Our best-loved Nakasendō Trail package is a 5-day hike perfect for hiking enthusiasts and those who wish to experience more of the Nakasendō. Enjoy hikes of 1 to 6 hours and visits to the most beautiful post towns.
Our best-loved Nakasendō Trail package is a 5-day hike perfect for hiking enthusiasts and those who wish to experience more of the Nakasendō. Enjoy hikes of 1 to 6 hours and visits to the most beautiful post towns.
The Nakasendō or 'Road Through the Central Mountains' was part of feudal Japan's network of highways. Travellers moving between Kyōto and Tōkyō took several days to travel the Nakasendō, staying overnight in post towns along the way. Today's visitors can walk sections of the original route by day and stay in local inns by night.
Our classic 5-day Nakasendō itinerary includes the best sections of the Kiso Valley portion of the Nakasendō Trail, following the same linear path from Magome through to Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima, Narai, and Kiso-Hirasawa.
After visiting Kiso-Hirasawa, you will head to Matsumoto with the opportunity to visit one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, Matsumoto Castle, also called ‘Crow Castle’ due to its black exterior.
Then, continue by train to one of the mountain towns of Komoro or Karuizawa, where you’ll enjoy a traditional ryokan stay. Your final day of walking is a beautifully remote walk from Karuizawa, descending through the forest to the town of Yokokawa. From Yokokawa, travel onward by train to Tōkyō.
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.
Please see here for luggage options.
![]() | 4 nights at Japanese inns along the Nakasendō Trail |
![]() | 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners |
![]() | Train tickets from Kyōto or Tōkyō to the trail and from the trail to Tōkyō |
![]() | Train tickets for intermediate journeys on the Nakasendō 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 |
![]() | 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) for solo occupancy |
![]() | Daily luggage transfer |
Tour itineraries are subject to change. We will inform you of any amendments as soon as we become aware of them.