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Hidden away in the mountains between Nagiso town and Okuwa village, the Kakizore Gorge is a perfect option for anyone looking for a follow-up to the Magome-Tsumago tour. Not too steep, and not overly long, this route nevertheless boasts both stunning waterfalls and serene pools of crystal-clear water so beautiful they’re impossible to get bored of (trust me, I’ve lived in Nagiso for years now, and I still keep coming back to Kakizore for the views—Nick).
Despite growing numbers of visitors to Kiso and the Nakasendo, Kakizore Gorge is still very much off the beaten track. So it’s a great place to escape the crowds and dive head-first into nature. And thanks to its cool microclimate and ice-cold mountain streams, it’s also one of the best places to go for a walk in the hotter summer months.
On the half-day version of this tour, we’ll pass through the picturesque mountainside neighbourhood of Kakizore, before seeing Ushigataki Falls, and heading over the Koiji Pass (admiring the views of the Kiso mountains in the distance) towards our destination, Nojiri post town.
On the full-day version of this tour, we’ll do all the above, but also hike deep into the gorge to see some more amazing waterfalls, rapids, and rock pools that have to be seen to be believed.
This tour has half-day and full-day options.
more details below
Recommended seasons to visit:
Spring
・Chance to see Kiso’s vibrant nature, as well as cherry blossoms along the trail.
Summer
・Cool and comfortable, even on hot summer days.
・The last stretch of the walk (towards Nojiri post town) is exposed to the sun and can get quite hot in summer. We’ll plan ahead to keep you comfortable and safe.
Autumn
・Chance to see Kiso’s autumn leaves along the trail.
Also possible in:
Winter
・Very scenic in the snow.
・However, due to the possibility of ice or deep snow along the trail, only recommended for confident hikers. if necessary, we can provide hiking poles and crampons for rental (at an additional fee).
・Also, since the full-day tour involves finding our way down to mountain streams and rock pools, we generally only recommend the half-day version of this tour in winter.
Tour Information:
- Starting & Ending at: Junikane station (or Nagiso station, Nakatsugawa, or other nearby spots – please ask)
(see detailed travel info)
Half-Day Tour:
Distance + Time:
・roughly 9km / 5.5 miles (can be shortened significantly if we transport you part of the way via car – let us know if this sounds good to you)
・roughly 3-4 hours
Walking Difficulty:
Easy-Medium
・Some short, but steep uphill sections (including steep steps)
・Uneven ground in places
・A small, rocky suspension bridge (perfectly safe, but guests with strong fear of heights may not enjoy it)
Full-Day Tour:
Distance + Time:
・roughly 14km / 9 miles (again, we can shorten this if you prefer)
・roughly 5-6 hours
Walking Difficulty:
Easy-Medium
・Everything included in the half-day tour info above
・Some (optional, but highly recommended) scrambling down a steep slope to an isolated rock pool
Accommodation – where to stay:
The most convenient areas for this tour are: Nagiso (plentiful accommodation options) or Okuwa, but Nakatsugawa/Magome, Kiso-Fukushima, or anywhere in the Kiso valley is just fine.
In particular, many of our guests choose to stay at Atera-so Forest Spa Japanese Onsen after the tour, due to its convenient location (rest assured, we don’t get anything for recommending them).
You can find more detailed suggestions for accommodation in and around the Kiso area here.
Highlights of the Tour:
・A stroll through Nagiso’s Kakizore neighbourhood, nestled between the mountains, and blessed with great views and fascinating nature.
・The chance to see the Kiso river’s rocky shallows and elegant natural sculptures, which have been carved out over millennia by the crashing waters.
・(full-day tour only) A trek deeper into the gorge, to see waterfalls, beautiful rock formations, and a crystal-clear pool hidden away by cliffs, where more intrepid guests can swim in the summer months.
・Locally made bento boxes along the trail, or food at a local cafe in Nojiri post town after the hike.
・A look at Ushigatake falls from a viewing platform suspended above the waterfall’s basin.
・Panoramic views of Nojiri post town and the Kiso Mountains beyond, from atop Koiji Pass.
・An optional beachside rest at the spot where the Atera river flows down from the mountains and meets the Kiso river.
Full-Day Tour:
Our guiding fee: from ¥46,000
On the full-day version of this tour, we’ll do everything from the half-day tour (including seeing Ushigataki Falls, and making our way over the Koiji Pass towards Nojiri post town), but we’ll also hike deep into the gorge to see some more amazing waterfalls, rapids, and rock pools that have to be seen to be believed.
Notes on lunch:
Since we’ll really be striking out into nature on this tour, we won’t pass any places to eat until we finish in Nojiri post town. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch, but we’d strongly recommend letting us reserve delicious, seasonal bento boxes, made by a great local company.
(vegan/gluten free/etc. meals available, but please let us know about your dietary restrictions in advance)
・Roughly 5-7 hours total
Combined Full-Day Tour:
Kakizore Gorge
&
Natural Indigo Dyeing Tour
Our guiding fee: from ¥46,000
Additional fees:
・Woodworking: ¥5,500 per person
・Indigo Dyeing: ¥3,500-¥7,000 per person
This option combines the shorter version of the Kakizore Gorge hike with the chance to try your hand at traditional indigo dyeing nearby in Nagiso town.
After an introduction to the history and techniques of indigo dyeing from a friendly, knowledgeable expert, you’ll get stuck in dyeing something of your own to take home with you.
・Roughly 5-7 hours total
Combined Full-Day Tour:
Kakizore Gorge
&
Atera Gorge
Our guiding fee: from ¥46,000
This option combines the shorter version of the Kakizore Gorge hike with another hike in the nearby Atera Gorge.
Located deep within the Atera gorge, this route travels far from the relative crowds of the Nakasendo’s post towns and plunges into the heart of Nagano’s mountains for some genuinely stunning natural scenery. Despite that, there’s little climbing or challenge on this here—instead, the Atera gorge allows one to immerse oneself in the sights and sounds of nature for a peaceful, relaxing walk.
Notes on lunch:
Depending on our route, we’ll likely recommend letting us reserve delicious, seasonal bento boxes, made by a great local company.
(vegan/gluten free/etc. meals available, but please let us know about your dietary restrictions in advance)
・Roughly 5-7 hours total
Half-Day Tour:
Our guiding fee: from ¥36,000
On the half-day version of this tour, we’ll pass through the picturesque mountainside neighbourhood of Kakizore, before seeing Ushigataki Falls, and heading over the Koiji Pass (admiring the views of the Kiso mountains in the distance) towards our destination, Nojiri post town.
・Roughly 3-4 hours total
The half-day version of this tour can be combined with a variety of other half-day tours, including ones that are not listed here—feel free to check our other Walking Tours and Cultural Experience Tours.
Pricing:
Full-day Course:
1-2 people: ¥46,000
3-6 people: ¥50,000
7+ people: ¥55,000
・see above for information on lunch options
Half-day Course:
1-2 people: ¥36,000
3-6 people: ¥40,000
7+ people: ¥45,000
・see above for information on lunch options
- The above fees don’t include any of your travel costs, museum entrance fees, or any meals you may buy on the day.
- Payment is required upon confirmation of your reservation – late payment may result in your tour date being cancelled. (also see our cancellation policy)
Recommended Follow-up Tours:
Many of our customers string together several of our day tours for a guided multi-day trip along the Kiso valley. We’d generally recommend 3-5 days to get the most out of the area.
Any of our tours are accessible from Nagiso and Okuwa, but we think the following are especially good for a follow-up tour (or for a tour the day before this one):
Akasawa Forest Relaxation Tour
(Full Day)
This, more so than any of our other tours, is a chance to relax and take a well-earned rest. Alongside a qualified forest guide or forest therapy instructor, we’ll take a laid-back stroll through this peaceful forest, and learn all about its history, culture, and deep connections to Japanese religion and spirituality.
Southern Kiso
Cultural Experience
Tour
(Full Day – combining
2 half-day tours)
This combination of two of our half-day Cultural Experience Tours provides the opportunity to not just see the southern side of the Kiso valley, but to experience it hands-on.
you can choose two of the following activities:
(1) Nagiso Traditional Woodworking Tour
(2) Natural Indigo Dyeing Tour
(3) Traditional Soba Noodles Making Tour
Kiso Town Tour
(Full Day)
Kiso town is another one of the Nakasendo’s most popular destinations, and for good reason—it’s one of the best places to see and learn about the Kiso area’s history, culture, and food.
This tour focuses exclusively on Kiso town itself, with a variety of options: an active day full of hiking, a relaxing day spent eating, drinking, and soaking in the onsen, or a mix of both—we’ll tailor it to your interests!
Travel Information:
This tour can be done as a day trip from Nagoya or Matsumoto, but we’d generally recommend staying overnight somewhere in the Kiso area—either before or after the tour (ideally both).
Where the tour starts:
This tour starts at Junikane station on the JR Chuo line. You can get a train there from Nakatsugawa station to the south, or from Matsumoto station to the north.
Alternatively, our guide can meet you at Nojiri station, Nagiso station, or Nakatsugawa station and accompany you to the forest (we’ll ask you to pay their travel costs in this case). If you’re staying in the nearby area, your guide might be able to meet you there – please ask!
Our advice on getting to Junikane and Nojiri stations
Where the tour finishes:
The tour finishes at Nojiri station, which is also on the JR Chuo line.
Alternatively, if you’re staying nearby, your guide might be able to accompany you back to your accommodation (again – please ask!)
There are a handful of accommodation options near Nojri station. Other nearby options for places to stay include Nagiso, Agematsu, and Kiso-Fukushima.
You can find Google Maps information for Junikane station (where the tour starts), Nojiri station (where the tour finishes), and Nagiso station (another possible starting point) below.
Extra Information:
Recommended places to stay:
You can find suggestions for accommodation in the Kiso area here. The most convenient spots for this tour are Agematsu and Kiso-Fukushima, but anywhere in the Kiso valley is just fine.
Cancellation policy & other info:
Please see our full cancellation policy, as well as other information, here.
How to get your luggage around:
You can find information on local luggage transportation companies here.
Travel insurance:
Please note that we do not provide travel insurance – we recommend you purchase your own.
Uncharted Nakasendo 