Nakasendo Trail - Kyoto to Tokyo
- Kyoto, the heart of Japan’s traditional culture
- The beautifully preserved Nakasendo post towns such as Tsumago & Narai
- Walking through the beautiful Kiso Valley on the Nakasendo Trail
- Following in the footsteps of the Tokugawa Shoguns on the road through the mountains
- Staying in small beautiful traditional ryokan and minshuku
- Sumptuous evening meals beautifully presented at the family table
- Discovering the beauty, tradition and hospitality of rural Japan
- Feeding off the manic energy of Tokyo
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive KyotoArrive in Kyoto and check-in to your hotel or ryokan in central Kyoto.
Kyoto is one of the world’s most culturally rich cities scattered with hundreds, if not thousands, of pockets of incredible beauty. The city has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 1600 Buddhist temples, over 400 Shinto shrines and 24 museums. As home to the Japanese Imperial family from 794 to 1868, it has been central to Japanese history and is a city that must be on your list.
This modern hotel is 3 km from both the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple and Nijō Castle. The air-conditioned rooms boast smooth colours, stylish lamps and a flat-screen TV. Each private bathroom features a spacious shower area with a bathtub. A fridge and an electric kettle with green tea are provided.
One of Kyoto's most popular hotels, as the location is second to none. Rooms are comfortable and modern, with western beds and bathrooms. Breakfast is served buffet style in the cafe on the 1st floor, while those wanting a traditional Japanese course meal are welcome to try the "hamatoku" restaurant on the 2nd floor.
A hotel that combines the best of Kyoto's stylish culture and Britain's traditional heritage. The design is based on the arts and crafts of Scotland, particularly Edinburgh, its ancient capital.
Today you will fall in love with the Japan of your imagination as you discover the secret gardens, hidden courtyards and floating temples of Kyoto. Perhaps even catching a glimpse of an elusive geisha.
A local guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning, and you will have a full-day tour using a mixture of public transport and walking. We have several suggested itineraries from which you can choose, or you can choose your own itinerary.
This modern hotel is 3 km from both the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple and Nijō Castle. The air-conditioned rooms boast smooth colours, stylish lamps and a flat-screen TV. Each private bathroom features a spacious shower area with a bathtub. A fridge and an electric kettle with green tea are provided.
One of Kyoto's most popular hotels, as the location is second to none. Rooms are comfortable and modern, with western beds and bathrooms. Breakfast is served buffet style in the cafe on the 1st floor, while those wanting a traditional Japanese course meal are welcome to try the "hamatoku" restaurant on the 2nd floor.
A hotel that combines the best of Kyoto's stylish culture and Britain's traditional heritage. The design is based on the arts and crafts of Scotland, particularly Edinburgh, its ancient capital.
A free day in Kyoto to explore. We will provide some suggested itineraries for you to use and you should have plenty of ideas from your initial exploration yesterday.
This modern hotel is 3 km from both the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple and Nijō Castle. The air-conditioned rooms boast smooth colours, stylish lamps and a flat-screen TV. Each private bathroom features a spacious shower area with a bathtub. A fridge and an electric kettle with green tea are provided.
One of Kyoto's most popular hotels, as the location is second to none. Rooms are comfortable and modern, with western beds and bathrooms. Breakfast is served buffet style in the cafe on the 1st floor, while those wanting a traditional Japanese course meal are welcome to try the "hamatoku" restaurant on the 2nd floor.
A hotel that combines the best of Kyoto's stylish culture and Britain's traditional heritage. The design is based on the arts and crafts of Scotland, particularly Edinburgh, its ancient capital.
Travel by train to Nakatsugawa and onwards by bus to Magome, where you begin your walk on the Nakasendo Trail to Tsumago over the Magome-toge Pass. This is one of the most challenging parts of the Nakasendo rising to 801m above sea level.
The Nakasendo Trail had 69 post towns, numbered from Edo (Tokyo) and Magome is the 43rd. Tsumago is the 42nd Nakasendo post town. It is beautifully preserved and truly evocative of a traditional Nakasendo post town from the late Edo period.
Ascent: 275m / Descent: 420m
Matsushiroya is a traditional-style inn established in 1804 in the middle of Tsumago. There are six tatami-mat rooms for guests, several toilets and washbasins, plus two rooms for bathing. Usually, one bathing room is used communally by men and one is used communally by women, but depending on occupancy levels the inn may suggest that guests bathe privately in turn. The owner will lay out your futon for you.
Leaving Tsumago, the trail travels through small valleys and past forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar, through some of the least-developed scenery on the tour. At six hours this is the longest day of walking on the Nakasendo Trail and from Nojiri you continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima.
Ascent: 654m / Descent: 565m (shorter option available to reduce walk to 1 hour)
Overnight: Pick-up from the station is provided
Komanoyu Ryokan is about a 10-minute drive outside the town of Kiso Fukushima. The ryokan will collect you from Kiso Fukushima railway station if you call them. Public payphones are available just outside the station. If you arrive early, Kiso-Fukushima has enough interesting streets and shops to explore. Komanoyu has lovely, big onsen baths with indoor and outdoor sections.
Your journey continues first by train from Kiso Fukushima to Yabuhara, where you start today’s walk. From Yabuhara the trail climbs the Torii-toge Pass, one of the hardest parts of the Nakasendo, to the village of Narai. This historic town was one of the most prosperous of the 69 towns on the Nakasendo Trail. They residents here impose strict rules on ownership of the homes ensuring it remains traditional and locally retained.
Your walk continues a little further along the trail to Kiso Hirasawa, which is famous for its lacquerware. There are many small shops selling beautifully crafted tableware and furniture.
From Kiso-Hirasawa you transfer by train (approx. 2hrs) to the castle town of Matsumoto.
Ascent: 337m Descent: 357m
Traditional accommodation with Tatami flooring. Traditional Tatami rooms offering breakfast. Air conditioning and free Wifi close to local train station.
After breakfast you will have time for sightseeing in Matsumoto. We highly recommend visiting Matsumoto Castle – which is just one of 12 castles in Japan that has retained its original interior and exterior structures.
When you are finished sightseeing in Matsumoto you travel by train (approx. 2hrs) to Karuizawa. This town has a real sense of history and fine Japanese baths.
This venerable Ryokan has around 400 years of history. The current lobby, with its carpets and armchairs, shows the start of western influences on Japan during the Meiji period. There are 24 comfortable rooms. All have private toilets and most have private bathrooms. There are two wonderful indoor baths, open from 14:00 until 10:00 the next morning, segregated by gender.
Start by hiking up to Touge, then a long, gentle descent through beautiful forests to the town of Sakamoto-juku, and continue on to Yokokawa (approx 6hrs walking). From there, board your train for Tokyo (2 hours). Check-in to your city-centre hotel. It is also possible to shorten this day by taking a short taxi (arranged locally, small extra cost) to Touge to cut this day down to 4-5 hours of walking.
Ascent: 260m / Descent: 814m
Set among shops and offices in the Kyōbashi commercial district, this sleek modern hotel is 3km from the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan, and a 2-minute walk from the nearest metro station.
The Shiba Park Hotel has a great location in the centre of Tokyo. The famous Tokyo Tower and the beautiful temple are just a few steps away. The well-trained, friendly and helpful staff will make sure you feel very welcome.
Life in Tokyo moves at a lightning pace. You will have a full day in Tokyo to explore the old and new of this vibrant city. Highlights include Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum, the grand Meiji Shrine, the trendy Harajuku district, and the famous Tsukiji Fish Market.
Set among shops and offices in the Kyōbashi commercial district, this sleek modern hotel is 3km from the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan, and a 2-minute walk from the nearest metro station.
The Shiba Park Hotel has a great location in the centre of Tokyo. The famous Tokyo Tower and the beautiful temple are just a few steps away. The well-trained, friendly and helpful staff will make sure you feel very welcome.
Your trip ends today, and you may choose to stay a few days longer, continue your travels elsewhere in Japan or head home.
This trip has a carbon score of 15kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 15kg is equivalent to 4.5 cheeseburgers. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?There really is no better way to discover rural Japan than on foot, at your own pace. Wonderful scenery, rich tradition and culture, beautiful lodgings and amazing food make the Nakasendo Trail a unique experience. With the tradition of Kyoto and energy of Tokyo thrown in, you can look forward to an amazing trip.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
The route is graded as moderate. The walking is mostly on paved village paths and unpaved mountain trails, with some gentle ascents and descents. On most days you will be walking for between 2 and 6 hours and ideally, you should be a regular walker to get the most from the trip or do some training prior to the trip. The walk is highly customisable and we can advise which days to leave out if you want a shorter or more gentle walk.
In Kyoto and Tokyo, we use carefully selected 3 or 4* hotels. We use local family-run accommodations and traditional Ryokan and Minshuku Inns on the walking section.
The classic Japanese inn, Ryokan come in many styles, but are united by flawless service and exquisitely-prepared food. Ryokan may be in modern or traditional wooden buildings, but rooms are always Japanese style, with Tatami (straw mat) floors and futons for sleeping laid out in the evening by the Ryokan staff. Minshuku are similar to Ryokan but family-run and with less formal service. Rooms are more simply-furnished and guests typically lay out their own futons. Regardless if you have requested a double or a twin room you will get 2 separate futons to sleep on in your traditional Japanese room.
Ryokan rooms sometimes have private bathrooms. Minshuku offer toilet and bathing facilities ‘along the corridor’. Baths may be smaller rooms, used privately in turn by guests; or they may be larger communal bathing suites, one for men and one for women. As availability is limited we cannot guarantee or inform you in advance of booking which type of Japanese Inn you will overnight in.
We provide you with detailed information on the etiquette of staying in these beautiful traditional Japanese Inns.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers and a limited number of single rooms are available, although a single/solo supplement is payable.
Meals
Japanese cuisine is the highlight of many people’s visit to Japan and this is especially the case on the Nakasendo Trail. Your trip includes all breakfasts and 4 evening meals whilst on the trail.
Most meals will be Japanese cuisine, though breakfast in western-style hotels usually includes more familiar choices.
Dinner and breakfast in ryokan and minshuku are set meals, usually with a whole succession of different dishes which will delight you. Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included with meals. Tipping is not customary at hotels and restaurants in Japan.
The route is very well waymarked (in English and Japanese) and we provide detailed route notes and maps on arrival in Japan. You should have no problem following the trail.
- 3 Nights 4* hotel accommodation in Kyoto
- 4 Nights minshuku or ryokan traditional Japanese accommodation on the Nakasendo trail
- 2 Nights 4* hotel accommodation in Tokyo
- 9 Breakfasts
- 4 evening meals (on the Nakasendo Trail)
- Train tickets from Kyoto to Nakatsugawa, trains on day 5, 6 & 7, and on day 8 from Yokokawa to Tokyo
- 1 Day private guided tour of Kyoto
- Detailed information pack with local travel information, route notes, topographical maps and tips
- Telephone support from our local, English speaking, representative
- International flights
- Travel to Kyoto/from Tokyo
- Drinks with meals
- Lunches
- Evening meals in Tokyo and Kyoto
- Local bus is on day 4, and should be paid locally (around ¥800, £5 or $9)
- Baggage forwarding is not included, we provide details on how this can be easily arranged
- Additional nights on the trail or in Kyoto, Tokyo or Osaka (prices on request for Kyoto & Osaka)
- Daily luggage transfers (Nakatsugawa to Matsumoto)
This trip is available to start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between April and November.
Accommodations are busy and may charge extra during the following Japanese holiday periods: New Year (29 December to 04 January), Golden Week (29 April - 05 May), and O-bon Festival (13 - 15 August). Please note, that during these peak holiday times, prices will be confirmed according to what availability there is for certain accommodations.
Time of Year
It is tough to beat the spring months of April and May but the autumn colours in October and November are also great! The rainy season in Japan is from early June through to mid-July. During this time of year, it can become very humid but the rain does cool the temperatures down a bit to around 25-26°C. Short, tropical cyclones can also hit Japan between June and October.
By Air: The best airport to arrive into is Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX).
Alternatively, you could take an internal flight from Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) or the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto.
The West Japan Rail Company operates services between Kansai Airport and Osaka/Kyoto. There are timetables and route maps on the website. The Airport Express HARUKA (Kansai Airport Line) takes approx 75 mins from Osaka Airport to Kyoto.
By Air: The best airport to depart from is Tokyo Narita (NRT).
Alternatively, you could take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo back to Kyoto, and then onto Osaka Airport
The West Japan Rail Company operates services between Kansai Airport and Osaka/Kyoto. There are timetables and route maps on the website. The Airport Express HARUKA (Kansai Airport Line) takes approx 75 mins from Osaka Airport to Kyoto.
Luggage transfer is not included during your walk as standard. There are two options for your luggage: Takkubin or Daily Luggage transfers.
Takkubin (sometimes Takkyubin or Takuhaibin)
Takkubin is a luggage courier service which you can only book once you are in Japan. It is reliable and well-priced at approximately £15 per journey (you will have 2 on this itinerary). The price is based per bag under 25kg / 55lbs. Your bags will not be moved each day.
On the Nakasendo Trail, you have access to your luggage only when in Kiso-Fukushima. The other nights you have to carry your essentials with you. We recommend this method as you do not have to navigate the trains and buses with your main large suitcase. Additionally, in the accommodation you are provided with robes and shoes to wear in the traditional houses, so you only need your hiking gear and can travel very light.
With Takkubin, your Nakasendo luggage transfers and access would be:
- You send your luggage from Kyoto (or from wherever you are before you start your walk) to Kiso-Fukushima. You travel by train & bus with your overnight things (and no heavy suitcase) Magome and walk to Tusmago. No access to main bag.
- Walk/travel to Kiso-Fukushimo. Access to main bag.
- Send your main bag to the destination after your walk (Tokyo or other destination). Walk/travel to Matsumoto. No access to main bag.
- Walk to Yokokawa. Train to Tokyo. Reunited with luggage at hotel at end of day.
Exactly where you leave and collect your bags for Takkubin is clearly explained in your final information. It is a widely used and efficient service with many tourists and locals using it every day.
Daily Luggage Transfers
This allows you to have access to your luggage until to you get to Matsumoto, but no further. It costs approximately £285 for up to 4 bags, and needs to be pre-booked through Macs. You will have to take your suitcase with you on the trains and buses at the start and end, which can be difficult if cumbersome.
You can combine this with a Takkubin service from Matsumoto to your final destination (Tokyo or a city of your choice). With this combination there would be only 1 night that you would not be able to access your main bags.
With daily luggage transfers, your Nakasendo luggage transfers and access would be:
- You need to take your own luggage with you on the train from Kyoto (or from wherever you come from to the start of the trail) to Nakatsugawa – where you leave your main bags at the tourist office. You then take the bus to Magome and walk to Tsumago. Access to main bags.
- Walk/Travel to Kiso-Fukushima. Access to main bags.
- Walk/Travel to Matsumoto. Access to main bags.
- You have to carry your bags from here OR use Takkubin from Matsumoto to your end destination (Tokyo). You transfer to Karuizawa. No access to main bags.
- Walk to Yokokawa. Train to Tokyo. Reunited with luggage at hotel at end of day if you have sent your luggage by Takkubin from Matsumoto.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
The route is graded as moderate. The walking is mostly on paved village paths and unpaved mountain trails, with some gentle ascents and descents. On most days you will be walking for between 2 and 6 hours and ideally, you should be a regular walker to get the most from the trip or do some training prior to the trip. The walk is highly customisable and we can advise which days to leave out if you want a shorter or more gentle walk.
The best airport to arrive at is Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX), which has flights from international destinations. Ideally, you should book an open jaw ticket departing from Tokyo or alternatively try and get your airline to throw the internal flight in. You can also fly into Tokyo Narita (NRT) and take an internal flight or the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (3h30).
Yes, please just let us know at the time of booking. Most food during the walk is Japanese style. It is worth mentioning however, that many dishes do contain the ubiquitous Japanese fish stock called dashi. This is an ingredient in many soups and sauces so it is helpful if you are able to accept dishes containing this.
No, our detailed info pack and a little bit of effort on your part will get you by. Most signs are also in English. Our specialist Laura travelled to Japan in 2014 and you can read her experience of travelling in Japan with little language skills on the blog.
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
It is tough to beat the spring months of April and May but the summer months from June to September are also great as are the autumn colours in October and November.
Luggage transfer is not included during your walk as standard. There are two options for your luggage: Takkubin or Daily Luggage transfers.
Takkubin (sometimes Takkyubin or Takuhaibin)
Takkubin is a luggage courier service which you can only book once you are in Japan. It is reliable and well-priced at approximately £15 per journey (you will have 2 on this itinerary). Your bags will not be moved each day. On the Nakasendo Trail, you have access to your luggage only when in Kiso-Fukushima. The other nights you have to carry your essentials with you. We recommend this method as you do not have to navigate the trains and buses with your main large suitcase. Additionally, in the accommodation you are provided with robes and shoes to wear in the traditional houses, so you only need your hiking gear and can travel very light.
With Takkubin, your Nakasendo luggage transfers and access would be:
- You send your luggage from Kyoto (or from wherever you are before you start your walk) to Kiso-Fukushima. You travel by train & bus with your overnight things (and no heavy suitcase) Magome and walk to Tusmago. No access to main bag.
- Walk/travel to Kiso-Fukushimo. Access to main bag.
- Send your main bag to the destination after your walk (Tokyo or other destination). Walk/travel to Matsumoto. No access to main bag.
- Walk to Yokokawa. Train to Tokyo. Reunited with luggage at hotel at end of day.
Daily Luggage Transfers
This allows you to have access to your luggage until to you get to Matsumoto, but no further. It costs approximately £200 and needs to be pre-booked through Macs. You will have to take your suitcase with you on the trains and buses at the start and end, which can be difficult if cumbersome.
You can combine this with a Takkubin service from Matsumoto to your final destination (Tokyo or a city of your choice). With this combination there would be only 1 night that you would not be able to access your main bags.
With daily luggage transfers, your Nakasendo luggage transfers and access would be:
- You need to take your own luggage with you on the train from Kyoto (or from wherever you come from to the start of the trail) to Nakatsugawa – where you leave your main bags. You then take the bus to Magome and walk to Tsumago. Access to main bags.
- Walk/Travel to Kiso-Fukushima. Access to main bags.
- Walk/Travel to Matsumoto. Access to main bags.
- You have to carry your bags from here OR use Takkubin from Matsumoto to your end destination (Tokyo). You transfer to Karuizawa. No access to main bags.
- Walk to Yokokawa. Train to Tokyo. Reunited with luggage at hotel at end of day.
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