-下諏訪・和田-

The Wada Pass was the longest and most difficult hike of the Nakasendo. Most post towns had an average of 8km between them. The distance from Shimo Suwa Juku to Wada Juku was a staggering 23km. However some of this road is dangerous due to traffic and no footpaths and really not suitable for walking and so Really Rural Japan are guiding this pass as a 15km.

Starting in the lakeside ancient hot spring town of Shimo Suwa, this hike is one for those really looking to explore the history of the Nakasendo away from any other tourists. Shimo Suwa was famously the only town on the Nakasendo with natural hot springs. Nowadays many inns along the way have managed to dig and pipe, or deliver, hot springs to their inn. But back in the Edo period, only Shimo Suwa had a natural hot spring bath awaiting the weary traveler.

After staying in a traditional ancient onsen ryokan of Shimo Suwa, your hike begins with a look around some of the Suwa Grand Shrines and Juinji Temple with its incredible stone garden and carpet of moss. After walking to the famous and dangerous Kiotoshi Saka, a steep slope used in the Onbashira Festival, where local men ride ginormous logs as they hurtle down the slope. After this point, it is time to move by vehicle to the mountains.

Here the verdant mountains have secrets of the past hidden inside. The ancient cobblestone roads are now carpeted with moss. The foundations of tea houses are barely visible but provide a glimpse to the past. As the hike goes on, you will reach the top of the Wada Pass at around 1,600m. On a clear day you can see Mount Ontake and the surrounding planes. Coming down you will finally reach the goal and a vehicle will be waiting for you. From here you will take a look at Wada Juku, with its unspoiled honjin (an inn reserved for high ranking nobles left over from the Edo period). Really Rural Japan generally recommends heading back to Shimo Suwa after this to make your onwards journey easier as Wada Juku is rather remote indeed! But for those with cars Wada Juku makes a perfect retreat.