Strolling along the Nakasendo Trail

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Kiso-Fukushima
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 985.- per person (excluding flights)

The Nakasendo Trail is an ancient walking trail of the Edo period that connects Tokyo with Kyoto. You'll spend two nights in Kiso-Fukushima, exploring the historical and important checkpoint on the Nakasendo, before embarking on the famous hike from Magome to Tsumago. Both these towns are known as the most attractive Nakasendo towns, where you'll pass Japan's rural scenery of thickly forests, cobblestone roads and traditional-style Japanese houses. Once you reach Tsumago later that afternoon, it'll feel like you're in an open-air museum, where everything has been preserved from over 200 years ago.

Day 1 – Arrival in the Kiso Valley

Today you’ll leave the bustling city behind and hop on the train to Kiso-Fukushima, the gateway to the Nakasendo Trail. Upon arrival, you’ll make your way to your Ryokan hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next few nights; you then have the afternoon free to explore. Kiso-Fukushima is a picturesque little town, between Nagoya and Matsumoto, and all though it may be a quiet town, there’s still plenty to see. This evening you’ll be served a delicious Japanese meal at your ryokan.

Day 2 – Kiso Valley Sightseeing

This morning you’ll be provided with a combined entry ticket that lets you explore three of Kiso-Fukushima’s most popular attractions. You’ll first visit the Yamamura Residence, former home of the local Owari clan governor. You’ll also visit the Ko Zenji Temple, home to Asia’s largest dry rock garden. The temple is known for its beautiful, expansive garden and for its gorgeous setting at the foot of the Chuo Alps. Your ticket also gives you access to the Fukushima Sekisho-Ato, which overlooks the Kiso River.

Walking Along the Nakasendo Trail

After a morning of sight-seeing, you’ll head to Magome, a former post town with buildings faithfully reconstructed in a traditional style. This afternoon you’ll spend 3 hours walking a historical 8km stretch from Magome to Tsumago. As you make your way through the forest, you’ll be treated to views of cascading waterfalls and beautiful mountain vistas peeking through the trees.

You’ll also pass the Tateba-Jaya Tea House, where you can take a break with tea, snacks and even warm up by the fire. As you walk past the locals and their small farmhouses and fields, you eventually reach the picture-perfect town of Tsumago. You’ll explore the scenic towns and roads that are lined with traditional old buildings, dating back to over 200 years old. A private transfer will be waiting after your time exploring to take you back to your ryokan, where another tasty Japanese-style dinner will be waiting for you.

Day 3 – Departure from the Kiso Valley

Your time in the mountains of the Kiso Valley has come to an end, after breakfast this morning you’ll head back to the train station, and use your Japan Rail Pass to head onto your next destination.