In 2025, many travellers are heading beyond the golden trio of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—and for good reason. One of Japan’s most rewarding regional side trips is the **Nakasendo Trail**, a beautifully preserved Edo‑period route linking post towns through forested valleys and mountain passes. If you’re after culture, nature, and quieter streets, this is the one.
🚶 Main Trail Highlights (Magome → Tsumago)
This 8 km section is the most popular: charming Magome and Tsumago post towns, cobbled paths, forest shade, and rural vistas untouched by high-rise tourism. You’ll walk the same route once frequented by merchants and samurai.
🗺️ How to Reach the Trail from Kyoto or Nagoya
From **Nagoya**, take the JR Limited Express to **Nakatsugawa** (~50 min), then local bus to **Magome** (~30 min).
From **Kyoto**, use the JR Tokaido Line to **Nagoya** or directly to Nakatsugawa. Then bus to Magome.
Some travellers opt to walk Magome → Tsumago in one day (~3 hours walking), staying overnight in a traditional ryokan in Tsumago before returning.
✨ What Makes It Special
Preserved Edo‑period architecture in post towns, with no neon or high-rises.
Handcrafted souvenirs: wooden combs, lacquerware, local snacks. Sit down to a soba or gohei mochi lunch mid-hike.
Low crowds—even in spring or autumn—compared to busy tourist hubs.
👣 Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Option (From Nagoya or Kyoto)
Leave early from Nagoya or Kyoto → arrive in Magome before 10 AM → walk to Tsumago by lunchtime → lunch in Tsumago → return via bus/train. Relaxed and doable in a day.
2-Day Option (Overnight in Tsumago)
Walk Magome to Tsumago in the morning → stay in a charming ryokan → evening stroll and dinner in Tsumago → next day explore a shorter stretch to Narai or catch the train back via Nakatsugawa. Leaves room for slow travel and reflection.
🏨 Recommended Stays in the Post Towns
- Kofukan (near Nojiri): Traditional inn with stunning mountain views and onsen.
- Asahikan in Narai-juku: Historic ryokan near the station with classic tatami rooms and local cuisine.
- Narai-juku guesthouses: Ideal for short visits on a 2-day plan.
🍂 When to Visit the Trail
Spring (Mid‑April to Early May): Blooming cherry blossoms in the towns and along the trails.
Autumn (Mid‑October to Mid‑November): Fiery foliage in the Kiso Valley.
Off‑peak (late May, early October): Mild weather and fewer international tourists—perfect for slow walking.
🎯 Why You’ll Love It
The Nakasendo Trail blends natural beauty, cultural depth, and authentic hospitality. It’s a peaceful contrast to bustling cities—a chance to step back into history, enjoy fresh mountain air, and walk at your pace.
Alternate 4 -Day
If you’ve already explored Japan’s big cities and have some more time to spare and want something slower for a longer side trip then this multi-day plan lets you hike through preserved Edo-period post towns, enjoy traditional ryokan hospitality, and sample regional cuisine—all without the crowds.
⛩️ 4-Day Nakasendo Trail Itinerary from Kyoto or Nagoya
📅 Day 1 – Arrival in the Kiso Valley & Magome Exploration
Morning: Depart Kyoto or Nagoya for Nakatsugawa Station.
- From Kyoto: Take JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya (35 min, ¥5,500, JR Pass covered), then JR Chuo Main Line to Nakatsugawa (50 min, ¥1,340, JR Pass covered).
- From Nagoya: Take JR Chuo Main Line to Nakatsugawa (50 min, ¥1,340, JR Pass covered).
- From Nakatsugawa: Take local bus to Magome (30 min, ¥600, not JR Pass covered).
Afternoon: Explore Magome’s cobbled main street lined with tea houses, craft shops, and small museums. Try gohei mochi (grilled rice cake with miso sauce) from a street stall.
Evening: Stay in a traditional guesthouse in Magome. Enjoy a kaiseki-style dinner featuring local river fish and mountain vegetables.
Tip: Arrive early enough to watch the sunset over the Kiso Valley from Magome’s lookout point.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget – Guest House Motomiya (simple rooms, friendly hosts, shared bathrooms)
- Mid – Magome Chaya (tatami rooms, home-cooked meals, in the heart of Magome)
- Luxury – Tajimaya Ryokan (historic inn with private baths and multi-course kaiseki dinner)
📅 Day 2 – Magome to Tsumago Hike
Morning: Set out for the 8 km hike to Tsumago. Expect forest trails, waterfalls, and rest huts.
Midday: Picnic lunch en route or eat in a family-run soba shop upon arrival in Tsumago.
Afternoon: Stroll Tsumago’s beautifully preserved streets, free from power lines and modern signage. Visit the Honjin and Wakihonjin (historic inns used by feudal lords).
Evening: Overnight in Tsumago with another traditional dinner and perhaps a soak in an onsen
Transport: No train needed today — hiking only. If you wish to skip the hike, local bus Magome → Tsumago (~25 min, ¥500, not JR Pass covered).
Accommodation Options:
- Budget – Minshuku Shimosagaya (simple tatami rooms, welcoming atmosphere)
- Mid – Daikichi Ryokan (classic post-town stay with hearty local meals)
- Luxury – Fujioto Ryokan (elegant rooms, beautiful garden, exceptional cuisine)
📅 Day 3 – Tsumago to Narai or Kiso-Fukushima
- Option 1: Tsumago → Nagiso Station (bus, 7 min, ¥300, not JR Pass covered), then JR Chuo Main Line to Narai (90 min, ¥1,500, JR Pass covered). Explore Narai-juku, known as the “Narai of a Thousand Houses.”
- Option 2: Tsumago → Nagiso Station (bus, 7 min, ¥300), then JR Chuo Main Line to Kiso-Fukushima (35 min, ¥770, JR Pass covered). Visit Yamamura Residence and relax in the hot spring baths.
Afternoon: Explore local lacquerware shops and snack on oyaki (stuffed buns) or chestnut sweets.
Evening: Stay overnight in a minshuku or ryokan.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget – Guesthouse Kisoji (affordable rooms near Kiso-Fukushima station)
- Mid – Iseya Ryokan (authentic Narai stay with warm hospitality)
- Luxury – Kaido House (boutique luxury with restored Edo-era architecture)
📅 Day 4 – Side Trips & Return
Morning: Choose a side trip:
- Ontake Ropeway (train to Kiso-Fukushima, then bus 1 hr, ¥1,500 bus fare, not JR Pass covered).
- Nezame-no-toko Gorge (near Agematsu, train from Kiso-Fukushima 10 min, JR Pass covered).
- Gero Onsen (train from Kiso-Fukushima to Gero, 90 min, JR Pass covered).
Afternoon: Return to Nagoya or Kyoto.
- From Kiso-Fukushima to Nagoya: JR Wide View Shinano Limited Express (90 min, ¥4,000, JR Pass covered).
- From Nagoya to Kyoto: JR Tokaido Shinkansen (35 min, ¥5,500, JR Pass covered).
🧳 Practical Tips for the Nakasendo Trail
- Luggage forwarding: Use a takkyubin (courier) service to send your bags ahead so you can walk light.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy walking shoes; the trail can be uneven and slippery after rain.
- Cash: Many small shops and inns are cash-only.
🌸 Best Times to Go
• Spring (mid-April – early May): Cherry blossoms in post towns.
• Autumn (mid-October – mid-November): Brilliant fall foliage along the valleys.
• Off-peak: Late May and early October for fewer crowds and comfortable hiking weather.
