Walking the Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi
Walking the Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi
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:
Tour code:
227
Recommended For:
Group size:
2 - 12
Tour operated in:
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
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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Book with Confidence
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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.
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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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