Welcome to Kyoto! Meet your guide and group members at the tour hotel in central Kyoto in the evening. We will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

We will explore the ancient city of Kyoto, once Japan’s capital. Begin the day with a guided half-day walking tour, starting at the Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, the western end of the Nakasendo Trail. After exploring Kyoto, we’ll travel north to Kurama, renowned for its mountain temple. From here, we’ll take an easy walk through the Kitayama Mountains, heading from Kurama to Kibune, where you can enjoy scenic mountain views and the cool shade of bamboo and maple trees.

We will travel by train to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, established in 710. Known for its large and ancient temples, Nara is rich in history, boasting many historic treasures and beautiful natural scenery. Upon arrival, we’ll hike the Yamanobe no Michi trail, Japan's oldest recorded road, passing through a serene rural landscape with small villages, shrines, and temples. In the evening, we’ll return to Kyoto for one more night.

From Kyoto, we’ll travel by the world-famous shinkansen (bullet train) to Nakatsugawa. Upon arrival at this beautifully preserved post town, we’ll take a short local bus ride to Magome. This post town, once a key stop for travelers along the Nakasendo Trail connecting Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo), offers a glimpse into Japan’s Edo Period history.

Enjoy a walk through the Magome Pass to Tsumago, renowned as the best-preserved post town on the Nakasendo Trail. Tonight, we’ll experience warm hospitality at a family-run minshuku in Tsumago, complete with a delicious home-cooked Japanese dinner. After dinner, guests can take a leisurely stroll through the village streets, dressed in a yukata provided by our inn.

After a traditional Japanese breakfast at our minshuku, we’ll set out on a beautiful walk from Tsumago to Nojiri. For those preferring a shorter hike, there is an alternative route to Nagiso. The main trail winds through small valleys and forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar, showcasing the natural beauty of Japan. Upon arrival in town, we’ll take a train to Kiso-Fukushima.

In the evening, unwind at a charming hot-spring ryokan in Kiso-Fukushima, where you can relax in the soothing waters or admire the panoramic night views.

We’ll take a short train ride from Kiso-Fukushima to Yabuhara, near the Torii Pass. This pass leads to Narai, a historic post town marking the halfway point on the Nakasendo Trail.

Upon arrival in Narai, we’ll have time to explore, visiting local shops and restaurants. In the evening, we’ll board a train to Matsumoto, a classic castle town, where we’ll stay overnight at a ryokan.

In the morning, we will explore the castle town of Matsumoto by first visting Matsumoto Castle. The castle is one of twelve original castles in Japan, meaning it has never been destroyed by fires, war, or natural disasters.

After lunch, we will leave Matsumoto for Tokyo by train. Tokyo serves as both the end point of the Nakasendo trail and where we will spend our last night together. Once we arrive, we will check-in to our comfortable Japanese-style hotel before enjoying a final farewell dinner together at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Your guide will be happy to offer advice for traveling to the airport if you are returning home, or for onward travel in Japan if you are continuing your journey.