Hike two distinct sections of the Nakasendō: the Mino Road and the Kiso Road
Hike through beautiful broadleaf and coniferous forests along quiet, rural trails
Visit exquisitely preserved post-towns, including Tsumago, Magome, and Narai.
See Edo-period monuments and statues, as well as the impressive Matsumoto Castle.
Explore the lesser-known post-towns of Ōi and Ōkute
The entire Nakasendō Trail spans over 500 kilometres between Kyōto and Tōkyo, with 69 post-towns dotting the route. This was the lifeline between the two capitals during the Edo period (1603–1868), and was the main route for hundreds of daimyō caravans every year.
Starting farther west than the Kiso section – which our classic Nakasendō tours follow – and ultimately joining it, our Minoji tour takes you through the former Mino Province, which is home to the beautifully preserved post-towns of Ōi and Ōkute, before continuing onto the Kiso section. As you walk, the landscape around you changes, illustrating just how diverse a journey undertaking the ‘Road through the Central Mountains’ really is.
Mino Province, in present-day Gifu Prefecture, has a history of pottery dating back 1,300 years, and Mino ware still accounts for 60% of the tableware market share in Japan. Though this region’s post-towns are more remote than the ones in the Kiso Valley, the towns nestled in these mountains were extremely prosperous during the Edo period, and so important strategically that the shōgun even made sure that they were well-defended.
The Mino Road section of the Nakasendō is characterised by broad-leaf forests and mountain ridges. Natural highlights of the areas include Oni-iwa Park, a walk with large granite boulders, and the Biwa-tōge Pass, which contains one of Japan’s longest ishidatami stone-paved paths. Coniferous forests join the local flora as you pass into the Kiso Valley along your journey.
You will travel from the Mino-area post-towns of Ōkute and Ōi in the mountains to the post-town of Magome, perched on a steep slope, and then further to Tsumago, one of the best-preserved Nakasendō post towns and the location of our Nakasendō branch office. You will then journey further to Narai, one of the most prosperous post-towns of its time, before arriving in the city of Matsumoto, whose castle has remained preserved since the 17th century.
Walk the Nakasendō as the daimyō of centuries past did – through winding mountain paths, from post-towns all the way to an impressive castle town.
Travellers walking with Oku Japan will have the chance to enjoy our fureai experiences. These are meant to bring our guests together with members of communities and create small, meaningful interactions. Your itinerary outlines the fureai points and tells you about the local business owners, residents, and other community members you can meet. You’ll also receive a little token of appreciation when you visit the fureai places.
You’re supported by our team in Kyōto, our local Tsumago office, and our turn-by-turn walking instructions and detailed maps to guide you on your way.
(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)
This morning, take a taxi to the start of your walk. Oni-iwa Park is known for its massive granite boulders that line the river. After enjoying this loop walk, you may wish to relax at a nearby café, before heading to your accommodation this evening.
Walking distance: 1.5 km / 0.9 mi
Elevation gain: 140 m / 460 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: About 2 hours
Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn)
Meals: Dinner
You start today’s walk from Biwa-tōge Pass. The path here is largely covered with beautiful cobblestones and features many historical landmarks. After reaching the well-preserved post town of Ōkute, take some time to explore before heading on.
Next, you head onward to Jūsan-tōge Pass, which was said to be one of the most challenging sections of the Nakasendō. ‘Jūsan-tōge’ means ‘13 passes’, a name that hints at the many ups and downs found on this section. Along the pass, you will find many stone Buddhas and other monuments. There are also perfectly preserved ichiri-zuka, Edo-period distance markers.
You finish today in the post town of Ōi (now part of the modern-day city of Ena). Ōi was a strategically important post-town, and thus was built with several square masugata structures that served to slow the advance of any invading army. Of the 16 Mino post-towns, this was the most prosperous.
Walking distance: 9.6 km / 6 mi
Elevation gain: 200 m / 655 ft of ascent and 385 m / 1,265 ft of descent
Time required: About 4 hours
We offer a longer alternative of 7 hours (16.6 km / 10.3 mi). You can choose which option you prefer on the day – no need to decide in advance!
Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or minshuku (family-run guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
From Ena Station, travel by train and then by bus to the post-town of Magome, which sits on top of a steep slope. Take in the views – including that of Mount Ena – before beginning your walk to Tsumago.
Travel over Magome-tōge Pass, stopping at the volunteer-run tea house for a rest and a free cup of tea. Pass sights such as Odaki and Medaki, the male and female waterfalls, terraced rice fields, and bamboo forests, before arriving in Tsumago.
Be sure to drop in and say hello to our Oku Japan Tsumago branch staff, as well as at our fureai points!
Overnight in nearby Nagiso, in an accommodation that effortlessly combines traditional Japanese elements with modern comforts, allowing you to fully relax after your day of hiking.
Walking distance: 8.3km / 5.2 mi (About 3 hours)
Elevation gain: 325 m / 1,070 ft of ascent and 430 m / 1,410 ft of descent
Time required: About 3 hours
Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) or onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
From Tsumago, travel by bus to Nagiso station, where you will take a train to the sleepy town of Yabuhara.
At an elevation of 1,197 metres (3,927 feet), Torii-tōge Pass is considered one of the most challenging parts of the Nakasendō. As you walk, you will see beautiful broad-leaf trees, breathtaking no matter the season. After traversing the pass, you will arrive at Narai.
Because of its prosperity, Narai was known as ‘Narai of a thousand lodgings’ during the Edo period. Its unique townscape is beautifully preserved.
Take your time exploring Narai, then transfer to the city of Matsumoto by train. Tonight’s accommodation is a Western-style hotel in Matsumoto. Dinner is at leisure.
Walking distance: 6.2 km / 3.9 mi
Elevation gain: 345 m / 1,130 ft of ascent and 270 m / 885 ft of descent
Time required: About 3 hours
Accommodation: Western-style Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Today gives you the chance to explore the city of Matsumoto. We recommend visiting the impressive black Matsumoto Castle, one of five castle keeps designated as a National Treasure of Japan. Once you’ve had your fill of this fascinating city, continue onward to Kyōto or Tōkyō and the rest of your Japan journey.
Meals: Breakfast
