Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail [1 Day Tour from Nagoya]

This tour includes round-trip transportation in our company vehicles.

Duration8h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, French, Spanish

Group sizeUp to 14 travelers

Overview

Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku on this small group tour with round-trip transportation from Nagoya.

Your experienced guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare. This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan.

**A non-hiking option of this tour is available for individuals who are not able to hike or prefer a more leisurely pace.

Options

Hiking Tour (French)

Join this tour as a Hiker: Enjoy a guided ~8km hike from Tsumago to Magome with a French-speaking guide

Hiking tour (English)

Join this tour as a hiker: Enjoy a guided ~8km hike from Tsumago to Magome with an English-speaking guide

Hiking Tour (Spanish)

Join this tour as a Hiker: Enjoy a guided ~8km hike from Tsumago to Magome with a Spanish-speaking guide

Non-hiking Tour (English)

Join this tour as a non-hiker: Perfect for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace, this tour lets you immerse yourself in the post towns.

Non-Hiking Tour (Spanish)

Non-Hiking tour in Spanish: Perfect for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace, this tour lets you immerse yourself in the post towns.

Non-Hiking Tour (French)

Non-Hiking tour in French : Perfect for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace, this tour lets you immerse yourself in the post towns.

What's included

Round-trip Transportation from Nagoya in our private vehicles
Your choice of English/Spanish/French speaking guide

Lunch
Accommodation
Transportation from your accommodation

What to expect

Nakasendo Tsumagojuku
45m

After a quick stop at a roadside rest stop to stretch our legs, we will arrive at Tsumago-juku post town. Here your guide will explain the history and significance of the area and the Nakasendo trail before setting off on our hike.
Nakasendo Tsumagojuku
3h

We will then set off on our hike down the Nakasendo trail—one of five ancient roads connecting the de facto capital of Edo (Tokyo) with other regions in Japan. The trail was most prominent during the Edo era. Today, most of the original Nakasendo has been lost to time or converted into modern highways and railway lines. However, the section of the trail we will hike remains relatively unchanged from the time of the samurai. You will even see segments of the trail with original cobblestone. The hike will also take you by two waterfalls—the perfect place to catch your breath, feel the cool mist on your face, and stop for lunch. Recharged, we will continue our hike past a lone teahouse run by a local volunteer. You’re welcome to stop here for a sip of tea or exchange stories with other travelers.
Nakasendo Magome-juku
45m

At the end of the trek, you will arrive at the beautiful post town of Magome. Situated on a slope, this town offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery and features a main street lined with traditional wooden buildings. Even better, there are waterways on either side of the street, and the fast-running water powers multiple waterwheels. The post town features many shops, selling popular local crafts and snacks such as oyaki dumplings, gohei-mochi rice cakes, and ice cream. We recommend looking for some of the wood crafts made from local trees, many of which are extremely fragrant and, just as importantly, small and easy to carry back home. Of course, your guide will be available to help you take photos that will make your friends and family envious.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

9:30 AM: The meeting point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

End point

9:30 AM: The meeting point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
As lunch options are limited, please purchase a bento box or other food items before the tour starts, and bring them with you. Time will be allotted to eat while on the trail.
Non-Hiking Tour Option: After the tour of Tsumago-juku, your guide will continue on the trail with those who have selected to hike the trail. Non-hikers will be given an hour of free time in Tsumago to enjoy the shops, take pictures, and explore at their own pace. You will then meet back up with your driver to continue on to Magome-juku. At Magome, you will have time to enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, sample regional specialties, or shop for handcrafted souvenirs at your own pace before meeting up with your guide and the hikers at 16:30 for your return trip to Nagoya.
The path to the waterfalls is currently under construction until February 2027. While we will do our best to include the waterfalls in the hike, there may be some days in which they are inaccessible.
You are welcome to bring your luggage on our tour vehicle while you are hiking. We kindly ask that you inform us of the amount of luggage ahead of time so we can prepare the appropriately sized vehicle.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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