Private Nakasendo Hiking Tour From
$400
Walking Tour of Kiso Fukushima
-木曾福島-
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Distance: 8km/5miles
Uphill: Negligible
Level: Easy. Mild fitness is required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Highlights:
A trip to Agematsu Town to visit Nezame-no-toko, one of the truly iconic views of the Kiso region.
The historical and cultural sights of Kiso Fukushima: The Yamamura Residence and the Fukushima Checkpoint Museum.
Local Flavors: A sake tasting experience at a local brewery and a local lunch.
Prices (USD):
$400 for 1-2 people
$100 per additional person
$50 per additional child (4-18 years old)
FREE (kids under 4 years old)
Kiso-Fuksuhima is the cultural and commerce capital of the Kiso Valley. However, because the Kiso Valley is so remote and sparsely populated, it is still a small quiet mountain town tucked away in the north of the Kiso Valley. During a tour of Kiso Fukushima, the plan is highly customisable. Usually, the first half of the day will be a 7km hike into the mountains behind Kiso Fukushima. Former castle ruins, a stunning waterfall, and great panoramas of the mountains and town below can be enjoyed on the hike. After this, you will come down for lunch and then in the afternoon, you can learn about sake with a tasting at a brewery, visit the old part of town, learn about miso at a miso factory, visit one of several museums and temples of Kiso Fukushima. However, no two tours of Kiso Fukushima are ever the same and we are ever happy to customise the day to match you!
Things you could see:
Uenodan - The historical town of Kiso-Fukushima. Most of Kiso Fukushima architecture has been lost, burned down, knocked down, etc. But one section known as Uenodan has kept its ancient buildings and character. It is full of cafes and museums and a must while in town.
Gongen Waterfalls - A stunning holy waterfall in the mountains above Kiso Fukushima.
Shiroyama - A former defensive castle on the top of a minor peak above Kiso Fukushima.
Yamamura Residence (300 JPY) - The Yamamura family governed Kiso during the Edo Period. They were awarded this honor thanks to their loyalty to the Tokugawa clan in the battle of Sekigahara. Their role as magistrate here was typically one that changed personage every few years, but the Yamamura family were allowed to keep their positions here for a full 274 years. Of particular interest is the real mummified fox that you can see on request.
Fukushima Checkpoint Museum (300 JPY) - Kiso Fukushima had one of the four largest checkpoints in all of Japan. It searched for contraband such as guns, it made sure that only people with official permission could travel, but it is also took a particular interest in women. Why women? In the Edo Period wives, mothers, and daughters of Daimyo were often forced to live in Tokyo as strategic hostages to forge alliances. They were known to get homesick, take disguise and try and sneak their way back home.
Nezame-no-toko (200 JPY) - In the nearby town of Agematsu, is one of the most famous icons of the Kiso region, Nezame-no-toko. This beautiful gorge is home to the story of Urashima Taro, the man who lived with dragons under the sea. It is a great spot for photographs! This can be added to a Kiso Fukushima tour if there is time.
Sake Tasting (1,100 JPY) - After returning to Kiso-Fukushima again by train, a ten minute walk from the station is a local sake brewery. You can enjoy a sake tasting course with explanations from the brewery while you drink. Surely the best way to learn about the national drink of Japan is to drink it while those who make it explain it to you. If you do not drink alcohol, a coffee shop can go in its place.
Miso Factory - Kiso Fukushima is a town full of fermented foods. Though a miso factory tour can’t be booked in advance, you can buy some amazing miso and if you are lucky, take a look inside the factory.
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A knowledgeable professional local guide.
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Transportation.
Lunch
Attraction Entry Fees
Sake Tasting Fee
Souvenirs and any other personal costs.
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Shoes suitable for plenty of walking
Clothes suitable for the weather
Cash for lunch and shopping
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Drinks
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$400 for 1-2 people
$100 per additional person
$50 per additional child (4-18 years old)
FREE (kids under 4 years old)
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To lock in a booking, payments must be made at least 30 days in advance of the tour. If you are booking within 30 days of your tour, the total price of the tour must be paid immediately. Once the tour has been agreed upon, we will send you a credit card payable invoice. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
30 days prior: Free
29-15 days prior: 30%
14-7 days prior: 70%
6 days prior and beyond: 100%