Walk the Nakasendo Trail

Walk the Nakasendo Trail

tourhub | Exodus Adventure Travels | Walk the Nakasendo Trail | W10NK
tourhub | Exodus Adventure Travels | Walk the Nakasendo Trail | W10NK tourhub | Exodus Adventure Travels | Walk the Nakasendo Trail | W10NK

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11 Days From

$5300

Walk the Nakasendo Trail

11 Days Starting in Osaka, Japan and ending in Tokyo, Japan

Visiting: Kyoto, Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima, Matsumoto, Tokyo

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W10NK

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

8-99

Trip Styles:

Walking Hiking and Trekking

Interests:

Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History

Activities:

Rail Excursion, Sightseeing

From: $5300 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with the "Walk the Nakasendo Trail" tour. This adventure takes you from the bustling city of Osaka to the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, with stops in Kyoto, Matsumoto, and more. Experience the charm of Japan's countryside as you walk from village to village along the historic Nakasendo Trail, exploring the picturesque Kiso Valley and Karuizawa. Discover the exquisitely preserved villages of Magome, Tsumago, and Narai, and relax in the thermal waters of a traditional hot-spring Ryokan. Travel seamlessly with express trains, local taxis, and the iconic Shinkansen bullet train, while enjoying luggage transfers between accommodations. Delight in the blend of modern and traditional accommodations, savoring authentic Japanese cuisine along the way. This tour offers a perfect mix of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and immersive experience in Japan.

Highlights

  • Village to village walking on the Nakasendo Trail in the picturesque Kiso Valley and Karuizawa.

  • See Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's best historic castles.

  • Visit the exquisitely preserved villages of Magome, Tsumago, and Narai.

  • Bathe in the thermal waters at a hot-spring Ryokan.

  • Explore Kyoto, famous for its Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional teahouses.

  • Walk over the Usui-toge Pass on the Nakasendo Trail from Karuizawa to Yokokawa.

  • Discover the historic town of Matsumoto, home to the iconic artist Yayoi Kusama and Ukiyo-e wood blocks.

  • Enjoy a full day in Tokyo, exploring areas like Ginza and Shinjuku.

Itinerary

tourhub | Exodus Adventure Travels | Walk the Nakasendo Trail | W10NK | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive in Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Take the express train from Osaka Kansai Int. Airport to Kyoto City (approx. 70mins), then a local taxi to your first hotel. (approx. 10mins).



Overnight Kyoto.

Day 2 : Explore Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a rest day in the incredible city of Kyoto, famous for its Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional teahouses. We recommend visiting the historical city of Nara, full of cultural treasures and expansive parks, located approx. 1hr from Kyoto city on the train.



Overnight Kyoto.

Day 3 : Kuramaa to Kibune

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take the train to the hills of northern Kyoto (included), on sacred Mount Kurama. Here, Samurai trained with mountain Buddhist practitioners in the 12th century. From Kurama Temple, walk to the Kifune Shrine, which is known for bringing good fortune to those seeking luck in love. The walk begins with a steep and long ascent up stone steps to the Kurama Temple. Stop to take in the beautiful scenery and spend some time at the shrines and smaller temples along the way. Return by local train to Kyoto (included). The remainder of your day is free for you to explore Kyoto.



Overnight Kyoto.

Day 4 : Magome to Tsumago

Location: Tsumago

Accommodation Name: Minshuku Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin with a train journey from Kyoto to Nakatsugawa, including a ride on the world-famous Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nagoya (included). At Nakatsugawa, you 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. Spend the night at a family-run Minshuku in Tsumago or the nearby hamlet of O-Tsumago, with a delicious home-cooked Japanese dinner and breakfast included.



Overnight Minshuku Guesthouse, Tsumago.

Day 5 : Tsumago/Nagiso to Nojiri

Location: Kiso-Fukushima

Accommodation Name: Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is your longest day on the trail and 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 least-developed scenery on the tour. Continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima (included). Stay at a lovely hot-spring Ryokan set in a peaceful valley above the town. Complimentary transfer from the station is provided by the Ryokan.  



Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Kiso-Fukushima.

Day 6 : Gongentaki Waterfall

Location: Kiso-Fukushima

Accommodation Name: Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

If you have free time in Kiso Fukushima, you can take this optional walk from Kiso Fukushima Station to Gongentaki Waterfall. The trail combines a riverside path, a dirt trail leading up to the waterfall, and gentle descent back down through a quiet neighbourhood with good views over the town and the traditional buildings near the Nakasendo Trail.



Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Kiso-Fukushima.

Day 7 : Yabuhara to Matsumoto

Location: Matsumoto

Accommodation Name: Minshuku Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The Ryokan will drive you back to Kiso-Fukushima after breakfast if you're staying outside the village. From here, you take the train to Yabuhara (included) which is the starting point for your walk over the Torii pass to Narai. Explore this atmospheric village before you continue on today's journey to the small town of Kiso-Hirasawa, famous for its lacquerware. There are many small shops selling beautifully crafted tableware and furniture. From Kiso-Hirasawa, take the train to the castle town of Matsumoto for your overnight stay. Your hosts will serve a home-cooked Japanese dinner and breakfast.



Overnight Minshuku Guesthouse, Matsumoto .

Day 8 : Free Day in Matsumoto

Location: Matsumoto

Accommodation Name: Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, you will have free time to explore the castle town of Matsumoto. This historic town is home to the iconic artist Yayoi Kusama and the largest collection of Ukiyo-e wood blocks. With many things to see and do Matsumoto is a destination in and of itself. Be sure to visit the well-preserved Matsumoto Castle also known as the 'Black Crow Castle'. You can enter the castle and enjoy the unique architecture, hidden nooks, and panoramic views of the castle town. This afternoon head onward to Karuizawa where you will stay this evening and enjoy a natural hot spring baths before your final walk to Yokokawa.



Your included luggage transfer ends here. To continue the service from Matsumoto to Tokyo, you can arrange this locally with your inn in the morning who will liaise with the long distance courier Takkyubin; this is paid for locally (approx. £16 per bag/20kg). Using this service, you will be without your luggage from the morning of day 8, until the evening of day 9.



Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Karuizawa/Komoro.

Day 9 : Karuizawa to Yokokawa

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, your final walk on the Nakasendo Trail is from Karuizawa to Yokokawa. Leaving Karuizawa, the trail takes you over the Usui-toge Pass and down a gentle descent along one of the most beautiful sections of the Nakasendo, and certainly the least-developed. From Yokokawa, take the local train to Takasaki and change there for your ride on the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo (approx. 3 hours - included).



Overnight Tokyo.

Day 10 : Rest Day in Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

You have a full day in Tokyo to explore this vibrant city. Visit the glittering Ginza area with elegant department stores and food halls crammed with all kinds of unfamiliar delicacies. Or spend time among the skyscrapers of Shinjuku and pass-through Shinjuku station, the busiest transport hub in the world. Eat and drink in one of the myriad small bars and restaurants which cluster around most railway stations or splash out on an elegant meal in an upscale restaurant.



Overnight Tokyo.

Day 11 : Depart Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before walking to Hamamatsucho station (approx. 10mins) to take the monorail directly to Tokyo Haneda Airport (approx. 15mins - paid locally).

What's Included

  • 10 nights’ accommodation in hotels and Japanese-style inns (ryokan/minshuku)

    The tour includes 10 nights of accommodation in a mix of modern western-style hotels and traditional Japanese-style inns (ryokan/minshuku).

  • All breakfasts & 5 dinners

    All breakfasts and five dinners are included in the tour package.

  • Management by your local Headwater appointed agent

    The tour is managed by a local Headwater appointed agent to ensure a smooth experience.

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What's Not Included

  • Lunches

    Lunches are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single supplements

    Single supplements are not included and may apply if you require a single room.

  • Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

    A solo traveller supplement applies if only one person is traveling on a departure date.

  • Visas and vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.

Food


Accommodation

Experience a blend of modern and traditional Japanese accommodations with stays in western-style hotels, traditional ryokans, and family-run minshukus. Enjoy en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, and exquisite multicourse meals, with the classic Japanese experience of futon bedding on tatami mats.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodations are provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodations in modern western-style hotels, traditional Japanese-style inns known as ryokan, and family-run minshuku. Hotels have en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, TV, and fridges. Ryokan offer a classic Japanese experience with tatami matting and futons, and may have communal hot spring baths. Minshuku are less formal but offer similar service and food quality.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes all breakfasts and five dinners. Most meals will be Japanese cuisine, with limited vegetarian options. Strict vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets may be difficult to accommodate due to the use of fish-based stock, soy sauce, and miso in Japanese cuisine.

  • How is luggage handled during the tour?

    Luggage transfers are provided between accommodations from Magome to Matsumoto. If you wish to continue luggage transfer from Matsumoto to Tokyo, you can arrange this locally with your inn, using the Takkyubin courier service, which is paid for locally.

  • What transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes travel by express trains from Osaka to Kyoto, local taxis, and the Shinkansen bullet train. Local train rides are also part of the journey, ensuring a seamless travel experience through Japan's landscapes.

  • What is the highlight of the walk from Karuizawa to Yokokawa?

    The walk from Karuizawa to Yokokawa takes you over the Usui-toge Pass and along one of the most beautiful and least-developed sections of the Nakasendo Trail, offering a gentle descent through scenic landscapes.

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

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

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

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Jane Holdaway (Google Reviewer)  

Had an exceptional holiday with...

24-Mar-2025

Had an exceptional holiday with Exodus during which we travelled extensively around Sri Lanka and got a real taste of the country and the people who live there. The itinerary was packed with interesting trips and activities and all of the hotels were very comfortable. We had an excellent local guide who looked after our group brilliantly and became a friend by the end of the tour. This was not the cheapest tour we looked at but we don't regret a penny spent on it because of the quality and attention to detail. Would thoroughly recommend Exodus!

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Roger Wells (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

12-Feb-2025

We have just returned from a 2 week Exodus trip to Egypt, Alexandria to Aswan. We had a great time, enjoyable company, with an excellent guide, Sayed. All worked out as described. The 3 day Red Sea extension was relaxing. Even the train journey, Cairo to Aswan, was a great part of the experience

Sian Anstey (Google Reviewer)  

I have just returned from...

31-Mar-2025

I have just returned from the most fabulous cycling holiday to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It was without doubt the best holiday you could ever wish for. Excellent in every possible way. Thank you Exodus. I just can’t decide which holiday to do next.

Damian Cannon (Google Reviewer)  

We've been on several group...

21-Mar-2025

We've been on several group trips with Exodus to destinations such as India and Jordan where we'd rather let some one else do the organising. In all cases these trips have been excellent with wonderful guides and well designed itineraries. We have always returned with happy memories. In cases where things have gone wrong Exodus have never disappointed us with their service. During one case our plane was diverted at the start and we joined the tour 3 days late. But despite this Exodus organised everything, including a driver, required to let us catch up. Equally during the pandemic our trip was cancelled twice and in the end we decided to take a full refund which Exodus handled properly. Having just returned from our latest trip we're already considering where we can go next. It's possible that we wouldn't bother to use Exodus in Europe because we can organise everything ourselves but further afield we'll definitely be travelling with Exodus again.

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 90 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 120 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Walking Hiking and Trekking tours in Japan Walking Hiking and Trekking tours Tours in Japan Cultural tours Gardens & Nature tours History tours Sightseeing tours Rail Excursion tours

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