Luxury Nakasendo Trail Village to Village Walk 5D4N, Self Guided + Royale Snow Monkey Tour

Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking

We will deliver the info pack (train tickets, walking map) to your hotel in Japan prior to the trip.

Today, you’ll depart Kyoto (or Tokyo or Nagoya) for the beautifully preserved village of Magome, a post town along the Nakasendo Way, to arrive at Kiso Valley, where your Nakasendo walking adventure starts. Situated in Nagano Prefecture, the Kiso Valley runs alongside the Central Alps mountains and is one of the five roads that branched off of the former Japanese capital. Along the valley, the Kisoji, a historic 70-kilometre trade route that served as an important means for trade in the region was established.

You’ll head out on your own to Kyoto station, using the train tickets from the info pack for your journey to Tsumago. Afterward, you take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, where you’ll change to a limited express train for Nakatsugawa. From the station, a bus will take you to Magome.

At Nakatsugawa Station, your luggage will be transferred to your hotel for tonight.

Upon reaching Magome, pause for a rejuvenating break before proceeding to Tsumago. Ascend the hill in Magome to discover charming wooden eateries showcasing three local delights: gohei mochi, oyaki dumplings, and soba noodles. Indulge in these delicacies, then follow the winding path into the rural countryside to enjoy stunning mountain views.

Your leisurely walk concludes in the picturesque village of Tsumago. In contrast to Magome, Tsumago boasts homes that have stood for over 200 years, with many still inhabited today. Flourishing during the Edo Period, Tsumago served as a prominent post-town where traders, aristocrats, and notable figures frequented for business and official matters. The community's collective efforts preserved the town's historic buildings, leading to its recognition as a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site in the latter part of 1970.

Conclude your day of exploration in Tsumago by settling into the welcoming embrace of Hotel Fukinomori. This home away from home resort, surrounded by scenic mountains and forests, provides the perfect retreat. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation with a soak in the outdoor hot springs, featuring a cypress bathtub and forest views, a serene reward after a day of Nakasendo Way hiking. Unwind in the cosy Western or Japanese-designed rooms, each equipped with en suite facilities, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep.

Savour a mouthwatering dinner consisting of regional cuisine, including the well-known Kiso Beef and hand-kneaded soba (noodles) prepared with buckwheat from the neighbouring Kaida Highland.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Approx. 10 km (6.2 miles), 3 hours walking
Approx. 14 km (8.7 miles), 4-5 hours walking

We will transfer your main luggage to the hotel you will stay at tonight.

Rise to the morning sun and start your day early with a traditional Japanese breakfast before embarking on today’s uphill journey to Nojiri. Venture off the beaten track, traversing cedar forests and towering bamboo groves linked by wooden footbridges and rustic mountain pathways.

Continue further on the trail to reach Nagiso, a town brimming with rich history, intriguing culture, stunning scenery, and the 1920s-era wooden Momosuke bridge. This is an ideal location to purchase beverages and snacks for the day. Don't miss the opportunity to savour the breathtaking scenery of the magnificent Kiso River that flows through the heart of Nagiso.

After walking 4 kilometres more on the Nakasendo Way, you will reach the popular Junikane Station, from where you can board a train (36 minutes) to Kiso-Fukushima. If you are in the mood for more kilometres, you can continue the walk on the Nakasendo Way to Nojiri, after which you can take a train from Nojiri Station to Kiso-Fukushima.

Once you arrive in Nojiri, board the local train at Nojiri station using the train tickets provided in the info pack for a short 30-minute ride to Kiso-Fukushima, one of the many picturesque post towns on the trail and it was known for having one of the only two barrier stations in Nakasendo.

If you arrive earlier at Kiso-Fukushima, you could visit three fascinating sights in Kiso-Fukushima today (own expense). Firstly, you’ll visit the Yakamura residence, the historical residence of Yamamura, leader of the Owari clan and overseer of Kiso-Fukushima, now transformed into a captivating museum documenting the aristocratic lifestyle of bygone eras in the region. Following this, immerse yourself in the enchanting Kozenji Temple, boasting Asia’s largest dry rock garden, a serene spectacle reminiscent of Kyoto’s renowned gardens. Concluding your journey, experience the Fukushima Sekisho-Ato, a 270-year-old immigration office with a rich history.

You'll spend the night in one of the greatest traditional Japanese guesthouses on the Nakasendo Trail, Kiso-Fukushima, the hotel features both indoor and outdoor hot springs and is surrounded by lush scenery. After enjoying a sumptuous dinner made with locally sourced ingredients, settle into your cosy room equipped with modern amenities completed with plush furnishings for your ultimate convenience.

Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and perhaps choose a stroll to explore the charms of Kiso-Fukushima. Later, hop on a picturesque 15-minute train journey from Kiso-Fukushima station to Yabuhara station. Dive into the allure of the Torii Pass, an ancient trail between Yabuhara-juku and Narai-juku, once Nakasendo's most perilous route.

It’ll take approximately 3 hours to explore the trail before continuing to the post town of Narai, known as the “Narai of a Thousand Houses” for its abundance of meticulously restored historic buildings. These now house souvenir shops and local restaurants, where you can relish regional delicacies like gohei-mochi (sticky rice cakes) and soba (buckwheat noodles).

At the end of the day, hop on the train to Matsumoto - the gateway to Japan Alps.

Your hotel tonight is Tobira Onsen Myojinkan, nestled in the heart of the Northern Alps. This serene resort presents breathtaking scenery and a tranquil atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for relaxation amidst nature. Indulge in the hot springs with an open view of lush landscapes, creating a delightful experience that can be enjoyed throughout the year. In the heart of Japan's “Northern Alps”, discover the secret charms of this boutique ryokan that opened since 1931. The ryokan is also a member of Relais & Châteaux.

Delight in an exquisite dining experience with Kaiseki-style cuisine (or fine dining French cuisine), a harmonious blend of textures, flavours, and colours. Indulge further in organic French cuisine meticulously crafted by a skilled chef specialising in macrobiotic fare. Afterward, unwind in your luxurious room for a restful night, capping off a wonderful day.

Today's tour is small group guided.

Depart early with breakfast voucher provided to purchase breakfast at the local cafe. Start your day with a rejuvenating bath in the soothing alkaline waters of your hotel’s hot springs and wash your muscular aches away. These therapeutic waters have been utilised for centuries, offering relief for various ailments and everyday tension.

Afterward, transfer to Matsumoto station, where you’ll hop on a train ride to JR Nagano Station. You’ll meet your guide there and then head to the Zenko-ji temple, a registered National Treasure in Japan. This is an important site and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the entire country. The legends and myths here are sure to keep your journals filled.

Savour a remarkable lunch comprising the best selection from Nagano’s renowned food culture and it’ll be complemented with a guided ‘sake’ tasting experience. Nagano houses a huge number of breweries and this experience completes your exploration as you get familiar with Japan’s most famous beverage. You’ll learn the process, its terminology, and the appreciation of Nagano’s acclaimed sake (a non-alcoholic option is also available).

Afterward, move on to today’s highlight — encountering snow monkeys! You’ll transfer to Snow Monkey Park for a guided walk along the forest trail leading to Jigokudani, aptly translating to ‘Hell’s Valley.’ This area hosts the world’s sole troop of monkeys known for bathing in hot springs. With no barriers between you and these wild monkeys, the encounter promises a truly unique and memorable experience.

Transfer to your lodging, the enchanting Hotel Senjukaku, renowned as one of the most authentic guesthouses in the region. Here, immerse yourself in an oasis of relaxation, unwinding amidst the embrace of traditional Japanese hospitality. Delight in Senjukaku’s exquisitely designed onsen, complemented by the breathtaking natural surroundings, offering an experience that seamlessly blends luxury with the allure of tradition.

Finish your bath and get dressed in a “yukata” (light Kimono) and head to the restaurant for a “kaiseki”-style Japanese multi-course dinner

Today's tour is small group guided.

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast with choices ranging from Japanese to Western options.

After checking out of the hotel, you’ll board the shuttle bus and be transferred to the nearby Yudanaka Station. You can store your luggage safely at Yudanaka Station and self-explore Shibu Onsen, a 1300-year-old hot springs town.

Shibu Onsen is a haven graced with numerous natural hot spring sources, nurturing a plethora of onsens within charming guesthouses and nine distinct "public onsens" scattered throughout the town, each boasting unique medicinal properties. Though the samurai era is but a memory, Shibu Onsen invites leisurely strolls through its quaint streets.

Your journey continues with a train ride to the historic town of Obuse, housing the Hokusai Museum, a tribute to Japan's revered artist, Katsushika Hokusai. Delve into his legacy before catching a train to your next destination, be it Tokyo or Nagano, arranged at your convenience.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.