Nakasendo Hiking Tours

-中山道-

  • The Nakasendo is an ancient mountain road that once ran all the way from Kyoto to Tokyo. Our Nakasendo hiking tours take place in and around the Kiso Valley, Nagano Prefecture, where the ancient road, and its villages of inns, are incredibly well preserved. Walking here is like stepping into a time machine to rural Japan in the Edo period (1603-1867).

    There are several hikes available. You could book a simple day trip, or book several hikes back-to-back to make a longer itinerary. We are happy to customize your trip to fit your needs!

    If you need help with accommodation, contact us for our free booking service.

Wakihonjin Tsumago Juku Nagiso Town Kiso Museum Irori

Magome to Tsumago

  • ・Distance: 8km/5miles

    ・Uphill: 230m/750ft

    ・The most popular hike on the Nakasendo and for very good reason. Starting and finishing in two of the most stunning ancient villages, with the hike between them going though deep forests, rural hamlets and more.

Yogawa Michi Road Nenoue Pass Nakasendo Nagiso Tsumago Nojiri Hike

Tsumago to Nojiri (The Yogawa Michi)

  • ・Distance: 15km/9miles

    ・Uphill: 550m/1,800ft

    ・The Nakasendo hike with the most beautiful views of the Japanese countryside. The Yogawa Michi was actually a sub-route used when the normal route was destroyed by natural disasters. It goes through deep mountains and tiny farming hamlets.

Narai Juku Kiso Shiojiri Nakasendo Hike

Yabuhara to Narai (The Torii Pass)

  • ・Distance: 7km/4miles

    ・Uphill: 320m/1,050ft

    ・The second most popular hike on the Nakasendo was once known as the hardest stretch of the ancient road. These days its much easier to pass with the hike going high into the mountains of the Torii Pass and ending in Narai, a stunning 1km long post town.

Nakatsugawa Magome Juku hike Nakasendo Cobblestones ishidatami Ochiai

Nakatsugawa to Magome

  • ・Distance: 9km/6miles

    ・Uphill: 320m/1,050ft

    ・The Nakasendo hike with the most variation. This hike goes from city to suburb, forest to idyllic countryside and ends up in the stunning post town of Magome. The Ochiai ancient cobblestones are a highlight.

Usui Pass Karuizawa Yokokawa Station Nakasendo Nagano

Karuizawa to Yokokawa (The Usui Pass)

  • ・Distance: 17km/10.5miles

    ・Uphill: 265m/870ft

    ・The Usui Pass is probably the most popular and enjoyable hike on Nakasendo outside of the hikes in the Kiso region. It takes you from the bustling westernized shopping town of Karuizawa, deep into the mountains of the Usui Pass before a very long winding descent into the Kanto Plain where many hikers choose to end their Nakasendo adventure.

Mitake Hosokute Oi Ena Juku Nakasendo Hike Gifu Mino

Mitake to Oi

  • ・Distance: 31km/19miles (over two days)

    ・Uphill: 770m/2,550ft (over two days)

    ・The most off-the-beaten-track hike on offer. This rolling, up-and-down countryside hike takes you deep into forests and sleepy countryside of Gifu Prefecture where the historical Nakasendo track has barely changed at all.

Kiso Fukushima Uenodan Nakasendo

Kiso Fukushima Walking Tour

  • Distance: 8km/5miles

    Uphill: Negligible

    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.