General

On this 12 day small group tour, discover one of Japan’s ancient highways – the Nakasendo Trail.

Linking Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period, it was the ‘road through the mountains’ traveled by feudal lords and their retinues, samurai, merchants, and travelers.

The journey begins in Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the Shoguns and ends in the city of Kyoto. Spend four days walking along the Nakasendo – by day walk along the ancient route as it passes through beautifully-preserved villages along an easy path. By evening, stay in traditional country inns and enjoy the regional cuisine prepared from the freshest ingredients, soak in natural hot springs and appreciate the warm hospitality of the hosts. Other hightlights include the cultural treasures of Nara, the mountaintop village of Yoshino and the sacred Mount Koya.

Destination Japan
Cities & Locations Tokyo, Narai, Kiso-Fukushima, Tsumago, Nara, Yoshino, Mount Koy and Kyoto
Duration 12 Days / 11 Nights

Tour Schedule

Tour Dates 2018: 14, 21, May | 16 July | 10, 24 September | 07, 12, 14 October
Tour Dates 2019: 01, 07, 09, 18 April | 05, 07, 13, 17, 20, May | 15 July | 2, 9, 23 September | 01, 11, 13, October | 07, 10 November

Guaranteed Departure Applies: As soon as 2 people are booked on this tour.

NOTE: We regret we do not accept children under 15 years old on this tour.

Itinerary


Day 1: Tokyo (D)

This evening, meet your group and guide with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Tokyo (B, D)

Day 3: Tokyo – Narai (B, D) Hike 2.5km

Your travels through rural Japan begin with a journey to the remote Kiso valley. Over the next three days, walk from village to village. Hike from Kiso-Hirasawa to Narai, a beautifully-preserved post-town.

Day 4: Narai – Kiso-Fukushima (B, D) Hike 6.2km

Today, walk from Narai to Yabuhara over the Torii Pass and then continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima.

Day 5: Kiso-Fukushima – Tsumago (B, D) Hike 14km

Transfer to the Nenoue-Toge Pass – walk along a lovely section of the Nakasendo Trail through delightful small settlements and rice fields to Tsumago.

Day 6: Tsumago – Nara (B, D) Hike 8.3km

Walk to Magome, the last stop in the Kiso valley. The trail to Magome is the most beautiful and best-preserved part of the Nakasendo Trail. Later, travel by train to Nara.

Day 7: Nara (B, D)

Enjoy a walking tour of Nara. Many of Japan’s greatest cultural treasures are concentrated in and around the city, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Day 8: Nara – Yoshino (B, D)

Journey to the ridge-top village of Yoshino. Visit Yoshimizu Shrine and the surrounding area.

Day 9: Yoshino – Mount Koya (B, D)

Train to Mount Koya, situated in a valley high in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. A place of religious devotion and ceremony since the 9th century, today the area has more than 100 monasteries, many of which have shukobo (temple lodgings).

Day 10: Mount Koya – Kyoto (B, D)

Train to Kyoto, once Japan’s capital for many centuries. This evening, enjoy a walk in Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district.

Day 11: Kyoto (B, D)

A walking tour will see you visit the western end of the Nakasendo Trail. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide.

Day 12: Kyoto (B)

Upon check out of your hotel, tour arrangements end.

Terms & Conditions

Itinerary and price subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Please refer to our full terms and conditions available on our brochure or from our website. Active Asia reserves the right to alter the hotels and/or the itinerary if needed due to availability and/or adverse weather conditions.

Kyoto

KyotoFor those connected to calmness, beauty and serenity, Kyoto is a must. Considered the traditional heart of Japan, the city once served as the capital, the city boasts numerous gardens, imperial palaces, classical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Classic images of Japan can be found in the Gion district – streets of traditional wooden houses, Read more

Japan

JapanJapan is like no other country on earth with a truly unique culture, which many perceive as the exotic unknown. Even though Japan does have a distinct code of social etiquette it’s people are generous, welcoming, charming and warm, making any holiday here something to be remembered. A country made up of four main islands, Read more

Tokyo

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