Winter Nakasendo Way (trip)
Winter Nakasendo Way
- Nagoya
- Active & Adventure
| from $2,450* per person | 6 Days | February |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Walk Japan Limited | 12 people max | |
We begin our tour on the lowlands of Nagoya then transfer by train to the Nakasendo Ways central, mountainous section, which is also often known as the Kiso Road. Here, in the depths of the Japanese countryside, we begin our walk. On the first day we pass by farming communities, stepped fields and bamboo groves before a last stretch along a preserved section of ishidatami, or stone paving, that brings us to our first inn. On the following days we walk through the picturesque post-towns of Magome and Tsumago, farmlands and forests, staying in an atmospheric, traditional village inn with an open fire, continue our walk over a high pass and visit a historic barrier station of Kiso-Fukushima.
We visit Kaida Kogen, a high plateau and, with good reason, self-styled as one of the most beautiful areas in Japan. Our walk continues over another pass on the Hida Way, which connected Takayama with the Nakasendo Way. The pass provides spectacular views of Mt. Ontake, a sacred peak and active volcano. We walk to our inn for the night which has its own natural, thermal hot springs. The next day we return to the Nakasendo Way and another lovely walk over a high pass to the post town of Narai. The tour finishes in the city of Matsumoto, ideally situated for those who wish to travel on to Tokyo or Kyoto, as well as those who would like to continue their winter adventures in the Central Mountains of Nagano Prefecture, host of the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Our Winter Nakasendo Way tour follows some of the most scenic and enjoyable sections of the old highway - this is a walking tour, rather than a trek, and average daily walking distance is a moderate 10 ~16 kilometres (6 ~ 10 miles) . Forward transport, however, can be arranged for those who desire a more relaxed day. Our main luggage is sent ahead each day and you need only carry what you require for each days walk.
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Locations visited/nearby
Japan
Itinerary
Day 1After meeting mid-morning at Nagoya Station we catch a train to Nakatsugawa, an old post town and now a pleasant regional town. Lunch and tour briefing here before our afternoon walk in hilly countryside to Shinchaya teahouse, now refurbished as an inn. Total walking about 10 kilometres.
Lunch and dinner provided.
Day 2
Walk to pleasant Magome post-town, which was the home of Shimazaki Toson. Toson wrote Before the Dawn. Set in the days of Japan's change from feudal Japan dominated by the Samurai to a fledgling industrial nation, Toson's book is considered to be Japan's first modern novel. Then on to Tsumago, for a classic hike through old forests and bubbling streams, of the Nakasendo. There is a reasonable probability we will descend from Magome Pass through scenery cloaked in snow. Stay in a traditional inn in the hamlet of O-Tsumago. After dinner, we visit nearby thermal hot spring baths for a relaxing end to the day. Total walking about 10 kilometres (6 miles).
Breakfast and dinner provided.
Day 3
Walk onto Tsumago and spend time exploring this beautifully maintained, traditional post-town. An inclusive, optional guided tour of the high-class inn and attached museum is highly recommended. We continue about 6 kilometres (3.75 miles) to Nagiso. Here an interesting footbridge provides us with a hint of two colourful people once associated with the area; a geisha who appeared on the front of Harper's Bazaar in 1900 and her tycoon partner. We catch a train to Kiso-Fukushima, where we have lunch at a popular restaurant serving a local delicacy, soba noodles. An exploration of this town follows and includes a visit to the reconstructed Barrier Station that stood here during the Edo Period. Our lodgings in the centre of town are a Japanese inn with thermal hot spring baths. Total walking about 9 kilometres (5.6 miles)
Breakfast and dinner provided.
Day 4
After breakfast, we transfer by local bus to the Kaida Plateau for our walk through forests and over another pass. The high Kaida Plateau has a distinct alpine feel and we reach over 1,500 metres (4,920 ft.) as we crest our pass for the day. Clear weather will provide us with views over the Plateau to Mt. Ontake (3,007 metres, 9,865ft.), the volcano that dominates the area. We descend from here to our lodgings, another delightful inn with thermal hot springs baths. Total walking approximately 5 km (3 miles)
Breakfast and dinner provided.
Day 5
We return to Kiso-Fukushima for a
short train ride to Yabuhara. Our walk is over the Torii Pass to the
lovely post town of Narai. Free time to explore, relax in cafes and shop
in Narai before travelling onto Matsumoto and our hotel for the night.
Dinner is enjoyed nearby at one of Matsumoto's best restaurants, a
lively Japanese eating and drinking establishment, suitable for our last
meal together on tour. Afterwards, for those who wish, an interesting
excursion with the guide into Japan's nightlife. Total walking
approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles).
Breakfast and dinner provided.
Day 6
After breakfast a guided visit to Matsumoto's impressive castle, one of only four that are listed as National Treasures in Japan. The Winter Nakasendo Way tour ends at the castle at approximately 11am. However, the guide will be on hand to help you purchase your train tickets for your onward journey within Japan. Travel to Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto is easily accomplished from here by train.
Breakfast provided.
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