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.
This comfortable and highly regarded hotel is in an ideal location for visitors. High-speed internet access is available in all guest rooms and there is a handy self-service laundry facility.
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.
This comfortable and highly regarded hotel is in an ideal location for visitors. High-speed internet access is available in all guest rooms and there is a handy self-service laundry facility.
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.
This comfortable and highly regarded hotel is in an ideal location for visitors. High-speed internet access is available in all guest rooms and there is a handy self-service laundry facility.
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: 239m / Descent: 415m

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: 820m / Descent: 1060m (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. Between Yabuhara and your destination, Narai, the trail climbs the Torii-toge Pass, one of the hardest parts of the Nakasendo.
Narai was once known as “Narai of 1000 inns,” as this was the most prosperous of the 69 post towns along the Nakasendo Trail. Travellers prepared or recovered in the many inns here before and after tackling the steep Torii-toge. The residents of Narai chose to renovate their historic houses and impose strict rules on ownership and use so the town remains a real gem on the Nakasendo.
Ascent: 270m / Descent: 270m

Iseya is a traditional-style Japanese inn established in 1818. During the Edo period, it served as one of Narai’s two porter-service offices. The friendly, family-run inn now occupies the original wooden building and a newer annex. There are ten tatami-mat rooms for guests; you lay out your own futon in the evening. There are several guest toilets and washbasins, plus two rooms for bathing. Guests take it in turns to use the baths privately; the bathtubs are made of Kiso umbrella pine. Wifi is available in your room.
From Narai, you walk a short distance to Kiso Hirasawa, then continue to Karuizawa by train via Matsumoto and Nagano. Kiso Hirasawa flourished on the Nakasendo Trail as a centre of lacquerware production and today you will find many small shops selling beautifully-crafted tableware and furniture.
Continue by train (2 hours) to Karuizawa, a former post-town now famous as a summer resort.

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. 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: 375m / Descent: 850m

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.
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&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveller this holiday would be suitable for 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 on the walking section. They are generally simply furnished and less formal but have excellent food and a wonderful personal service. Here are some examples of the accommodation we use most often.
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 waymarked (in English and Japanese) and we provide detailed route notes and topographic maps so you should have no problem following the trail.
- 3 Nights 4* hotel accommodation in Kyoto.
- 4 Nights minshuku (guest house) 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 and on day 8 from Yokokawa to Tokyo
- 1 Day private guided tour of Kyoto
- Detailed information pack with local travel information, detailed route notes, topographical maps an
- 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, though we provide instructions for how this can be easily arrang
- Additional nights on the trail or in Kyoto, Tokyo or Osaka (prices on request for Kyoto & Osaka)
- Daily luggage transfers (Magome-Narai)
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 2024), and O-bon (13 - 15 August 2024). 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 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).
The West Japan Rail Company operates services between Kansai Airport and Osaka/Kyoto. For timetable information please visit http://www.westjr.co.jp/global.en/travel-information/timetable. The Airport Express HARUKA (Kansai Airport Line) takes approx 75 mins to Kyoto.
By Air: The best airport to depart from is Tokyo Narita (NRT). Alternatively, you may take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo back to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) for onward travel.
The West Japan Rail Company operates services between Kansai Airport and Osaka/Kyoto. For timetable information please visit http://www.westjr.co.jp/global.en/travel-information/timetable. The Airport Express HARUKA (Kansai Airport Line) takes approx 75 mins to Kyoto.
Luggage transfer is not included during your walk as standard and you have a couple of options here. The first option is to arrange luggage transfers by a service called Takkyubin which is a courier service in Japan and can only be booked in Japan. This is cheap, reliable and costs approx £12 per day. With this service, your bags will not be moved each day but instead will be waiting for you at your accommodation a couple of nights later. On the Nakasendo Trail, we recommend forwarding your luggage from Kyoto (or wherever you are staying before the walk) to Kiso-Fukushima. You carry overnight essentials in your daypack for your night in Tsumago. You then forward your luggage from Kiso-Fukushima to Tokyo (or wherever you are staying after the walk); you carry your overnight essentials for your nights in Narai and Karuizawa. Our information pack has full details of how to use this service, which is really easy.
Your accommodations during the walk provide robes to wear in the evening and shoes are not worn inside, so you only need your hiking gear and can travel very light.
The other option is to arrange a daily baggage transfer service if you prefer to access your bag every night and this can be booked in advance through ourselves. Daily Luggage Transfer offers the option of bringing luggage by train and bus to the trail and then having it transferred from inn to inn on a daily basis. However, as it can be quite difficult to navigate public transport with luggage, we recommend Takkubin as the most convenient method. On the Nakasendo Trail, this service is available from Magome through to Narai. You will need to carry your bags with you from Narai onwards.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Latest Travel Advice on Japan (2022 and 2023 Season)
For the most up-to-date information visit: https://www.macsadventure.com/about-us/booking/japan-travel-advice-2023/
Visas
Please check your visa requirements with the foreign office or the embassy in your country of residence before travelling to Japan.
British nationals wishing to visit Japan for three months or less for business, tourism or family purposes etc (but not to work for a local employer) may do so without a visa. You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket. Please visit www.fco.gov.uk for up to date information.
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 and you have a couple of options here. The first option is to arrange luggage transfers by a service called Takkyubin which is a courier service in Japan and can only be booked in Japan. This is cheap, reliable and costs approx £12 per day. With this service your bags will not be moved each day but instead will be waiting for you at your accommodation a couple of nights later. On the Nakasendo trail we recommend forwarding your luggage from Kyoto (or wherever you are staying before the walk) to Kiso-Fukushima. You carry overnight essentials in your daypack for your night in Tsumago. You then forward your luggage from Kiso-Fukushima to Tokyo (or wherever you are staying after the walk); you carry your overnight essentials for your nights in Narai and Karuizawa. Our information pack has full details of how to use this service, which is really easy.
Your accommodation during the walk provide robes to wear in the evening and shoes are not worn inside, so you only need your hiking gear and can travel very light.
The other option is to arrange a daily baggage transfer service if you prefer to access your bag every night and this can be booked in advance through ourselves. Daily Luggage Transfer offers the option of bringing luggage by train and bus to the trail, and then having it transferred from inn to inn on a daily basis. However, as it can be quite difficult to navigate public transport with luggage, we recommend Takkubin as the most convenient method. On the Nakasendo Trail this service is available from Magome through to Narai. You will need to carry your bags with you from Narai onwards.
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