Nakasendo Way Attractions & Things to do

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus.

Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history.

This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis may be used. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Duration: 6 hours.

From Nagoya take the train and then the bus to Magome, one of the post towns along the Nakasendo, the old merchant route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period.

From there hike the 7.8-kilometer-long trail to the next post town Tsumago, an even older and more beautiful mountain village. The hike leads along old paths through forests and stunning nature all year round.

At Tsumago you will try the local Hoba Miso for lunch as well as some delicious soft-serve ice cream for dessert. Finish your tour with a visit to the town's museum.
Duration: 9 hours.

Join our tour and enjoy a captivating journey through time and culture as you explore the hidden gems of central Japan.

Kokeizan Eihoji Temple, nestled in the serene countryside. Explore its peaceful grounds, adorned with lush gardens and ancient structures, offering a serene start to your cultural exploration.

Enakyo Observatory for panoramic views of the Ena Gorge. Capture breathtaking vistas of the winding river and surrounding mountains, a perfect moment to connect with nature's beauty.

Step back in time at Magome-juku, a beautifully preserved post town along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Wander along cobblestone streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, indulge in local delicacies, and browse quaint shops offering handmade crafts.

Tsumago-juku, another charming post town frozen in time. Explore its well-preserved streets, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Japan's Edo period.

Reflect on the day's experiences and cherish memories of Japan's rich heritage.
Duration: 10 hours.

Prepare to experience Old Japan on foot with this exciting hike through traditional post towns, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain passes. Starting in Tsumago-juku post town, your guide will explain a bit about what kinds of people traveled the roads in Old Japan, where they were going, and how they lived. You will get a chance to enter some buildings including an old Inn and a horse-stable that perfectly illustrate what your guide has mentioned.

Leaving Tsumago-juku post town, you will start out on an 8km trek to the next post town, passing by roaring waterfalls and quiet hamlets along the way. Keep an eye open for wildlife and wildflowers while you are led by your guide along what was once one of the main avenues of travel in Japan.

Arriving at Magome-juku post town, you will be treated to far off views of fields and mountains as you descend to the bottom of this very vertical village. After having a little time for shopping, you will board the tour vehicle and head back.
Duration: 8 hours 55 minutes.

Nakasendo was formerly known as the Higashisendo and connects Kyoto and the eastern provinces including present day Tokyo. It was one of five highways created within a 7 year period from 1601 along with the Tokaido, Nikko, Oshu, and Koshu. This tour is a 5 hour mountain trail walk that traverses along a 9km trail that connects the two most beautiful post towns along the Nakasendo - Magome-Juku and Tsumago-Juku. Both towns still retain their medieval flare. Your guide will show you the commercial town in the Tono region that flourished when the highway was active. From cobbled roads going through Magome-Juku, the view of Mt. Ena, a quaint teahouse on a mountain pass, and beautiful mountain village scenery around Tsumago-Juku, there is no doubt that you will feel like you've been transported back to medieval Japan.
Duration: 7 hours.

Depart from Nagoya together with an English-speaking National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter who will tell you all about the post towns of Tsumago and Magome on this full-day tour!

You can also experience a relaxing walk along approximately 3.3 kilometers of the Nakasendo Trail. The guide will lead you along roads that were once tread by samurai, so you don't need to worry about getting lost. Take a slip through time to the Japan from 400 years ago.

Visit an area that is one of Japan's first Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings and which has been gathering attention as an international sightseeing spot.

Place your mobile phone in your bag and say goodbye to the everyday. Experience the traditional rural atmosphere of Japan!!
Duration: 8 hours 20 minutes.

Kiso Valley, best known for the Magome and Tsumago traditional villages, is another beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan.

Magome and Tsumago are two beautifully preserved traditional villages. This value-packed Nakasendo trail day hike between Magome and Tsumago with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns!

It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace.

This private tour is a hiking day tour. Please wear hiking boots and gear for this tour. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Duration: 6 hours.

Visit the best parts of Japan with a English speaking guide. You will be taken to the Magome-juku by local express bus, where you'll see a scene that very much resembles how the post town looked in the Edo period hundreds of years ago. Walk along a well preserved trail as a part of the historical Nakasendo Road between Kyoto and Edo (the old name for Tokyo) where Daimyo lords traveled about 200-300 years ago. Walking is about 3 hours. The tour will also go to Tsumago-juku which has row of historic buildings that should not be missed. Take a photos of the traditional Japanese scenary, then take a express train to Nagoya, walk or local train to your hotel.
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes.

Japan is a country that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, offering travelers an array of experiences. From bustling cities filled with neon lights to serene temples surrounded by nature, a tour in Japan can be both exhilarating and calming. The journey typically begins in major urban centers like Tokyo or Osaka, where visitors are greeted by the vibrant energy of the city.
Duration: 15 days.

Embark on a journey through the historic Nakasendo Trail, starting from Nagoya. Discover the charm of traditional post towns, immerse yourself in Japanese culture, and enjoy a seamless experience with included transportation.

Highlights:

Explore the scenic Nakasendo Trail, rich with history and tradition.
Visit beautifully preserved post towns, including Magome and Tsumago.
Choose a cultural experience: Japanese calligraphy, a matcha tea ceremony, or sake tasting at a traditional brewery (reservation required at least one week in advance).
Relax with convenient transport to and from Nagoya, ensuring a hassle-free adventure.
Whether you're drawn by nature, history, or culture, this tour offers something for everyone.
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

Have a good trip along the Nakasendo Trail in the Edo period with such a popular licensed English guide.

Nakasendo Trail is a route that connects Edo and Kyoto, where Samurai used to walk along this trail. It retains the views of ancient times and lets you feel like you are going on a samurai journey, so hiking on the Nakasendo trail is very popular among overseas tourists!

On the way to the trail, there are lots of sites that make you refresh. For example, Magome Pass, waterfalls, and Ichikokutochi Tatebachaya for resting place, which changes their atmosphere depending on the seasons.
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes.

Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. This scenic section of the Nakasendo trail is brimming with lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and remote mountain villages—which have remained relatively untouched by the modern world. Your experienced guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare. This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan.
Duration: 8 hours.

Experience the authentic Japan and immerse yourself in its rich culture, going beyond the usual tourist attractions. Picture strolling through vibrant streets, zipping on the bullet train, and indulging in delicious local delicacies. Every tour is specially crafted to suit the group's unique preferences.
Duration: 10 days.

See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.
Duration: 8 days.

Join us for an unforgettable day-trip from Nagoya combining nature, culture, and history—offering a unique glimpse into the heart of rural Japan.

Explore hidden gem locations throughout the Kiso Valley starting with a hike through a stunning gorge filled with pristine nature and roaring waterfalls. Dive into Japan’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to a traditional Kabuki theater and discover the region’s deep love for this centuries-old performing art. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Magome, a charming post town along the historic Nakasendo Trail as your English-speaking guide explains the fascinating history of this ancient samurai route that once connected Kyoto and Edo.

Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or cultural explorer, this tour offers something special for everyone.

*As lunch options are limited, please purchase a bento box or other food items before the tour starts, and bring them with you. Time will be allotted to eat while on the trail.
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes.

Embark on a scenic escape to the mountains and immerse yourself in the winter beauty of Japan’s Kiso Valley as you explore the rich history and traditions of the villages along the Nakasendo Trail on this day trip from Nagoya.

Delight in a hands-on soba-making workshop where you’ll create and savor this iconic dish. Explore a traditional Kabuki theater and learn about the region’s favorite pastime. Wander through the picturesque streets of Magome-juku, a historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail, and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

Led by an experienced, English-speaking guide, this winter only full-day tour offers a chance to relax and recharge in the serene countryside of Central Japan.
Duration: 9 hours.

Stay at a traditional ryokan with hot springs at the base of Mount Fuji, visit zen temples and gardens in Kyoto, have an authentic encounter with Geisha, experience a tea ceremony, and see the beautiful floating torii gate at Miyajima.

With a maximum of only 8 people, you get the feel of independent travel without having to worry about the language, transportation, hotels, or reservations.

Travel in a small group, eat at local restaurants, ride public transportation, and enjoy a flexible schedule.

This tour is perfect for active adults who love walking and immersing themselves in a new culture.
Duration: 12 days.

Step back in time on this 1-day hiking tour of the historic Nakasendo trail in central Japan! Setting out from Nagoya Station, we’ll head to Magome-juku for a lovely stroll through a charming post town that feels like a living snapshot of the Edo period. Then, trek along the Nakasendo to Tsumago-juku , another well-preserved town steeped in history, and finally wrap up the day with a night out in Nagoya, pub-hopping through a timeless shopping arcade to savor local food and drinks with your guide.
Duration: 12 hours.

Over the course of two days of an easy walk (self-guided tour) along the Nakasendo road and one overnight stay at a Minshuku (family run lodging), immerse yourself in Japan's folkloric landscapes between the villages of Nakatsugawa and Tsumago. During Japan's feudal period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo road was one of the five routes that linked the economic hub, Tokyo, to the imperial capital, Kyoto. Unlike the Tokaido road, which was replaced by today's Shinkansen train, the Nakasendo was saved from rampant modernization and still upholds an old-fashioned charm. Created by general Tokugawa in order to assert his political domination, the route spans a distance of 534 kilometers and includes 69 rest stops. Its name literally means "mountain road" and is a means of communication in case of a large flood on the Tokaido: the coastal road.

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Duration: 2 days.

Discover the true essence of Japan and delve into its rich culture beyond the usual tourist attractions. Traverse vibrant streets, experience the thrill of riding the bullet train, and indulge in the flavors of local cuisine. Every tour is carefully crafted to cater to the unique preferences of the group.
Duration: 8 days.

Escape to the mountains and enjoy a refreshing getaway through Japan’s picturesque Kiso Valley as you tour two historic villages on this day trip from Nagoya. Stroll down the streets of Magome-juku a post town on the Nakasendo trail, and enter Edo-era residences in Iwamura, a castle town once ruled by a powerful female samurai. Sip sake as you tour a 200-year-old brewery, and dine on a wide array of dishes at a farm-to-table buffet. Relax and recharge in the charming countryside villages of Central Japan as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes.

See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.
Duration: 15 days.

Walk the historic Nakasendo trail, exploring post towns like Magome and Tsumago, experiencing the ambiance of Edo-period travelers.
We will present a "tabikasa," a traditional traveler's hat, to those who walk the Nakasendo trail, just as the travelers of old used to wear.
Nakasendo: The Nakasendo is a historic route in Japan connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, known for its scenic landscapes and historic post towns.
It spans about 534 kilometers through central Japan and is popular for walking tours.

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.
Duration: 10 days.