Nakasendo Way, Japan

The Self-Guided Trip - Nakasendo Way

Highlights of the Nakasendo Way

A journey through the heart of Japan
Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley
Walk on the original ishidatami (stone paving) dating back over 400 years
Visit the post towns of Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima, Narai
Following in the footsteps of the Tokugawa Shogun and the Samurai during the Edo period (1603–1868)

Hiking Trails Pty Ltd offers 7-Day / 6-Night Self-Guided Nakasendo Way Packages including accommodation, meals, baggage transfers and more, from $3250 AUD per person.

Overview of the Nakasendo Way

Japan’s Nakasendo Way – or Central Mountain Route – was one of five major routes established by the Shogunate (Military Dictator) during the Edo period (1603–1868). The route is 533km long and has 69 post towns, which were set up to feed and accommodate the feudal lords, Samurai and merchant travellers. The ancient way passes through the Kiso Valley wedged between two of Japan’s sacred Mountains (Mt Ontake 3067m and Mt Komagatake 2956m) and is one of Japan’s most breathtaking and scenic areas.

You will travel on the ancient paved paths known as ishidatami, pass hidden waterfalls, walk through stunning cedar and cypress forests and numerous wayside shrines. Stay overnight in family-run ryokans and enjoy the wonderful well-preserved ancient villages of Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima and Narai, and taste the local delights of the Kiso Valley and Gifu Prefecture.

Walking the Nakasendo Way

The Nakasendo Way offers picturesque, tranquil walking and a variety of trail conditions as you progress along the Kiso Valley. Much of the time you will be walking through fields and rural villages and enjoying gentle inclines that can be taken at a comfortable pace. In the forest you will be walking on a track that can be wet or uneven underfoot. In the more built-up areas the path itself is asphalt, while at its wildest it becomes unformed grit winding between alpine conifers. For sections in between these two extremes, the path is clad in what’s known as ishidatami – a traditional style of stone paving.

The best times to walk the Nakasendo Way are March to June and October - December.

Daily Itinerary for our Nakasendo Way 7-Day Package

Day 1; Train from Nagoya to Mitake | Tour briefing on arrival at 11:00 | Hike Mitake to Hosokute (12km) | Overnight: Hosokute | Meals: Dinner
Day 2; Hike Hosokute to Ena (21km) | Overnight: Ena | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3; Hike Ena to Nakatsugawa (12km) | Overnight: Nakatsugawa | Meals: Breakfast
Day 4; Hike Nakatsugawa to Tsumago (16km) | Overnight: Tsumago | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5; Hike Tsumago to Nojiri (19km) | Train Nojiri to Kiso-Fukushima (30km) | Overnight in Kiso-Fukushima | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6; Train Kiso-Fukushima to Yabuhara (14km) | Hike Yabuhara to Narai (8km) | Overnight: Narai | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7; Depart Narai - conclusion of tour | Meals: Breakfast

The Nakasendo Way is graded as a Moderate to Challenging hike.

Nakasendo Trail

Summary of the Nakasendo Way Walking Package

7-Day / 6-Night Package
Self-guided walking
Moderate to Challenging hiking
From $3250 AUD per person

Included in Package

6 nights in traditional Japanese guesthouses/inns (ryokan)
Daily meals (as listed in the itinerary)
Luggage transfers on your hiking days
Pre-tour briefing in Mitake
Access to an interactive navigation app
Local and Australian emergency contacts
Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker

Not Included in Package

Single supplement – ask for a quote if you would like a single room
Flights
Local bus and train tickets
Travel to Mitake from Nagoya Station
Travel insurance
Beverages other than water at meals
Expenses and items of a personal nature
Lunches on all days (we have recommended places to eat)

Accommodation on the Nakasendo Way

You’ll stay in a mix of family-run guesthouses, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), and small hotels, each offering a unique slice of Japanese culture. Most accommodations feature authentic Japanese-style rooms, with tatami straw mats and futon bedding, though some small hotels may offer Western-style rooms. While ryokans tend to be simple, with shared toilets and bathrooms, they provide a rare opportunity to connect with locals and fully immerse yourself in their way of life. These traditional accommodations offer warm hospitality and home-cooked meals, creating memorable highlights that offer a true taste of local culture.

Cuisine and Meals on the Nakasendo Way

You’ll savour exquisite, fresh, locally sourced meals that are crafted with exceptional attention to detail. Food here is elevated to an art form, with a perfect harmony of flavours, appearance and a focus on seasonal ingredients. While Japan is known for its modernity, its traditions run deep, especially when it comes to food and dining etiquette. Every meal is a carefully considered experience. Accommodation owners and chefs take immense pride in preparing thoughtfully curated breakfasts and multi-course kaiseki dinners, showcasing the finest local ingredients, and offering you an unforgettable culinary journey that immerses you in authentic Japanese culture.

Booking the Nakasendo Way with Hiking Trails Pty Ltd

Hiking Trails Pty Ltd acts as a ‘re-seller’ for self-guided Nakasendo Way walking packages, booking through a third-party ‘walk operator’, ensuring you receive the same great Hiking Trails Pty Ltd customer service and booking experience whilst receiving the same package pricing as booking directly. The Terms and Conditions of the Walk Operator will also apply.

A $500 AUD non-refundable security deposit per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment of the balance of your trip package price is due 12 weeks prior to the departure date. Payment of the non-refundable deposit is due prior to any accommodation or other elements of this booking being held for you. In the event accommodation cannot be secured, the deposit will be refunded.