Walking the Nakasendo Trail (Guided)
Walking the Nakasendo Trail (Guided)
Walking the Nakasendo Trail (Guided)
12 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Kyoto, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Kiso Valley, Kiso-Fukushima, Tsumago, Nara, Yoshino, Mount Koya, Kyoto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
986
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 13
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Traditionally created so that 17th century feudal lords, samurai and traders could transport their missives and minions between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo), the Nakasendo Trail now has a more peaceful mission. To provide a slow, central mountain route through ancient forests, along ridges and mountain paths with views of the Japanese Alps, all dipping down to a collection of 69 ‘post towns’, such as Magome, Tsumago and Narai. The traditional trail is 500km, but our Nakasendo Trail guided walking holiday covers its finest highlights over 12 days, with time in Tokyo and Kyoto
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet In Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tokyo
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet with the group at your hotel in central Tokyo. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 : Explore Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day exploring Tokyo with a walking tour. The tour starts at Nihonbashi, considered to be the centre of Japan and kilometre zero for all of Japan’s main roads, dating back to the Edo period. Visit Ueno and the Tokyo National Museum to see exhibits illuminating the Japan of the Edo period, which was the heyday of the Nakasendo Trail. Alternatively, visit the Kappabashi District, famous for selling kitchenware and plastic food samples used in restaurant displays. End the tour at Meiji Shrine and the fashionable Harajuku district.
Day 3 : Kiso-Hirasawa – Narai 2.5Km
Location: Kiso Valley
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Narai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin with a journey from Tokyo by train to the remote Kiso Valley. Stop for a traditional lunch in Shiojiri, before walking from Kiso-Hirasawa, known for its traditional lacquerwear, to Narai. Spend the night in Narai, a preserved post town. Walking for the day: 2.5km, 1h, negligible ascent and descent
Day 4 : Narai – Kiso-Fukushima 6.2Km
Location: Kiso-Fukushima
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kiso-Fukushima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s walk leaves Narai to head to Yabuhara over the Torii-toge Pass and continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima, a historic post town that once flourished as a political and economic centre in the Kiso Valley. Stay at a ryokan to enjoy kaiseki, multi-course Japanese cuisine and hot spring baths. Walking for the day: 6.2km, 3h, ↑270m ↓344m
Day 5 : Kiso-Fukushima – Tsumago 14Km
Location: Tsumago
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tsumago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take the train from Kiso-Fukushima to Nojiri before a short taxi ride (included) to Nenoue-toge Pass. From here, walk the Nakasendo Trail, passing through small villages and rice fields to Tsumago or the nearby hamlet of O-Tsumago. A few decades ago, Tsumago was falling into disrepair, but through combined efforts by villagers, it has been saved and restored. To further preserve the town, the sale, rent, or destruction of houses is prohibited. Walking for the day: 14km, 4.5h, ↑344m ↓723m
Day 6 : Tsumago – Magome – Nara 8.3Km
Location: Nara
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Nara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk from Tsumago to Magome, our last stop in the Kiso Valley. This trail is the best-preserved part of the Nakasendo Trail. Stop for lunch and explore Magome’s main street and shops. We recommend you try gohei mochi, skewered sticky rice covered in a sweet paste of miso, sesame and walnuts. End the day with a train ride back to Nara. Walking for the day: 8.3km, 3h, ↑430m ↓326m
Day 7 : Rest Day In Nara
Location: Nara
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Nara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the morning with a guided walk through Nara, home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the temples of Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, Gango-ji, Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji. Also the Kasuga Grand Shrine and Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest, as well as Nara Palace Site. Nara Park is home to a thousand or more free-roaming deer. At Todai-ji Temple, the Daibutsu-den is the largest wooden building in the world, housing a 16m tall statue of the Rushana Buddha in bronze and gold. Prior to being rebuilt three hundred years ago, the wooden structure was even larger. Take the time to relax, visit a Japanese garden, or wander through the old town.
Day 8 : Nara – Yoshino
Location: Yoshino
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Yoshino
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Nara travel by train to the village of Yoshino. Yoshino is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous location for viewing spring cherry blossoms. Explore the area and visit Yoshimizu Shrine, connected to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Emperor Godaigo and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Day 9 : Yoshino – Mount Koya
Location: Mount Koya
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Koyasan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin the day with a scenic train ride to Mount Koya, located in a bowl-shaped valley in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, filled with cedar trees. Mount Koya is a place of religious devotion and ceremony, with more than a hundred monasteries, many of which have shukubo temple lodgings. Stay in one of these temples and dine on shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Visit Kongobu-ji Temple and walk through the vast Okunoin cemetery. In the morning, there is the opportunity to rise early and join the Buddhist morning service.
Day 10 : Mount Koya – Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take the train to Kyoto, the final city on the tour. Kyoto was Japan’s capital for many centuries and is still regarded as the country’s cultural heart. In the evening, take a walk through Gion, Kyoto’s Geisha District, where you may see a geiko (qualified geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) making their way through the narrow streets.
Day 11 : Rest Day In Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today there is an optional half-day walking tour, on which you can visit the Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, the western end of the Nakasendo Trail and Nanzen-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple dating back to the mid-13th century. Finally, stroll along the Philosopher’s Path in the Higashiyama District, with craft shops, cafes, shrines, and temples. The path ends near Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion. Spend the afternoon relaxing before a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 12 : Departure
Location: Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Full-time services of an English-speaking tour guide
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Accommodation
11 nights accommodation
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Meals
11 breakfasts and 7 dinners
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Transport
All transportation between tour locations
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Entrance Fees
Entrance to Tokyo National Museum, Nara temples and Shrines, Yoshimizu Shrine in Yoshino, Kongo-buji temple in Mount Koya, and Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer (one piece per person): From Tokyo to Kiso-Fukushima – overnight in Narai with daypack only; From Kiso-Fukushima to Nara – overnight in Tsumago with a daypack only; From Nara to Kyoto – overnight in Yoshino and Mount Koya with a daypack only
What's Not Included
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Airfare
Airfare to and from Japan
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Airport Transfers
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Travel Insurance
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Personal expenses
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Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
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Any items not explicitly listed as included
Mode of Transport
Travel by train through scenic landscapes, with additional short taxi rides included. Enjoy the convenience and efficiency of Japan's public transportation system.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including hotels in Tokyo, traditional ryokans in Kiso-Fukushima, and temple lodgings in Mount Koya, offering a mix of modern comfort and authentic Japanese experiences.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included during the tour?
The tour includes a mix of breakfasts and dinners. On the first day, a welcome dinner is provided. Breakfast is included on most days, and dinner is provided on several evenings, particularly when staying in traditional accommodations such as ryokans.
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes a variety of accommodations, ranging from hotels in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto to traditional ryokans in places like Kiso-Fukushima. In Mount Koya, you will stay in a temple lodging and experience shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
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Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several unique cultural experiences. You will visit historical sites such as the Tokyo National Museum, Meiji Shrine, and various UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara. In Mount Koya, you can join a Buddhist morning service. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore traditional post towns like Narai and Tsumago.
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What kind of physical activity is involved in this tour?
The tour involves daily walking, with distances ranging from 2.5 km to 14 km. The walks vary in difficulty, with some involving ascents and descents. For example, the walk from Kiso-Fukushima to Tsumago is 14 km with significant elevation changes.
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Is there any free time or rest days during the tour?
Yes, there are rest days included in the itinerary. Day 7 is a rest day in Nara, where you can explore at your own pace. Day 11 in Kyoto also offers an optional half-day walking tour, allowing for some free time in the afternoon.
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What are some of the highlights of the walking tour in Tokyo?
In Tokyo, the walking tour includes visits to Nihonbashi, Ueno, the Tokyo National Museum, the Kappabashi District, Meiji Shrine, and the fashionable Harajuku district.
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What can I expect to see in Nara?
In Nara, you will visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, Gango-ji, Yakushi-ji, Toshodai-ji, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest. Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer, and the Daibutsu-den at Todai-ji Temple, housing a 16m tall statue of the Rushana Buddha, are also highlights.
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What is special about the village of Yoshino?
Yoshino is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spring cherry blossoms. It is also home to Yoshimizu Shrine, which is connected to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Emperor Godaigo, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
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What can I expect during the stay at Mount Koya?
At Mount Koya, you will stay in a temple lodging and dine on shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. You can visit Kongobu-ji Temple and walk through the vast Okunoin cemetery. There is also an opportunity to join the Buddhist morning service.
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What are some activities planned for the final days in Kyoto?
In Kyoto, you will take an evening walk through Gion, the Geisha District. On the optional half-day walking tour, you can visit the Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, Nanzen-ji Temple, and stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, ending near Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion. The tour concludes with a farewell dinner.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.