Highlights

  • Walk village to village on the loveliest parts of the old Nakasendō Trail

  • Bathe in the thermal waters at a hot spring ryokan

  • Hike country trails and quiet rural roads, with some gentle ascents and descents

  • Visit the exquisitely preserved villages of Magome, Tsumago, and Narai

  • See beautifully crafted lacquerware in Kiso-Hirasawa

This 4-day itinerary along the Nakasendō Trail is a longer introduction to the best-preserved historic post towns of the Kiso Valley for those wishing to spend a longer amount of time on the trail. The hiking takes a mostly linear route, providing a sense of satisfaction, and is increasingly quiet and remote as you hike along the trail.

You’ll enjoy all the highlights of our shorter itinerary, visiting the charming, well-preserved post towns of Magome, Tsumago, and Narai. You’ll also enjoy overnights in traditional inns and the opportunity to bathe in soothing hot springs, known as onsen.

Upon arriving in Narai, you’ll see the many woodcrafts produced in this proud mountain community. You'll also be able to enjoy the gentle route to the neighbouring village of Kiso-Hirasawa, a town famous for its 400-year-old lacquerware tradition. There are still craftspeople today creating traditional lacquerware pieces, and a younger generation finding new innovative ways to reinvent the tradition. Take some time to explore the town before moving on.

This tour is also family friendly with accessible hiking suitable for both the novice and enthusiast alike. Take the time to discover a side of Japan unlike any other, with its own traditions.

You’re supported by our team in Kyōto, our local Tsumago office and guided by our bespoke turn-by-turn walking instructions and detailed maps, created by our team of hikers for you.

What is included

  • 3 nights at Japanese inns along the Nakasendo Trail
  • 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Train tickets from Kyoto or Tokyo to the trail and from the trail to Kyoto or to Tokyo
  • Train tickets for intermediate journeys on the Nakasendo Trail
  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
  • Topographical maps
  • Local support by telephone
  • Our Preparing for your trip and travelling in Japan Guidebooks

What is not included

  • Flights

  • Airport transfers

  • Drinks and meals not included in itinerary

  • Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver

  • Single room supplement(s) if required

  • Daily Luggage Transfer

Nakasendo self-guided walking 4 days

(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)

Day 1　Hike from Magome to Tsumago

We supply train tickets for your journey from Kyoto or from Tokyo to Nakatsugawa, including a ride on the world-famous Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nagoya. At Nakatsugawa, you board a local bus for the short journey to Magome. Walk over Magome Pass to Tsumago, one of the best-preserved and most evocative of the Nakasendo post-towns. Spend the night at a family-run Minshuku in Tsumago or the nearby hamlet of O-Tsumago, with a delicious home-cooked Japanese dinner and breakfast included. After dinner, enjoy a stroll through the village streets in the magical quiet of the evening, wearing the yukata gown supplied by your inn.

Walking distance: 8.3km / 5.2 mi

Elevation gain: 326m / 1,069 feet of ascent and 430m / 1,410 feet of descent

Time required: About 3 hours

Accommodation: Minshuku (Family-run Guesthouse)

Meals: Dinner

Day 2　Hike from Tsumago to Nojiri

The longest day on the trail is a beautiful and varied hike from Tsumago to Nojiri. Or choose the shorter alternative to Nagiso instead. The trail travels through small valleys and past forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar, through some of the least-developed scenery on the tour. Continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima. Stay at a lovely hot-spring Ryokan set in a peaceful valley above the town. Complimentary transfer from the station is provided by the Ryokan. The Ryokan has lovely indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths.

Walking distance: 18.4km/ 11.5 mi

Elevation gain: 723m / 2,275 feet of ascent and 644m / 2,112 feet of descent
Time required: About 6 hours

We offer a shorter alternative of 1 hour (3.7km / 2.3 mi). You can choose which option you prefer on the day – no need to decide in advance!

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) or onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3　Hike from Yabuhara to Narai and on to Kiso-Hirawasa

We supply train tickets for the short journey from Kiso-Fukushima to Yabuhara, the starting point for the hike over the Torii-tōge Pass to Narai. Explore this atmospheric village before you continue on today’s journey to the small town of Kiso-Hirasawa, famous for its lacquerware. There are many small shops selling beautifully crafted tableware and furniture. From Kiso-Hirasawa, transfer by train to the castle town of Matsumoto; you’ll stay in the city area tonight. Your hosts will serve a home-cooked Japanese dinner and breakfast.

Walking distance: 8.7 km / 5.5 mi
Elevation gain: 344m / 1,128 feet of ascent and 270m / 885 feet of descent
Time required: About 4 hours

Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Sightseeing in Matsumoto and onward journey to Kyoto or to Tokyo

After breakfast, you will have time dedicated to sightseeing around Matsumoto. Highly recommended is a visit to Matsumoto Castle, one of only 12 castles in Japan that has retained its original interior and exterior structures. When you are finished in Matsumoto, you will board a train from Matsumoto Station for your onward journey to Kyōto or Tōkyō.

Meals: Breakfast

Map:

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Evening view of the historic post town Tsumago on the Nakasendo Trail, with traditional wooden buildings glowing under lantern light and visitors strolling through the peaceful mountain village
Matsumoto Castle in Nagano, Japan — a well-preserved original samurai-era fortress with black wooden walls, surrounded by a moat and scenic mountain views
Scenic forest trail on the historic Nakasendo route from Magome to Tsumago, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful mountain atmosphere























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