Winding by Japan’s central mountains, the Seventeenth-century Nakasendo Path leads vacationers alongside historical stone forest paths, by preserving Edo-era villages, and deep into the misplaced landscapes of feudal lords.
The great thing about this path lies in its changeability, shifting from city thoroughfares on mountain slopes to winding filth tracks amid dense forests. Traditionally connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, the Nakasendo is now one among Japan’s most famous climbing routes.
As a substitute of strolling the total size of the unique path, many choose to finish smaller sections, especially within the beautiful Kiso Valley, with the superbly preserved submit cities of Magome and Tsumago among the many highlights of a trek on this area.
While not inconceivable to squeeze in a half-day hike en path to or from Tokyo or Kyoto, we advocate spending not less than one evening at a submit city on the path as an incredible approach to expertise rural Japan.
The stroll from Magome to Tsumago could be achieved in a single day, whereas climbing from Magome to Narai takes vacations on a three-day journey by the Kiso Valley on foot, which we’ve outlined on this information.
Historical past of the Nakasendo Path
Over 330 miles (530 km) lengthy, the Nakasendo Path was first established within the 1600s as a commerce route between Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) that handed inland by Nagano’s mountains. Its vacationers range from monks and retailers to samurai, high-class lords, and even royal princesses, all of whom refueled, rested, and slept on the 69 shukuba (submit cities) dotted alongside the route.
While a lot of the unique path has now been overlaid with trendy roads, there are nevertheless remnants of Nakasendo’s first ishidatami (cobblestones) within the sloping woodlands between Magome and Tsumago. Each of those submit cities despite emulating their Seventeenth-century look: low-roofed timber buildings, protruding balconies, and an absence of energy traces all make you’re feeling you’ve gone again in time.
Greatest Time to Hike the Nakasendo Path
While it’s potential to hike the Nakasendo Means all year long, the path is well-liked sufficient to be particularly busy peak journey throughout seasons. However, for those who occur to be visiting Japan throughout a vacation weekend or peak season, the Kiso Valley can nevertheless provide an escape from extra crowded city locations.
Because you’ll be out within the components, the seasonal climate can drastic have an effect on your expertise of the path. Spring (April/Might) and fall (October/November) have a tendency to supply essentially the most nice climates, with restricted rain and comfy temperatures; Whereas the summer time months are hotter and extra humid with the next likelihood of rain and typhoons.
Winter on the Nakasendo can be superbly picturesque, however you’ll have to take further care when packing your gear to make sure you’ll be heat sufficient and ready for snow and generally ice.
To become familiar with the Japanese seasons, see When Is the Greatest Time to Go to Japan .
Attending the Nakasendo Path
There are a number of potential beginning factors for the path, with the most well-liked being the submitted cities of Magome and Narai in Nagano Prefecture. Magome and Narai lie at reverse ends of essentially the most generally hiked stretch of the Nakasendo, which could be hiked in both paths, and is definitely accessed by preparation from Tokyo and Kyoto.
Beginning in Magome
Magome is an exquisite place to start your exploration of the Nakasendo Path. This small, peaceful submit city is understood for its preserved Edo-era buildings and scenic views of the Kiso Valley. At an altitude of 1985 toes (600 meters), Magome’s mountainside location means vacationers can acclimate right earlier here than beginning to hike.
Touring to Magome from Tokyo
When you’re touring from Tokyo, take the shinkansen (bullet prepare) west to Nagoya Station – this journey takes approx. 1 hour 45 minutes. At Nagoya, you’ll switch to the Restricted Categorical prepare headed north to Nakatsugawa Station within the Kiso Valley (approx. 1 hour).
When you’re touring with quite a lot of baggage, we advise utilizing Japan’s great luggage-forwarding service to make your journey that a lot simpler.
Searching for a day hike closer to Tokyo? See our information to one of the best hikes close to Tokyo .
Touring to Magome from Kyoto
From Kyoto, board the shinkansen to Nagoya Station, which takes about 35 minutes, then switch to the Restricted Categorical ‘Shinano’ prepare northwards to Nakatsugawa Station (approx 1 hour). On arrival, there are native buses that connect to Magome, round 25 minutes away.
Beginning in Narai
As soon as the official halfway level of the complete Nakasendo Means, the submitted city of Narai has a rich previous, though evident within the historic buildings lining its essential avenue. Beginning your hike right here is a good way to move your self again in time amid restored wood homes and conventional particulars.
Touring to Narai from Tokyo
From Tokyo, take the shinkansen to Nagoya Station, the place you may catch the JR Shinano Categorical prepare to Kiso-Fukushima Station which takes 2.5 hours. From there, change to the native JR Chuo line to Narai Station (approx 20 minutes).
Touring to Narai from Kyoto
When you’re coming from Kyoto, the above route is nearly the identical. Take the shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya, then switch to the Shinano Categorical prepare so far as Kiso-Fukushima Station. Switch to the native prepare till you attain Narai Station. In complete, the journey takes about three hours.
For extra data, see our information to getting round Japan by prepare .
Nakasendo Path Itinerary: 3 Days Exploring Japan’s Countryside
Mountain climbing on the Nakasendo path between Magome and Narai is an excellent alternative to swap city exploration for serene and beautiful countryside. Over just some days you’ll uncover rural mountain passes, peaceable forests, historic submit cities, and one of the best of rural Japan on foot.
The itinerary beneath is one we advocate to vacationers who wish to add a mixture of nature, custom, and lively exploration to an extended Japan itinerary. When you have much less time to spare, the primary section could be deliberate as a day hike, ideally with an evening in Tsumago.
Day 1: Stroll from Magome to Tsumago
Begin your day within the superbly preserved submit city of Magome, nestled on a steep slope of the Kiso Valley in Gifu Prefecture. In the present day’s 9 km hike is roughly 3-4 hours and takes you alongside among the most well-preserved elements of the Nakasendo Path earlier than ultimately reaching the subsequent submit city of Tsumago.
Heading uphill by Magome, you’ll go old school wood institutions serving soba noodles, oyaki dumplings, and gohei mochi – three native specialties – earlier than becoming a member of the winding path up by the agricultural countryside. Be certain that to show round for some spectacular mountain views, and hold an eye fixed out for the historic Tateba tea home and its weeping cherry tree simply exterior.
Upon reaching the Magome-toge Cross on the prime of the hill you may chill out: the remainder of your route at present is steadily downhill. This part of the path lets you get pleasure from spots of forested shade, cross bridges over rocky creeks, and pause on the serene Odaki-Medaki waterfalls.
Whenever you arrive in Tsumago, you’ll discover simply how well-preserved the city is. Tsumago is one among Japan’s most picturesque historic villages. Because the Nineteen Sixties, native residents have been efficiently restoring the Edo-era buildings to their conventional lattice-wood look, and taking their guests again in time consequently. Be certain that to go to the twice right-angled masugata avenue, designed to guard in opposition to potential invaders, and maybe decide up a stroll certificates like Edo-era vacationers as soon as did.
Some guests to Tsumago choose to choose for an additional day to discover the city additional, and there are a lot of small inns in and round city.
Day 2: Hike From Tsumago to Nojiri & Practice to Kiso-Fukushima
Get pleasure from a rural Japanese breakfast forward of at present’s 18 km hike which takes roughly 6 hours to succeed in Nojiri, a lot of which is uphill (on an incline). On the way in which, you’ll be a bit extra off the overwhelmed path and strolling by surroundings together with tall bamboo groves and cedar forests linked by rural mountain paths and wood foot bridges.
First up is the nice stroll from Tsumago to the small city of Nagiso, residence to the wood Momosuke bridge constructed within the Nineteen Twenties. It is a good place to choose up snacks and drinks for the day. Subsequent, you’ll go uphill by forest and farmland, at instances passing properly by home again gardens whereas locals are inclined to their crops.
Upon reaching the Yogawa street, terraced rice fields start to seem, and shortly you’ll enter mossy forests with loads of bear bells to ring in case of approaching wildlife. On the Nenoue Cross, it’s a downhill path till you attain Nojiri, then catch an onward preparation to Kiso-Fukushima (half-hour), which is residence to many beautiful ryokans. Maybe you’ll make time for a steaming onsen to appease any aching muscle tissue after a protracted day too.
Day 3: Hike Over the Torii Cross to Narai-juku
From Kiso-Fukushima, catch a quick preparation to Yabuhara Station, hike about 3 hours going up and over the Torii Cross, then proceed downhill to Narai-juku village. When you’re hugely lively and eager to sort out one other exercise earlier than leaving Kiso-Fukushima, there’s extra a reasonably intensive round hike to a neighborhood waterfall (2-3 hours) with an ascent of 2075 toes (632 meters) .
On arrival by native prepare in Yabahara, observe indicators by the quiet city, heading up the mountain to the trailhead of the Torii Cross. This was thought of the midway level of the Nakasendo Street, and traveler paperwork had been checked by feudal safety, although these days it’s a superbly ethereal spot. The Torii Gate is nestled among pink cedar bushes and historical statues, and glimpses of the Kiso Valley can be seen by the treetops.
A well-maintained path zigzags its manner down towards Narai, one other superbly preserved village and your ultimate vacation spot for the day. Traditionally, Narai was the submitted city exactly between halfway Edo and Kyoto, and was the path’s richest group accordingly. Often referred to as ‘the city of a thousand homes’, Narai is a beautiful place to discover; there are museums of folklore and artifacts, handcrafted ornaments and native lacquerware to purchase, and historic buildings-turned-cafes to go to.
Cease to marvel on the Kiso Bridge that crosses the Narai River: at 21 toes (6.5 meters), it’s one among Japan’s widest wood bridges, constructed from historical hinoki cypress bushes.
Spend the night at one among Narai’s many small inns, toasting to your profitable exploration of the realm on foot these previous three days.
Nakasendo Path Suggestions
Earlier than setting off to hike Nakasendo, make sure you put together to get one of the best out of your journey. Listed here are some ideas to remember:
Pack Mild & Ahead Your Baggage
Hilly trails and cobblestone pathways imply a good-fitting backpack reasonable than wheeled baggage is one of the best methodology for carrying your gear when climbing Nakasendo Path. When you can dwell with out your essential suitcases throughout your time right here, use Japan’s baggage forwarding companies to skip your time on the Nakasendo altogether.
Alternatively, there are vacationer facilities in each Magome and Tsumago that may ahead your baggage between the cities for a small charge
Be certain that to hold urgently in a day pack. These ought to embody:
- Excessive power snacks
- Waterproof bag with medicines and identification
- Collapsible strolling sticks
- Bag for finishing up trash
- Rain gear
Sporting climbing boots or good closed-toe sneakers are crucial to assist shield your toes and ankles. The cobblestones get extremely slippery in wet climate, so be sure your chosen footwear has a sturdy grip.
Don’t Rely on Common Wi-Fi
As a result of remoteness of elements of the path, Wi-Fi will not be obtainable in any respect submitted cities or lodging, so it’s beneficial to pre-download translation apps and any maps you may want.
In your greatest possibilities of accessing the online while climbing, you too can hire a pocket Wi-Fi machine.
E book Forward for Lodging with Meals
Reserving your lodging forward of time is smart, especially as cities within the Kiso Valley have restricted lodging choices, which regularly guide up effectively upfront. Be certain that to incorporate dinner and breakfast together with your reservations, as different eating choices could also be restricted.
The place to Keep on the Nakasendo Street
There are lovely locations to remain alongside the Nakasendo Path, with conventional ryokan inns and locally-run minshuku (guesthouses) in every submit city. For essentially the most half, your bedding and meals shall be previously Japanese, maybe with shared toilet services too.
Because the Kiso Valley is famous for its thermal scorching springs, lodging with personal onsen are probably right here. In your most certainly locations along the path, think about these choices for the place to remain:
Lodging in Magome
Many vacationers start in Magome and thus don’t want a spot to spend the evening right here. However for those who’re ending your Nakasendo hike right here, and don’t have time to proceed onward to your subsequent vacation spot in Japan, think about one among Magome’s easy minshuku (guesthouses), such because the historic Tajimaya.
Lodging in Tsumago
Most vacationers spending a number of nights on the Nakasendo Street will spend an evening in or close to Tsumago, and it’s definitely worthwhile!
The city is filled with small, rustic however charming minshuku and easy ryokans . One well-liked inn for vacationers is Fujioto, which is each conventional and tourist-friendly.
Lodging in Kiso-Fukushima
Not all vacationers will spend an evening on this area, however for those who’re climbing between Tsumago and Narai, it is a nice space wherein to relax your legs and soak in an onsen . There are a handful of very good ryokans round right here, together with the straightforward however beautiful Komanoyu among others.
Lodging in Narai-juku
Narai is residence to many cute and rustic minshuku , and similarly occurs to boast one of the crucial luxurious properties to be discovered alongside the Nakasendo, Byaku Narai, a contemporary inn with conventional aesthetics that goals to protect native structure with a tasteful modern aptitude.
Searching for Extra Japanese Mountain climbing Experiences?
We hope we’ve impressed you to discover the Nakasendo Path on foot, and that you just’ll think about together with some climbing in your customized route!