizawa.
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.
This walk has the luggage transferred daily however please note that on Day 3, 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.
Please see below a table outlining when your luggage will be available:
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.
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 outside onsen 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.
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.
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.
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
The total 6 day experience was fantastic. The beautiful scenery, the historic villages, the wonderful variety of accomodation & food experiences and the many recommendations & explanations in your notes made every day very very fulfilling & enjoyable.
Each of the days’ walk had its own highlight, so I think they were well chosen to give us a great intro to the trail. I loved the combination of hotels we had – the first night at Hanasarasa (traditional dinner and breakfast banquets were amazing, as was the hotel onsen), Hanaya for something more traditional ryokan, Iwaya as something in-between the two, and the super-mod Twin Line at the end for some luxury – the dinner there was another super treat.
I loved it all!! The last day was a challenge, our friends only did the uphill, which was wise for them as the downhill to Yokokawa was muddy and tricky. But still great!! Also would definitely recommend people bring walking poles if they have them. It was all in all a fantastic walk, well organised to get the best of the trail.
Hiking the Nakasendo trail made for a great holiday, especially after the frenetic atmosphere of Tokyo. Could not fault the organisation of Stroll.
The Nakasendo walk was by far the highlight of my autumn trip to Japan. The trail itself is absolutely gorgeous in late autumn with the maple leaves turning red and behind the scenes, Stroll provided everything I needed, including some lovely choices of accommodation, to enjoy this amazing experience. My only complaint is now I absolutely have to see more!
The dept point was very convenient – easy to follow basic directions provided. Seamless walk, we didn’t have any issues. All the accommodation was wonderful, lovely hosts and meals. The combined notes plus the app were very comprehensive. The only suggestions would be to combine the public transport, accommodation and walking notes into one document / app. At times it was tricky to have to have all three documents out to plan the day. For two of the stays on the days with the longer walks, we did not get any time to explore the beautiful towns we were staying in. This may have been because of the weather / time of year (ie it rained for whole day which meant we just got to the accommodation before dark and did not have time next morning to explore).
Robert K
The total 6 day experience was fantastic. The beautiful scenery, the historic villages, the wonderful variety of accomodation & food experiences and the many recommendations & explanations in your notes made every day very very fulfilling & enjoyable.
Susan M
Each of the days’ walk had its own highlight, so I think they were well chosen to give us a great intro to the trail. I loved the combination of hotels we had – the first night at Hanasarasa (traditional dinner and breakfast banquets were amazing, as was the hotel onsen), Hanaya for something more traditional ryokan, Iwaya as something in-between the two, and the super-mod Twin Line at the end for some luxury – the dinner there was another super treat.
I loved it all!! The last day was a challenge, our friends only did the uphill, which was wise for them as the downhill to Yokokawa was muddy and tricky. But still great!! Also would definitely recommend people bring walking poles if they have them. It was all in all a fantastic walk, well organised to get the best of the trail.
George T
Hiking the Nakasendo trail made for a great holiday, especially after the frenetic atmosphere of Tokyo. Could not fault the organisation of Stroll.
Cody R
The Nakasendo walk was by far the highlight of my autumn trip to Japan. The trail itself is absolutely gorgeous in late autumn with the maple leaves turning red and behind the scenes, Stroll provided everything I needed, including some lovely choices of accommodation, to enjoy this amazing experience. My only complaint is now I absolutely have to see more!
Meredith J
The dept point was very convenient – easy to follow basic directions provided. Seamless walk, we didn’t have any issues. All the accommodation was wonderful, lovely hosts and meals. The combined notes plus the app were very comprehensive. The only suggestions would be to combine the public transport, accommodation and walking notes into one document / app. At times it was tricky to have to have all three documents out to plan the day. For two of the stays on the days with the longer walks, we did not get any time to explore the beautiful towns we were staying in. This may have been because of the weather / time of year (ie it rained for whole day which meant we just got to the accommodation before dark and did not have time next morning to explore).