Highlights
- Explore the old-town vibe and quiet streets of historic Magome
- Hike through lush bamboo and cedar forests from Tsumago to Nojiri
- Walk the historic halls of the famed Matsumoto Castle
- Try fresh wasabi ice cream at a centuries-old wasabi farm
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Bus to Magome, Explore | Magome |
| Day 2 | Hike the Villages & Forests of Tsumago | Tsumago |
| Day 3 | Day Trek to Nojiri, Train to Kiso-Fukushima | Kiso-Fukushima |
| Day 4 | Train to Yabuhara, Hike the Torii Pass to Narai | Narai |
| Day 5 | Kiso-Hirasawa Hike, Train to Matsumoto, Castle Tour, Bus to Kamikochi | Kamikochi |
| Day 6 | Morning Excursion to Kamikochi Alpine Valley, Visit Daio Wasabi Farm | Kamikochi |
| Day 7 | Bus to Matsumoto, Train to Tokyo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Bus to Magome, Explore
Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in Tokyo, where you'll transfer to a bus for the scenic, 4.5-hour ride to Magome. This historic town was once a "post town" or rest stop during the Edo period, and it's where you'll begin your hike of the incredible Nakasendo Trail. One of the most popular hiking routes in the country, the trail was one of five major routes of the Edo period, connecting Edo and Kyoto across more than 300 miles (482 km). Upon arrival, get settled at your hotel and then set out to explore on your own.
Magome has retained its old-town vibe, with well-tended traditional architecture lining stone-paved streets and numerous small museums that are perfect for a deep dive into the town's culture and history. Start at the Toson Memorial Museum, once an inn that is now dedicated to the works of famed Japanese writer Toson Shimazaki. From here, head to the Wakihonjin Museum, which has exhibits that give visitors a peek into local life during the Edo period.
End the day at Shimizuya Shiryokan, a small museum with displays of scrolls, clothing, pottery, and other articles that once belonged to former residents. Tonight, have dinner at one of the many local noodle shops or cafés, then rest up at your hotel—your epic hiking adventure begins tomorrow.
Day 2: Hike the Villages & Forests of Tsumago
This morning, meet your guides and set off on foot for another exquisitely preserved post town, Tsumago. This three-hour, 5.5-mile (9 km) hike takes you through rich green forested areas, past rice fields, farmhouses, and old shrines. Along the way, your guide will share insight into the history of the region and how post towns once served the community.
Arrive in Tsumago and stroll through the village streets, taking a step back in time as you take in the rugged beauty. Cars aren't allowed on the main streets here, and electrical wires are carefully concealed, which only adds to the old-world charm. Visit Kotoku-ji, a temple that dates from the 1500s and has a singing floorboard, or stop in at the Waki-honjin Inn, once used by feudal lords and now housing a museum. Grab a bite to eat at one of the cafés, peruse some of the local craft shops, then check in at your hotel and relax for the rest of the evening.
Day 3: Day Trek to Nojiri, Train to Kiso-Fukushima
Your next destination is Kiso-Fukushima, a small village located on the railway line between Nagoya and Matsumoto. Once a primary checkpoint on the Nakasendo Trail, its historic station is one of only two on the entire route. The morning begins with what will be the longest hike of your trip, taking you along a beautiful section of trail from Tsumago to the post station of Nojiri. The 11.5-mile (17 km) path snakes through valleys and bamboo and cedar forests, offering some of the most unspoiled scenery of the trip. Alternatively, you have the option of a shorter, one-hour walk to the village of Nagiso.
At the end of the hike, you'll hop on the train to Kiso-Fukushima, where, after hotel check-in, you're free to see more of the local sights. Visit Fukushima Sekisho-ato, the old checkpoint, which has a museum attached that showcases original documents from travelers, weapons, and more. Next, stop at the Kiso-Fukushima Historical Museum, which displays artifacts and an old farmhouse that was transported from Kida Village. Finish with a relaxing soak at one of the village's many ashiyu or onsen foot baths.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Train to Yabuhara, Hike the Torii Pass to Narai
After breakfast, take a quick, 15-minute train ride to the town of Yabuhara. From here, you'll make a steep, uphill hike to Torii Pass, which, at nearly 4,000 feet (1,197 m), is the highest point of the Nakasendo Trail. Along the way, you'll pass by the Ontake Shrine, dedicated to Mount Ontake, considered to be one of Japan's most spiritual mountains.
Day 5: Kiso-Hirasawa Hike, Train to Matsumoto, Castle Tour, Bus to Kamikochi
Today's hike takes you to the town of Kiso-Hirasawa, an easy 2-mile (3.3 km) jaunt from Narai. Since the Edo Period, this town has been famous for its high-quality lacquerware, and you'll have time to visit some of the small shops and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs. After you've wandered the quaint streets for a bit, you'll board the one-hour train to the city of Matsumoto, the second-largest city in the Nagano prefecture and known for its outdoor activities and the famed Matsumoto Castle. Disembark from the train, then head out on a guided tour of the castle and grounds.
One of Japan's twelve original castles that remain standing, the construction of Matsumoto's main keep started in the late 1500s, and two additional turrets were built in 1635. Your guide will share information about the history of the castle and surrounding regions, and you can visit the museum inside the castle to see samurai armor and other artifacts. If you happen to be here in spring, you'll also get to see the hundreds of cherry trees in full bloom.
Afterward, you're off to the mountain resort of Kamikochi. Make your way to the bus station for the 1.5-hour bus ride, and spend the afternoon sightseeing around the area. Located in the Northern Japan Alps and part of Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi sits on a long plateau banked by the Azusa River. The region is truly a hiker's paradise, with dense forests, tons of walking trails, and challenging mountain peaks to climb. Be sure to keep an eye out for the curious monkeys and other wildlife that live here.Day 6: Morning Excursion to Kamikochi Alpine Valley, Visit Daio Wasabi Farm
Make the most of your last full day in Japan with a light hike through the Kamikochi Alpine Valley. The plateau here stretches across 9 miles (15 km), with some of the most dramatic mountain views in Japan. See snowcapped peaks shooting straight up to the sky, imposing mountain ridges extending into the distance, and clear rivers meandering through dense pine forests.
Soak up the serene vibes here as you make your way along the trails, then visit Daio Wasabi Farm, one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Learn the ins and outs of wasabi growing and the tradition of enjoying this plant's rhizomes as a flavorful condiment for sushi and other foods. The farm's history spans more than a century, and you'll find rows and rows of rich green wasabi planted along the river. After the tour, savor some delicious wasabi-flavored ice cream.
Day 7: Bus to Matsumoto, Train to Tokyo, Depart
Sadly, your adventures in Japan end today. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board the bus back to Matsumoto, then take the bullet train to Tokyo. Upon arrival at Tokyo station, you'll connect to the airport for your journey home. Safe travels!
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