Ancient Edo Walk – Nakasendo – 8 Days
Magome, Tsumago, Narai-juku, Kiso-Fukushima, Matsumoto
| Duration | 7 nights and 8 days |
| Departs | Daily |
| Price | From $2,522 per person (based on twin share) |
The Nakasendo is one of Japan’s ancient walkways. The trail, through the mountains, connects Kyoto and Tokyo and was the route taken by feudal lords, samurai, merchants and pilgrims. The friendly and atmospheric post towns along the route provide travellers with traditional accommodation and delicious meals. The post towns Tsumago and Magome have preserved their original and traditional glory, as if you were stepping back in time to the Edo period. Explore the towns of Narai-juku and Kiso-Fukushima at a leisurely pace as you venture along the picturesque sections of this ancient track.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Kyoto
Wander around Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, the starting point of the ancient Nakasendo route from Kyoto, and the end point from Tokyo. Venture along Shirakawa-minami Dori Street, lined with traditional Machiya style structures on the stone path along the Shirakawa River in Gion. Explore Yamashina, Bishamondo Temple and Daigoji Temple, a world heritage site.
Accommodation: Kyoto – 1 night
Day 2: Kyoto – Tsumago
Make you way by train to Magome, 43rd of the 69 station towns of the Nakasendo. Stroll around the nostalgic town then start the hike along the Nakasendo trail to Tsumago. Tsumago is one of the best preserved post towns in Japan.
Distance: 8.3 km
Time: approx. 3~4 hours
Accommodation: Tsumago – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)
Day 3: Tsumago – Nojiri – Kiso-Fukushima
Continue the trek along the Nakasendo trail through small valleys, past forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar to the 40th station town, Nojiri. Move on to Kiso-Fukushima by train.
Distance: 18.4 km
Time: approx. 6 hours
*Alternatively, there is an option for a shorter walk (4 km (approx. 1 hour)) then use the train to Kiso-Fukushima.
Accommodation: Kiso-Fukushima – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)
Day 4: Kiso-Fukushima – Yabuhara – Narai
Board a train to Yabuhara, the 35th station town. Hike over the Tori Toge Pass to the next station town, Narai. Then explore this ancient town, reminiscent of the Edo period. Visit old temples, residences, the Kiso-no-Ohashi Bridge, folk museums and discover the local handcrafts and arts.
Distance: 6.2 km
Time: approx. 3 hours
Accommodation: Narai – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)
Day 5: Narai – Kiso-Hirasawa – Matsumoto
Continue to trek on the trail to Kiso-Hirasawa, the small town famous for its lacquerware. After exploring the town, board a train to Matsumoto. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest original castles.
Distance: 2.5 km
Time: approx. 1 hour
Accommodation: Matsumoto – 2 nights
Day 6: Matsumoto – Nagano – Matsumoto
Take a day trip to temple town Nagano. Visit Zenkoji Temple, then meet the wild, cheeky snow monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Before returning to Matsumoto, wander around the pretty town of Obuse, famous for its local arts and crafts.
Day 7: Matsumoto – Tokyo
Board a train to Tokyo. Visit Nihonbashi Bridge, the end point of the Nakasendo from Kyoto and the start point from Tokyo, completing your Nakasendo walk. Wander around the Nihonbashi area or explore more of Tokyo!
Accommodation: Tokyo – 1 night
Day 8: Tokyo – Narita International Airport
Depart Japan or head to your next destination.
*The order of the tour can be changed and the length increased or decreased to match your requirements.
Highlights:
– Walk along the ancient Nakasendo Route
– Experience traditional Japanese accommodation at Ryokan inns
Package Details:
| Duration | 7 nights and 8 days (travel order can be changed, length of tour can be extended or decreased) |
| Departure Dates | Available all year round |
| Route | Kyoto, Magome-juku, Tsumago-juku, Kiso-Fukushima, Narai-juku, Matsumoto, Tokyo |
| Tour type | Self-guided package: pick up/drop off service is not available |
| Price (land fee) | Twin share from $2,522 per person Triple share from $2,320 per person Single from $3,209 per person |
| *Seasonal fee or extra charge may apply (if arriving in the following Japanese holiday periods: New Year (29 Dec – 04 Jan), Golden Week (29 Apr – 05 May), Odon (09 – 17 August) and Silver Week (19 – 23 Sep)). *Recommended travel period – March to November |
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Package inclusions:
– 7 nights accommodation in a standard room in 3-4 star hotels and Ryokan
・ 1 night in Kyoto – Kyoto Tower Hotel, New Miyako Hotel or similar
・ 1 night in Tsumago – Daikichi or similar
・ 1 night in Kiso-Fukushima – Koma-no-Yu or similar
・ 1 night in Narai-juku – Iseya or similar
・ 2 nights in Matsumoto – Matsumoto Tokyu REI Hotel or similar
・ 1 night in Tokyo – Shiba Park Hotel or similar
– Train tickets from Kyoto to Magome, Kiso-Hirasawa to Matsumoto and Matsumoto to Tokyo
– Meals
・ 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts – in Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima and Narai-juku
– Airport Limousine Bus Coupon
– Kansai Area Pass 1-day
Package exclusions:
– Flights: We can assist with your flights to match your itinerary.
*If you have already booked your flight, please provide us with your flight details or send us copies of e-tickets when you book/enquire.
– Travel expenses: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Meals: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Activities or tours: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
*You can add any day tours or activities you like, we can arrange this for you.
– Admission fees: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Personal expenses
– Travel insurance
Notes:
*Non-smoking rooms may be available on request. We book non-smoking rooms when available.
*Please read our term and conditions.
*Package inclusions are subject to availability.
*Prices are subject to currency fluctuations.
