Combined Kyoto and Nakasendo Tour 2027

In the afternoon, meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby and enjoy a
kimono dressing and traditional tea ceremony. Afterwards, stroll
through the historic Gion district and visit Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, the
starting point of the Nakasendo Trail. End the day with a welcome
dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Western-style hotel (6 nights)

One day guided tour of Kyoto by private coach.
We will visit Kyoto's famous sightseeing spots; Gingakuji, Philosopher's Path, Keage Incline, Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama park, and Kiyomizudera Temple.

Please note that the mode of transport may vary depending on the conditions on the day.

Depart the hotel in the morning and head to Shiga Prefecture to enjoy a pottery-making* experience and visit the MIHO MUSEUM**, widely celebrated for its breathtaking architectural design.

Full-day guided tour of the Sagano and Arashiyama area.
We leave the hotel early in the morning and travel to Sagano by train.
Boarding the Sagano Romantic Train, enjoy riding the Hozu Rapids on a scenic river
boat ride.
After lunch, stroll through the Bamboo Forest and visit a beautiful temple

Today we will visit Nara, widely recognized as Japan's first true permanent capital. Take a local train to and from Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine and the deer park, and Naramachi, where you can find Nara crafts and stylish souvenirs. Please enjoy lunch on your own at a local restaurant in the Naramachi area

Full day free at leisure - Enjoy the last day in Kyoto.
Take the opportunity to explore Kyoto at your own pace or simply relax and soak up the city's unique atmosphere.
Bid farewell to your stay in Kyoto and enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travellers joining the Nakasendo portion of the tour.

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.

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!