Nakasendo Spring Walking Tour 2027

You will be met by our tour guide in the hotel lobby in the evening.
From there, you will join your fellow travellers for a kick-off dinner at a local restaurant. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the other guests, get to know your guide, and look forward to the journey ahead along the historic Nakasendo Trail.

In the morning we’ll take a private bus from Kyoto to Magome, where we’ll begin our walk to Tsumago.

Magome and Tsumago sit like facing bookends on the Kiso stretch of the old Nakasendō. Magome (the 43rd post town) climbs a cobbled slope and is known as the birthplace of novelist Shimazaki Tōson; much of its townscape was rebuilt after major fires in 1895 and 1915,then carefully restored to evoke the Edo-period feel.

Across the pass, Tsumago (the 42nd post town) became the pioneer of post-town preservation: residents launched a protection movement in 1968 and, in 1971, adopted a charter of “don’t sell, don’t rent, don’t demolish,” moving utilities out of sight and restricting traffic to keep the streetscape intact. In 1976 the town and surrounding landscape were designated an Important Preservation District—one of Japan’s earliest—and Tsumago is widely cited as the first town in Japan to commit to preserving its historic appearance.

•Walking Distance: 8.6 km
•Elevation gain: 330 m of ascent and 540 m of descent

We start high at Nenoue Pass and descend along the historic Yogawa- michi—a quiet ridge-and-hamlet route created as a detour when floods repeatedly damaged the main Nakasendō by the Kiso River.
The pass marks the boundary between Yogawa and Nojiri.
Expect cedar forest, mossy stone markers, small shrines, and farm hamlets – classic pastoral Japanese scenery and quiet walks on trails we’ll largely have all to ourselves.

•Walking Distance: total 11.5 km
•Elevation gain: 330 m of ascent and 750 of descent
Optionally, we could walk an extra hour all the way back to Tsumago.
At the end of the hike, the bus will take us back to Nagiso Onsen.

Climb through peaceful cedar forests and historic stone paths to Torii Pass, one of the most challenging sections of the Nakasendo Trail.

Along the way, discover moss-covered stone Buddhas and haiku monuments before descending into Narai-juku.

Explore this beautifully preserved post town, where traditional Edo- period buildings line the streets and local craftsmanship, including Kiso lacquerware, continues to thrive.After the walk, we will transfer by bus to Matsumoto.

•Walking Distance: total 6 km
•Elevation gain: 300 m of ascent and 350 of descent

In the early morning, begin inside one of Japan’s few surviving original castles, Matsumoto Castle, a flatland fortress with a black-lacquered keep dating to the late 16th century and designated a National Treasure. Expect steep ladders, arrow-slits, and views to the Alps from the top floor.

Afterwards, free at your leisure until leaving for Tokyo.

Wander a historic shopping district famous for its beautifully preserved Edo-period kura (traditional storehouses) with distinctive black-and-white patterned walls and enjoy great spots for snacks and antiques.

Take an express train to Shinjuku Station. In the evening, there is a farewell dinner with your guide

Departure Day -
The tour ends after breakfast. Your guide will be available to offer suggestions and assistance with any further adventures you may wish to have while you are in Japan!