Luxury Nakasendo Village to Village & Kamikochi Japanese Alps 5D4N, Self Guided

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

Luggage Forwarding: At Nakatsugawa Station, we will collect your luggage and transfer to your hotel you’ll stay tonight and you just carry a daypack for walking today.

Today, depart from 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 begins. 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.

Make your way to Kyoto Station (or Tokyo or Nagoya) to begin the rail journey to Nakasendo. After arriving in Nagoya on the Shinkansen, you will transfer to a limited express train bound for Nakatsugawa. From the station, a bus will take you to Magome (bus fare included). The entire trip takes roughly 2.5 hours.

After arriving in Magome, take a moment to refresh before continuing your walk to Tsumago. Ascending the hill in Magome, you'll come across vintage wooden eateries offering the three regional delicacies of gohei mochi, oyaki dumplings, and soba noodles. Savour the delicacies to your satisfaction and then follow the meandering path that leads up into the rural countryside to see the breathtaking views of the mountains.

The picturesque village of Tsumago awaits you at the end of your stroll. Unlike Magome, all of the homes here are over 200 years old, and many people still live there. Among the post-towns that prospered throughout the Edo Period was Tsumago. During its Golden Age, traders and other aristocratic and notable individuals regularly travelled through the city for business and other official engagements. The residents of this small town worked together to save the majority of the remaining historic buildings, and in the later part of 1970, this town was designated as a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site.

After soaking up the wonders of Tsumago, it's time to call it a day. Your accommodation tonight is the Hotel Fukinomori, a home-away-from-home resort nestled amidst picturesque mountains and forest, offering a great place to unwind. Nothing beats a relaxing dip in the hotel's outdoor hot springs in the cypress bathtub, which offers views of the forest, after a strenuous day of hiking the Nakasendo Way. Enjoy a restful night's sleep in either the Western or Japanese design cosy rooms, all equipped with en suite facilities.

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:
Tsumago to Junikane, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Tsumago from Nojiri, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 3-5 hours walking

Luggage Forwarding: We will transfer your luggage to your hotel in Kiso and you just carry a daypack for walking today.

Savour a traditional Japanese breakfast before beginning today's journey to Nojiri (or 10km to Junikane), which is primarily uphill (on an elevation). Today's route takes you off-the-beaten track through cedar forests and tall bamboo groves connected by footbridges made of wood and rural 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.

If you arrive earlier at Kiso-Fukushima, you could visit three fascinating sights in Kiso-Fukushima today (entry tickets 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.

Welcome to your home away from home - the enchanting Tsutaya Tokinoyado Kazari in Kiso, Nagano Prefecture. Tucked within a nature-rich environment with breathtaking views of Mount Ontake, this hot spring inn boasts inviting hot baths that will help you unwind and rejuvenate. Take your pick between snuggling up in your cosy room after the day's expeditions or indulge in a calming soak in one of the natural spring baths while soaking up the spectacular scenery.

Yabuhara to Narai, Approx. 9 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking

Arise for an early breakfast at the hotel, then check out and set off on today’s adventure.

Luggage Forwarding: Your luggage will be transferred to your accommodation in Narai and you just carry a daypack for walking today.

Start your day with a relaxed pace, a day pack on your back, as you enjoy a leisurely stroll through Kiso-Fukushima, soaking in the town’s vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, join a scenic 15-minute train ride from Kiso-Fukushima station to Yabuhara station, where you get to explore the majestic Torii pass, an ancient trail between Yabuhara-juku and Narai-juku that once stood as the most dangerous path in Nakasendo.

You have about three hours to discover the trail at your own pace before moving on to explore the post town of Narai, also known as the "Narai of a Thousand Houses," renowned for its many well-preserved old buildings that now serve as souvenir shops and local restaurants. Here, you can visit various restaurants that offer local delicacies, such as gohei-mochi (sticky rice cakes) and soba (buckwheat noodles), while also making use of the opportunity to enjoy lunch at your own pace.

After a day of exploring the charming post town of Narai, you’ll be transferred to your evening’s accommodation, where your luggage awaits. BYAKU Narai offers a departure from the ordinary hotel stay. Nestled in the heart of Narai-juku, this hidden gem blends the graceful elegance of Japan with the rugged allure of history. Tatami-floored rooms and carefully crafted details complement the breathtaking landscape outside. Once you’ve settled in, take a moment to unwind in your minimalist yet sophisticated room, or indulge in a serene, spa-like experience at the hotel's private bath.

Tonight’s dinner is best enjoyed at the hotel’s own restaurant, where traditional Japanese cuisine takes centre stage. Each dish, crafted from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients from the Nagano region, promises a delightful culinary experience.

Option 1 walking distance: approx. 4.2 km, 1.5 hours. Route: Taisho Pond - Tashiro Marsh Wetland - Hotaka and Tashiro Bridge - Azusa River - Kappa Bridge

Option 2 walking distance: approx. 10.5 km, 3 - 4 hours. Route: Taisho pond - Tashiro Marsh Wetland - Hotaka and Tashiro Bridge - Azusa River - Myojin Bridge - Myojin Pond- Dakesawa Marshland - Kappa Bridge

Option 3 walking distance: approx. 13.3 km, 5 - 6 hours. Route: Kappa bridge - Furu Pond - Tokusawa - Myojin/Myojin Pond - Nature Tour Track - Dakasawa Marshaland

Your day begins with a delightful breakfast before hopping on a private transfer to Kamikochi National Park, a breathtaking jewel tucked deep within the Japanese Alps.

Each course will take you to some of the best scenic spots in Kamikochi and you can fully appreciate nature.

Kamikochi only opens from mid-April to mid-November and offers a truly unique experience within the untouched heart of the Japanese Alps. Here, nature is at its most serene and pristine, with towering peaks reflecting in the clear, mirror-like waters of the Azusa River. Trails wind through ancient cedar forests and past whispering streams, inviting you to explore the dramatic landscapes that have inspired poets and artists for centuries.

Popular sights here include Kappa Bridge— the perfect spot to pause and take in iconic views of Mt. Hotaka and Mt. Yakedake, and Taisho Pond, where still waters offer perfect reflections of the mountains.

If Kamikochi’s trails are closed during winter, don’t worry—you’re in for a different kind of magic exploring the lively town of Matsumoto. Begin at Matsumoto Castle, a stunning black-and-white fortress rising elegantly against the mountain backdrop. Known as the “Crow Castle,” it’s a piece of living history. Climb the old wooden staircases, and you’ll feel the weight of the centuries in each step, imagining the samurai who once defended these very walls. From the top, the view is spellbinding—the city below and the jagged Alps in the distance, a sight that’s held watch over Matsumoto for centuries.

Then, step into a world of colour and imagination at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. The museum’s energy draws you in, especially with the bright, joyful work of Yayoi Kusama, who was born right here. Her giant polka-dotted sculptures and surreal, colourful installations fill the space, creating an experience that’s both playful and deeply moving.

Following your sightseeing, you have the liberty to pick your lunch spot this afternoon with plenty of options always at your disposal.

By 3:30 p.m., your private transfer will be waiting to take you to the tranquil Tobira Onsen Myojinkan, a peaceful retreat nestled in the Northern Alps. This serene resort invites you to unwind in the natural hot springs, where the warm waters meet the cool alpine air, and the open vistas offer ever-changing views of the lush landscape.

Established in 1931, this boutique ryokan invites you to uncover its quiet charms; as a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, it promises an authentic blend of Japanese grace and understated luxury.

As the day fades, surrender to a dining experience that feels almost dreamlike—choose the delicate harmony of a traditional Kaiseki meal, where every dish is a masterpiece of textures, flavours, and colours, or treat yourself to organic French cuisine, crafted by a chef who brings a soulful, macrobiotic touch to every bite.

After a long trip, there is nothing better than unwinding in hot spring baths. Take a dip in the soothing alkaline waters and wash your aches away. For centuries these waters have been used therapeutically for various ailments and everyday tension.

After the refreshing morning bath, spend the rest of the morning savouring a hearty meal and toasting to your successful exploration of the majestic Nakasendo trail on foot these past three days. Bid farewell to your host and fellow travellers, and transfer to Matsumoto Station, where you can catch a train to your next destination.

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