Walking the Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi

Walking the Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi

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Walking the Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi

6 Days Starting in 33.775098,135.503014 and ending in 34.146151,135.661498

Visiting: Japan

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

227

Group size:

2 - 12

Physical rating:

Moderate

Tour operated in:

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

In feudal times people travelling between Kyoto and Tokyo would use the Nakasendo Trail – the road linking the two major cities through the central mountains. This trip will bring you walking along forested paths, travelling between historic Juku post towns and getting a glimpse of what life was like in times gone by. You’ll then travel into the Oku-HIda mountains to explore the biodiversity of Kamikochi before arriving into iconic Takayama

Itinerary

Day 1: Magome to Tsumago and Nagiso

We supply train tickets for your journey from Kyoto or from Tokyo to Nakatsugawa, including a ride on the world-famous Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nagoya. At Nakatsugawa, board a local bus for the short journey to Magome. Walk over Magome Pass to Tsumago, one of the best-preserved and most evocative of the Nakasendo post towns. In the afternoon, you will be picked up and transferred to your Onsen inn for the evening, a short drive from the main village of Tsumago.
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn) or Onsen Hotel close to Tsumago
Walking for the day: 8.5 km, 3 hours ?325 m ?430 m

Day 2: Nagiso to Nojiri

The longest day on the trail is a beautiful and varied hike from Tsumago or Nagiso to Nojiri. The trail travels through small valleys and past forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar, through some of the most beautiful scenery on the tour. Continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima. Stay at a lovely hot-spring Ryokan set in a peaceful valley above the town. The Ryokan provides complimentary transfer from the station. The Ryokan has lovely indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths.
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)
Walking for the day: 18.5 km, 6-7 hours ?725 m ?645 m

Day 3: Kiso-Fukushima

A day to relax and explore the historic Kiso-Fukushima. Our optional walk today goes through a quiet scenic forest before taking in key areas of the town.
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)
Walking for the day (optional): 7 km, 2-3 hours ?635m ?635 m

Day 4: Yabuhara to Narai and Hirasawa

Today, travel by train for the short journey from Kiso-Fukushima to Yabuhara, the starting point for the hike over the Torii pass to Narai. Explore this evocative village before a short walk to Kiso-Hirasawa, a historic lacquerware town. From here, head on by train and bus to your inn for the evening, another traditional Onsen Ryokan.
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn) close to Matsumoto
Walking for the day: 9 km, 4 hours ?345m ?270 m (shorter option: 6 km, 2-3 hours)

Day 5: Kamikochi Wetlands

Travel by bus to the biodiverse wetlands of Kamikochi; a popular site for nature hiking, featuring dramatic mountain and lake scenery. Head onwards to a secluded Onsen Ryokan village in Oku-Hida for the evening.
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)
Walking for the day: 10 km, 4 hours, mostly flat ( (shorter option: 3 km, 1-2 hours)

Day 6: Oku-Hida and Takayama. Departure

One final hike in the mountains of Oku-Hida, providing stunning views out over the local range. Explore this town before heading onwards by bus to Takayama, which is well-known for its crafts, particularly yew-wood carving, Shunkei lacquerware, pottery and furniture. You may also wish to explore the ruins of Takayama castle and walk along the east-side temples. Book an extra night on your own or continue your journey in Japan.Accommodation: no overnight included
Walking for the day (optional): 6 km, 3-4 hours

Check out our Q&As

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren  

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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