The Nakasendo is an ancient road dating back hundreds of years that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. Most of the path has been completely lost to modernization, but here in the Kiso Valley, it remains almost exactly as it was. Hike in the footsteps of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of samurai come before. And enjoy the sights of rural Japan just as they were hundreds of years ago.

This hike of the Nakasendo is the one with the most beautiful views of the Japanese countryside. The highlight of the hike is without a doubt the sheer beauty and remoteness of the region and the tiny little hamlets that dot the mountain road. It actually traces a route called the Yogawa Michi, a sub-route of the Nakasendo used when the usual road had been damaged or destroyed. It is much longer than most tours and is a really enjoyable full-day hike.

There are two options to start the hike, Tsumago Juku or Nagiso Station. Starting from Tsumago, the hike is 18km long. Starting from Nagiso Station, it’s 15km. If neither of these is convenient for you we can customize the plan to fit your needs.

After starting the hike and walking through the ancient post-town of Midono, the hike heads up, off into the countryside, gradually going deeper and higher, and more and more remote as it traverses through a mountainous region called Yogawa. The path eventually crosses over the Nenoue Pass before descending back down into Nojiri. The quiet little post town of Nojiri is home to Atera Gorge, with surely one of the most beautiful rivers in all of Japan. It would be a shame to come to Nojiri and miss Atera Gorge, so if time and energy allow it, we will visit the gorge before the trip’s end. There is also a natural hot spring onsen next to the entrance of the gorge to rest up after the hike which is also an optional extension to the day.

During the trip, I will provide hot drinks, and snacks and you can even try on my own handmade waraji (traditional Japanese straw sandals), which I specialize in making.