Walking the Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi
Walking the Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi
Walking the Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi
6 Days Starting in Kyoto, Japan and ending in Takayama, Japan
Visiting: Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima, Kiso, Kamikochi, Takayama
Tour operator:
Tour code:
227
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 12
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with the "Walking the Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi" tour. This adventure takes you from the historic post towns of Magome and Tsumago to the serene landscapes of Kamikochi. Traverse lush bamboo forests and cedar valleys, and cross the scenic Torii pass. Enjoy the cultural richness of Kiso-Fukushima and the craftsmanship of Takayama, known for its yew-wood carving and lacquerware. Travel in comfort on the iconic Shinkansen bullet train and stay in traditional ryokans, complete with hot spring baths. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, providing a unique glimpse into Japan's picturesque landscapes and vibrant traditions. Whether you're exploring the biodiverse wetlands or hiking in the Okuhida Mountains, this tour promises an enriching experience for walking and hiking enthusiasts.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Magome To Tsumago And Nagiso
Location: Tsumago
Accommodation Name: Accommodation a ryokan near Tsumago
Take the iconic Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto or Tokyo to Nakatsugawa, where you take a bus for the short journey to Magome. Walk over Magome Pass to Tsumago, one of the best-preserved of the Nakasendo post towns. You are transferred to a ryokan for the evening, a short drive from the main village of Tsumago.
Day 2 : Nagiso To Nojiri
Location: Kiso-Fukushima
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kiso-Fukushima
The longest day on the trail is a hike from Tsumago or Nagiso to Nojiri. The trail takes you through small valleys and forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar. Continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima. Stay at a ryokan set in a valley above the town. The ryokan provides a complimentary transfer from the station and has indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.
Day 3 : Kiso-Fukushima Rest Day
Location: Kiso-Fukushima
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kiso-Fukushima
A day to relax and explore the historic Kiso-Fukushima. If you want to do another walk, we recommend one through a quiet, scenic forest before taking in key areas of the town.
Day 4 : Yabuhara To Narai And Hirasawa
Location: Kiso
Accommodation Name: Accommodation near Matsumoto
Travel by train for the short journey from Kiso-Fukushima to Yabuhara, the starting point for the hike over Torii pass to Narai. Explore the village before a short walk to Kiso-Hirasawa, a historic lacquerware town. From here, continue on by train and bus to your ryokan accommodation for the evening.
Day 5 : Kamikochi Wetlands
Location: Kamikochi
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Okuhida
Travel by bus to the biodiverse wetlands of Kamikochi. Continue on to a secluded ryokan in Okuhida for the evening.
Day 6 : Oku-Hida And Takayama. Departure
Location: Takayama
Accommodation Name: No overnight included
One final hike in the Okuhida Mountains provides views over the surrounding Northern Japan Alps. Explore the town before heading onwards by bus to Takayama, which is well-known for its crafts, particularly yew-wood carving, Shunkei lacquerware, pottery and furniture. There is an opportunity to explore the ruins of Takayama Castle and nearby temples. There is an option to book an extra night or extend your holiday to take in other parts of Japan.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in ryokans at various locations including near Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima, near Matsumoto, and in Okuhida.
-
Transfers
Complimentary transfers are provided from the station to the ryokan in Kiso-Fukushima.
-
Walking Tours
Guided walking tours are included, covering various distances and locations such as Magome to Tsumago, Nagiso to Nojiri, and Kamikochi wetlands.
-
Transport
Travel by iconic Shinkansen bullet train, local trains, and buses to explore the scenic Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi.
What's Not Included
-
Meals
Meals are not explicitly mentioned as included, so they may not be provided.
-
International Flights
International flights to and from Japan are not included in the tour package.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately by the traveler.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and other personal purchases are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel by iconic Shinkansen bullet train, local trains, and buses to explore the scenic Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi. Complimentary transfers are provided from stations to ryokans, ensuring a seamless journey through Japan's picturesque landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay in traditional ryokans throughout the journey, offering a blend of comfort and cultural immersion. Enjoy indoor and outdoor hot spring baths at the ryokan in Kiso-Fukushima, and experience the serene atmosphere of a secluded ryokan in Okuhida.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in traditional ryokans, which offer a blend of comfort and cultural immersion. Some ryokans feature indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, such as the one in Kiso-Fukushima.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are not explicitly mentioned as included in the tour package, so they may not be provided.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes travel by the iconic Shinkansen bullet train, local trains, and buses. Complimentary transfers are also provided from stations to ryokans.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package and should be arranged separately by the traveler.
-
What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes guided walking tours covering various distances and locations such as Magome to Tsumago, Nagiso to Nojiri, and the Kamikochi wetlands. There are also opportunities to explore historic towns and enjoy scenic hikes.
-
What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts in Kyoto, Japan, and ends in Takayama, Japan.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Tuesday
May 01, 2025 - May 06, 2025Friday - Wednesday
May 02, 2025 - May 07, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 03, 2025 - May 08, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025Monday - Saturday
May 05, 2025 - May 10, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
May 06, 2025 - May 11, 2025Wednesday - Monday
May 07, 2025 - May 12, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
May 08, 2025 - May 13, 2025Friday - Wednesday
May 09, 2025 - May 14, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 10, 2025 - May 15, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025Monday - Saturday
May 12, 2025 - May 17, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
May 13, 2025 - May 18, 2025Wednesday - Monday
May 14, 2025 - May 19, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
May 15, 2025 - May 20, 2025Friday - Wednesday
May 16, 2025 - May 21, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 17, 2025 - May 22, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025Monday - Saturday
May 19, 2025 - May 24, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
May 20, 2025 - May 25, 2025Wednesday - Monday
May 21, 2025 - May 26, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
May 22, 2025 - May 27, 2025Friday - Wednesday
May 23, 2025 - May 28, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 24, 2025 - May 29, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 25, 2025 - May 30, 2025Monday - Saturday
May 26, 2025 - May 31, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
May 27, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Wednesday - Monday
May 28, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
May 29, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Friday - Wednesday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 25, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 26, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 25, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 22, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 29, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.