Walk the scenic trail between Magome and Tsumago. See sacred Mt. Ontake from atop the Tori Pass. Make your way deep into the ravines and mist-shrouded forests of the Kiso valley.
All our walking tours can be adjusted based on your interests, the time you have available, where you’re staying, etc. It’s also possible to string together several of these hikes into a multiple-day tour—don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or requests!
Pricing:
– Full-day tours:
1-2 people: ¥46,000
3-6 people: ¥50,000
7+ people: ¥55,000
– Half-day tours:
1-2 people: ¥36,000
3-6 people: ¥40,000
7+ people: ¥45,000
*parents with children – please get in touch. We generally don’t count children towards tour pricing.
– Combining two half-day tours:
two nearby half-day tours can often be combined to make a single full-day tour (these options will be specified)
Accommodation
Luggage Transfer
& Cancellations:
– Please be aware that we cannot legally reserve accommodation for you. However, you can find our accommodation recommendations by area here.
– If you are planning to bring more than a backpack with you, we strongly recommend making use of one of the luggage transportation services listed here.
– Our full cancellation policy, as well as other information, can be found here.
Magome to Tsumago
(Full-day Course)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Difficulty: Easy
Area: Southern Kiso
(Nakatsugawa & Nagiso)
Our most popular route (and for good reason), this hike passes between two of the most picturesque historical towns along the Nakasendo trail—Magome and Tsumago—with stunning natural views of imposing mountains, lush forests, and raging waterfalls along the way.
Both Magome and Tsumago are steeped in hundreds of years of fascinating history and culture, and Tsumago in particular is one of the most well-preserved historical spots in all of Japan—there’s honestly nothing else quite like it.
Nakatsugawa to Magome
(Half-day Course)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Difficulty: Easy
Area: Southern Kiso
(Nakatsugawa)
The stretch of the Nakasendo between Nakatsugawa and Magome is not as well-travelled as the Magome-Tsumago route, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Starting out at Nakatsugawa station we visit the nearby Nakatsugawa post town, before passing through city, suburb, farming hamlets, and bamboo forests on our way to the historical town of Magome.
Some highlights of the tour:
・a stroll through Nakatsugawa city and its picturesque suburbs
・A variety of optional traditional experiences: sake tasting sessions, visits to traditional Japanese sweet shops, and even guided tea ceremony and Zen meditation sessions (Subject to availability. Extra fees may be necessary – please inquire when making your reservation if interested).
・the Ochiai cobblestone pathway, which stretches through serene bamboo forests and recreates the Nakasendo trail as travellers centuries ago would have experienced it
・panoramic views of Mt. Ena and the surrounding mountains
・a stroll through Magome post town and its outskirts, complete with rice fields and tiny rural shrines
The Yogawa Road
(Full-day Course)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Difficulty: Medium
(a long hike, with some tiring uphill sections)
Area: Southern Kiso
(Nagiso & Okuwa)
Traditionally serving as a back-up route for when the Kiso river flooded the main stretch of the Nakasendo, the scenic Yogawa Road passes through idyllic mountain hamlets before cresting the Ne-no-Ue pass and descending forested slopes into Nojiri post town. It’s less well-travelled than the route between Magome and Tsumago, allowing one to really genuinely immersed in the sights, sounds, and everyday life of the Kiso valley.
Some highlights of the tour:
・a stroll through Nagiso town and its secluded mountain communities
・an optional visit to Togakuji Temple, home to three wooden Buddha statues by the famous wandering monk and sculptor Enku (1632–1695)
・a bracing climb through peaceful, undisturbed forests towards Ne-no-Ue pass
・gorgeous scenery in all four seasons: plum, peach, and cherry blossoms in the spring, bountiful rice fields in the summer, a sea of red and orange leaves in the autumn, and a calm, frost-covered landscape in the winter (weather conditions permitting)
Optional changes to the route:
・add an extra 45 minutes to the start of the walk to begin at Tsumago, instead of at Nagiso station
Akasawa Forest Relaxation Tour
(Full-day Course or Half-day Course)
Spring
(from late April)
Summer
Autumn
(until early Nov)
Difficulty: Easy
Area: Central Kiso
(Agematsu)
The birthplace of Shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing‘ – Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest is one of Kiso’s best-kept secrets (and in my personal opinion, one of Japan’s best-kept secrets). Bursting with new life in the spring and home to some of Kiso’s most beautiful autumn leaves, it’s also one of the absolute best places to escape the heat during the summer months.
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.
We’ll also get the chance to explore the world of forest bathing—a therapeutic practice focusing on relaxation and sensory immersion in nature. So, if you’re feeling drained by the modern world (or by your action-packed trip across Japan), Akasawa might be just the place for you to take a break, rest, and recharge.
Kakizore Gorge
(Full-day Course or Half-day Course)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Difficulty: Easy
Area: Southern Kiso
(Nagiso)
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 (that are impossible to get bored of. I’ve lived in Nagiso for years and I still keep coming back to Kakizore for the views—Nick).
Some highlights of the tour:
・a stroll along (and over) the Kiso river, whose rocky shallows have been carved into elegant natural sculptures by millennia of crashing waters
・a stroll through Nagiso’s Kakizore neighbourhood, nestled in the picturesque valley and blessed with great views and fascinating nature
・a look at Ushigatake falls from a viewing platform suspended above the waterfall’s basin
・panoramic views of Okuwa village from atop the mountain pass separating it from Nagiso
・an optional beachside rest at the spot the Atera river flows down from the mountains and meets the Kiso river
Optional changes to the route:
・Reverse the route to start at JR Nojiri station in Okuwa village and end at JR Junikane station in Nagiso town
・Add another 3-5 hours to hike all the way through the mountains and finish at JR Tadachi station (please note that this makes for a truly colossal that we only recommend for experienced hikers. It’s also heavily dependant on good weather conditions)
The Atera Gorge
(Half-day Course)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Difficulty: Easy
Area: Southern Kiso
(Okuwa)
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.
Some highlights of the tour:
・two possible routes of differening challenge levels: an easy walk along the river, or a steeper climb up through the beautiful forests lining the gorge
・wonderful river scenery, ranging from crystal clear shallows to crashing white-water rapids, with a spot or two along the way where it’s safe to sit and dip your toes in the ice-cold waters
・a brilliant display of new life in spring, much-needed escape from the heat beneath thick forest canopies in summer, and some of the best autumn leaves in the region in autumn
・an optional beachside rest at the spot the Atera river flows down from the mountains and meets the Kiso river
・a stroll through the farmlands and charming suburbs of Okuwa village
note: while inviting, swimming in the Atera river is highly dangerous due to strong, turbulent currents, and is strictly forbidden on the tour (even in spots where the water appears calm)
Optional changes to the route:
・For those staying at Forespa Kiso Atera before/after the hike, a shuttle bus can be arranged too/from the hotel to the start of the trailhead, cutting out roughly 1-1.5 hours of the walk.
Agematsu Town & River Tour
(Full-day Course or Half-day Course)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Difficulty: Easy
Area: Central Kiso
(Agematsu)
Often skipped over by visitors to the Kiso valley, Agematsu town is well worth a visit for both its scenic beauty and its surprising density of fantastic little shops and cafes. On this tour we’ll explore this little-known (and largely tourist-free) town – especially the scenic Nezame-no-Toko natural rock formations along the Kiso river.
Perfect for families (our younger guests always seem to enjoy clambering over the rocks along the river), or for anyone looking for a relaxing day away from the crowds, this tour also features a stroll along a stretch of the Nakasendo trail, lunch at a local restaurant, and a visit to a lovely little traditional sweet shop and cafe.
Some highlights of the tour:
・Nezame-no-Toko—towering rock formations along a beautiful stretch the Kiso river
・A moderate-to-good chance of seeing a troupe of wild monkeys (no refunds for those unlucky enough to miss the show)
・a visit to Rinsenji temple, right next to Nezame-no-Toko
・a stroll along a stretch of the Nakasendo, passing through rolling foothills and Agematsu’s sleepy townscape
・A visit to a traditional Japanese sweets shop hidden away in the heart of Agematsu, as well as lunch at one of the area’s great little restaurants
Optional changes to the route:
・this tour is also combinable with the following half-day tours to make a single full-day tour: Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest, Kiso Town Tour, Kakizore Gorge, Atera Gorge
The Torii Pass
(Full-day Course)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Difficulty: Medium
(some steep uphills, and possibly rocky downhills)
Area: Northern Kiso
(Yabuhara & Narai)
Historically seen as one of the toughest, most treacherous stretches of the Nakasendo, today the Torii pass is a sometimes steep, but perfectly manageable and safe hike (modern trail maintenance certainly helps, as does the fact that you (hopefully) won’t be bringing a heavy pack horse over the mountain with you). It’s also incredibly rewarding hike, as it allows one to experience both Yabuhara and Narai post towns—each packed with history and culture, and each well worth spending an entire day exploring.
This tour can also be combined with several of our Experience Tours, as Yabuhara is home to several traditional oroku comb workshops, and Narai is close by train to a particularly impressive laquerware workshop. Please feel free to get in touch if you’re interested!
Some highlights of the tour:
・a stroll through the sleepy, charming post town of Yabuhara, and optional visits to Gokurakuji temple and Kiso Village Folk Museum
・striking mountain scenery, and views of both Yabuhara and Narai from above
・an optional packed lunch atop Torii pass (subject to our restaurant partners’ business operations), and the chance to spot the sacred Mt. Ontake in the distance
・a stroll through Narai post town—one of the most picturesque post towns along the Nakasendo, alongside Tsumago and Magome
Optional changes to the route:
・switch the route around to instead hike from Narai to Yabuhara
Kiso Town Tour
(Full-day Course or Half-day Course)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Difficulty: Easy
Area: Central Kiso
(Kiso-Fukushima)
Kiso town is another one of the Nakasendo’s most popular destinations. And for good reason: it’s easily accessible by train or bus, there’s a lot of accommodation available, and a wide variety of great places to eat. But most importantly, 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, so while there’ll be some walking, it’s mostly about relaxing and taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Kiso, complete with a stroll through Kiso’s historical district, a short break in a serene zen garden, and guided visits to traditional local miso and sake breweries.
Guests with busy itineraries can also cut out opt for a shorter half-day tour by skipping several of the steps. Get in touch for more
Some highlights of the tour:
・some of Kiso’s best restaurants, from traditional Japanese food to gourmet French and Indian cuisine (including some great vegetarian and vegan options)
・a walk through Kiso’s Ue-no-dan district, filled with a variety of beautiful traditional buildings
・an optional short hike in the hills above Kiso-Fukushima, with fantastic views of the town
・a visit to the Kozenji Buddhist temple, and its nationally recognised zen garden
・an (optional) chance to visit shops and workshops selling some of Kiso’s most impressive handmade woodworking and laquerware products
・an (optional) sake testing session of a variety of brilliant sakes from a local brewer
Optional changes to the route:
・The half-day version of this tour is also combinable with our half-day Agematsu Town and River Tour to make a single full-day tour
Mt. Ontake Foothills
(Full-day Course or Half-day Course)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
(can be mostly done by car, otherwise steep uphill sections)
Area: Central Kiso
(Otaki Village)
Lying just off the Nakasendo trail, Mt. Ontake has long been the subject of spirituality, both in the Kiso valley and beyond. However, for many centuries access to Mt. Ontake was strictly controlled – only those who performed 70+ days of intense ritual purification were permitted to summit the mountain.
After the mountain was opened up to regular worshippers in the late Edo period, there were said to be as many as one million practitioners of the Ontake faith (which is called Ontake Shinko) around Japan, and every year many of them made the long pilgrimage here. On this tour we won’t summit the mountain itself, but we’ll follow in the footsteps of these pilgrims, visiting important shrines and holy sights in the foothills of Mt. Ontake, and connecting to a spiritual world far from the tourist spots of Tokyo and the tourist-packed shrines and temples of Kyoto.
Some highlights of the tour:
・A guided exploration of Ontake Satomiya, and a chance to learn all about the millennium-old sacred practices surrounding Mt. Ontake
・Pristine forests along the walk, and a stop on the way to (or on the way back from) the tour to see panoramic views of Mt. Ontake from afar
・A visit to Kiyotaki Falls and Shintaki Falls – two waterfalls which pilgrims still visit to this day in order to meditate and purify themselves under its freezing waters
・Lunch at one of the lovely local-owned restaurants in the area
・Time away from the hustle and bustle of a busy trip in a spot where very, very few tourists find their way to. And with that, a chance to connect to both the world of nature, and the sacred world of Mt. Ontake (enlightenment not guaranteed)
Optional changes to the route:
・For those with mobility issues, or a limited interest in hiking, it is possible to travel between Ontake Satomiya shrine, Kiyotaki falls, and Shintaki falls by car, instead of on foot. There will still be some stairs involved, but rest assured – we’ve done this tour with several elderly guests with absolutely no issue.
Uncharted Nakasendo 