Nakasendo and the Kiso Valley

The Nakasendō, or 'road through the central mountains', was a key route in feudal Japan's network of highways. Merchants and travellers moving between Tōkyō and Kyōto spent multiple days to travel the Nakasendō, staying in post towns each evening. A key section of the original route in the Kiso Valley region retains much of the nature and character of this historically significant period of Japan's history, enabling you to walk from village to village along forested trails, as you overnight in traditional inns with excellent local cuisine and baths.

Our 8-day small-group guided tour, Nakasendō and the Kiso Valley, spends three nights in Kyōto, where the trail begins. We will also take a side trip to nearby Nara for an excellent hike while here. Next, we enjoy three days of excellent walking along the Nakasendō Trail – by day we will walk along the ancient route as it passes through beautifully preserved villages along a gentle path, and by evening we will stay in traditional inns. During these stays, we will enjoy exquisite regional cuisine prepared from the freshest ingredients, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy the warm hospitality of our hosts. Finally, our time together will end in Tōkyō.

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