Nakasendo Kamikochi Walking Tour

Classic Inn to Inn ✦ 6 days self-guided ✦ Leisurely ✦ From $2245

Walk the Paths of Ancient Japanese Emperors

Step onto the storied Nakasendo Trail and immerse yourself in Japan’s breathtaking mountain landscapes on this six-day self-guided adventure. Walk in the footsteps of Edo-period travelers as you journey through beautifully preserved post towns, before venturing into the dramatic alpine scenery of Kamikochi and Oku-Hida. This tour seamlessly blends history, culture, and nature, offering the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.

Each day brings something new—whether it’s crossing the serene Magome-tōge Pass, soaking in mineral-rich onsen, or hiking through the pristine Kamikochi wetlands. Enjoy traditional hospitality at charming ryokan, feast on exquisite kaiseki cuisine, and unwind in soothing hot springs after days filled with scenic walking. With well-marked trails, detailed maps, and our expert support, this adventure offers an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s timeless landscapes and traditions.

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Nakasendo Kamikochi Walking Tour
rides: 30 to 65 kms
sleep: boutique inns
eat: best regional cuisine

Go Private
This tour is only available as a Private Date. Spring & Fall are the best for walking.

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Download a detailed itinerary with route profiles & more, to read and share with friends.

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Japan walking tour day by day details

day 1: Magome to Tsumago – Stepping into the Edo Era

Scenic hike over Magome-tōge Pass
Explore the beautifully preserved streets of Tsumago
Relax in an onsen ryokan with traditional hospitality

Your journey begins with a scenic train ride and a short bus transfer to Magome, where the Nakasendo Trail beckons. Walk the gentle mountain path over the Magome-tōge Pass to Tsumago, a town frozen in time with its Edo-era wooden inns and lantern-lit streets. A warm welcome awaits at your onsen ryokan, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing soak and a traditional Japanese dinner.
Walk: 3 hours, Land: hilly
Eat: Dinner
Sleep: Onsen Ryokan*

day 2: Tsumago to Nojiri – Forested Paths & Hidden Valleys

Hike through serene cedar and bamboo forests
Discover Kiso-Fukushima’s historic charm
Unwind in a traditional hot spring inn

Today’s trail leads through some of the most unspoiled scenery on the Nakasendo, winding past quiet hamlets, lush valleys, and towering forests. Arrive in Kiso-Fukushima, a historic post town that once controlled passage along the trail. Settle in for another night of relaxation, soaking in an onsen and savoring a beautifully prepared kaiseki dinner.
Walk: 6 hours, Land: hilly
Eat: Breakfast, Dinner
Sleep: Onsen Ryokan*

day 3: Exploring Kiso-Fukushima – A Day to Unwind

Optional hike through peaceful mountain trails
Explore the historic town and its cultural sites
Enjoy a second night at an onsen ryokan

Take a break from long-distance hiking with a leisurely exploration of Kiso-Fukushima. Opt for a short forest walk, visit historic temples, or simply enjoy the tranquility of this atmospheric post town. Another evening of delicious cuisine and soothing hot springs awaits at your ryokan.
Walk: 23 hours, Land: hilly
Eat: Breakfast, Dinner
Sleep: Onsen Ryokan*

day 4: Torii-tōge Pass & Narai – A Window to the Past

Hike the scenic Torii-tōge Pass
Wander through the beautifully preserved town of Narai
Visit Kiso-Hirasawa’s famous lacquerware shops

A short train ride takes you to Yabuhara, where you’ll begin your hike over the Torii-tōge Pass, a historic route connecting the Kiso Valley’s post towns. Arrive in Narai, a picture-perfect Edo-era village, before making your way to Kiso-Hirasawa, known for its exquisite lacquerware craftsmanship. End the day with another relaxing night in a welcoming onsen inn.
Walk: 4 hours, Land: hilly
Eat: Breakfast, Dinner
Sleep: Type of hotel*

day 5: Kamikochi Wetlands – Alpine Beauty & Tranquility

Walk through Kamikochi’s pristine highland wetlands
Take in breathtaking mountain and lake views
Stay in a secluded onsen ryokan in Oku-Hida

Venture deep into the Japanese Alps with a visit to Kamikochi, a breathtaking valley of crystal-clear rivers, towering peaks, and lush wetlands. Enjoy an optional hike through this biodiverse paradise before heading to Oku-Hida, a remote mountain village known for its traditional inns and soothing hot springs.
Walk: 3 hours, Land: flat
Eat: Breakfast, Dinner
Sleep: Onsen Ryokan*

day 6: Oku-Hida to Takayama – Mountain Trails & Cultural Delights

Final hike through the Oku-Hida mountain range
Visit the historic town of Takayama
Explore traditional crafts and local markets

Your journey concludes with a scenic hike in the Oku-Hida mountains, where sweeping vistas reward your efforts. From here, travel to Takayama, a beautifully preserved town famous for its artisan crafts, historic merchant houses, and vibrant markets. Enjoy free time to explore before continuing onward, bringing an unforgettable end to your Nakasendo and Kamikochi adventure.
Walk: 3 hours, Land: hilly
Eat: Breakfast

*The inns in the villages are very small with just a few rooms. The names of inns available for your trip will be included in your confirmation information.

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Whatcha gonna get

Handpicked lodges, double occupancy
Daily breakfast*
Dinners featuring fine local cuisine*
Comprehensive route notes
Topographic maps
Local support by phone
Train and bus travel*

*as noted in itinerary

note: Daily transfer of luggage is not included, but can be arranged once on the trail.

Getting there

Guests walking can select to start from either Kyoto or Tokyo. The trip finishes in Takayama. Train tickets from either Kyoto or Tokyo are included. Tickets from Takayama need to be purchased locally at the end of your walk.

Guests should plan their flights to arrive in Japan the day before (or earlier) and onward travel the day after your walking trip ends.

Tokyo airports: Narita Airport code: NRT
Haneda Airport code: HND
Local Time: GMT+9

Travel Tip: Kyoto can be reached easiest by flying to Osaka Kansai (KIX), then by train to Kyoto.

Documents Please

Passports are mandatory for all travelers on this adventure. Visa requirements vary by nationality, so we recommend confirming with the nearest Japan Embassy or consulate before your trip.

Good Eats

Always ranked in the top ten of cuisines worldwide, Japanese food is a delight both visually and for its taste. Dinners at the minshukus and ryokan on this tour are traditional Kaiseki Ryori, with many small dishes of vegetables, fish, meats and more.

A typical dinner could consist of: shiizakana (appetizers served with Japanese sake),mukouzuke (sashimi – slices of raw fish), kuchitori (a small side dish), suimono (a soup), nimono (simmered vegetables), kounomono (Japanese pickles), yakimono (grilled fish) and more.

Good Sleep

Our Nakasendo trip features a number of nights in traditional, historic inns either minshuku or ryokan. These inns orginated back in the era of when the emperors and their courts walked from palace to palace and these inns sprung up along the trails to accommodate the parties.

Arriving at a ryokan is an experience in itself. The hostess, okami , dressed in a kimono, comes to welcome the guests. Once you take your shoes off , put on the slippers made available at the entrance. An employee, still in a kimono, then comes to take over from the okami and accompany the customers to their room.