Japan self guided trekking vacation, Nakasendo Trail

Our bestselling Japan walking vacation is all about getting away from the crowds and experiencing Japan’s rural side. Walking from village to village along the Nakasendo trail, you’ll do just that, eating and sleeping in family run inns and shukubo.
Four days of village-to-village walking on Nakasendo Trail Kisa Valley walks Imperial Nara Kyoto Tokyo – Sacred Mount Koya Stay in shukubo temple lodging – Stay in ryokan inns Hot spring baths Traditional meals
Price
US $1150ToUS $1805 excluding flights
Duration
5 Days
Type
Tailor made
Group size
4-13
Reviews
More info
Various options from 3 days (US$1150) to 5 days (US$1465) with accommodation, daily breakfast, dinners on the trail, train tickets, day-by-day itinerary and walking instructions, topographical map, local phone support.
$1805 includes solo supplement.
Make enquiry

Description of Japan self guided trekking vacation, Nakasendo Trail

Price information

US $1150ToUS $1805 excluding flights
Various options from 3 days (US$1150) to 5 days (US$1465) with accommodation, daily breakfast, dinners on the trail, train tickets, day-by-day itinerary and walking instructions, topographical map, local phone support.
$1805 includes solo supplement.
Make enquiry

Departure information

This trip can be tailormade at a time to suit you and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary

Travel guides

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Vacation information

Our top tip:
Make the most of the hot spring bath facilities and immerse yourself in divine Japanese culture.
Trip type:
Self-guided tailor made trip, with varying lengths.
Activity level:
Easy to moderate, with some very gradual ascents. 5 days of walking on 10 day trip.
Accomm:
minshuku guesthouses and ryokan inns. One night in temple lodgings. Hotel in Tokyo/Kyoto.
Included:
Accomm., breakfasts, Trail dinners, train tickets, map, Kyoto guide.
Solos:
This trip can be tailored for solo travelers at extra cost.

Reviews

28 Reviews of Japan self guided trekking vacation, Nakasendo Trail

4.5 out of 5 stars
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Reviewed on 25 Oct 2023 by

Incredible. We had high expectations going into the trip but the combination of beautiful countryside, friendly people and great hospitality was so much better than what we expected. I highly recommend it Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Oct 2023 by

Fantastic experience that immersed us in traditional Japanese culture. A great way to explore a region, history and culture. Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2023 by

We stayed in lovely ryokans, slept on tatami mats, bathed in hot springs and ate delicious Japanese food. We walked every day - close to nature - and enjoying the exercise of mountain walks... we would do it again. Read full review

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2023 by

V good. Probably the food and accommodation were most enjoyable especially after a long trek. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2023 by

Climbing Mount Misen Kayaking at Tonomora Cycling the kaido and staying in Setoda Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Nov 2019 by

The hiking was varied and always interesting. The hills were spectacular with fall color. Read full review

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2019 by

The most memorable part of the vacation was the Nakasendo trail. Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Jun 2019 by

Perfect vacation for everyone on the trip. The most memorable parts were walking through O'Tsumago and Narai. Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2019 by

It was a trip of a lifetime! We enjoyed the incredible walks everyday followed by the stays at ryokans! Read full review

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2019 by

We enjoyed the whole experience . Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2019 by

The walking on the second and third days was quite wonderful, as were the stays in small inns along the way. Read full review

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2019 by

This is an experience we will never forget. We’re already talking about doing a similar vacation in the near future! Read full review

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2018 by

We loved everything about Japan. The only negative observation was noting the overpackaging of goods, particularly with plastics. We think the Japanese people are beginning to realise the importance of tackling this problem. Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2018 by

The first three hiking days were amazing. Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2017 by

Experiencing a completely different culture was the highlight. Read full review

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2017 by

The walks through the ancient forests of Japan were above expectation, but the highlight I think was staying in the Ryokan - the charm and character of the inns and our hosts and the total immersion into a traditional Japanese experience with their tatami rooms, onsen baths and local cuisine. Read full review

Reviewed on 24 May 2017 by

Excellent, looking forward to traveling with you again. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 May 2017 by

We loved the beautiful walks and meeting the super kind inn keepers. A highlight was the tea house on the way to Tsumago, in the rain. Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2017 by

All the walking was memorable and parts (like seeing a bear and encountering leeches) were exciting. The food was exciting too! Read full review

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2017 by

We loved the whole thing - staying in the traditional inns, the self-guided hiking, the beautiful scenery, the hot spring bathing areas and, of course, the food. The hike meanders through forests, bamboo groves, and through villages and hamlets, so there is a wonderful glimpse of old Japan to see. Read full review

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2017 by

The trail was remote, stunning, quiet and interesting. The ryokans were spotless and the food fresh and continuing perfect. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 May 2017 by

Good walking, countryside/scenery, cherry blossom and Japanese Inns (Ryokan). Read full review

Reviewed on 22 Sep 2016 by

Superior! Read full review

Reviewed on 17 May 2016 by

Whilst the journey is a delightful walk, stop and enjoy the culture along the way. Read full review

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2016 by

Best bits: Walking the remote sections of Trail. Tour of Nara Read full review

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2015 by

A great experience. We felt we had a very good introduction and understanding of Japan. We liked the combination of historic city, modern capital contrasting with rural Japan. Very well organized. Read full review

Reviewed on 01 Sep 2015 by

Great, the organisation was very good, the cultural immersion was inspiring and the landscape was surprising. Read full review

Reviewed on 08 Jun 2015 by

Best bit: Walking through remote woods and forests on the Nakasendo trail and coming across ancient shrines and stonework commemorating centuries old samurai battles. Read full review

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing it will help support the places and people that you visit, and the planet. Read how below.

Planet

You will experience the ‘satoyama’ landscape of rural Japan, the border area between arable flat land where rice is grown, and the mountains. Managed sustainably over centuries, it is biologically diverse and supports a wide variety of wildlife. The presence of small-scale tourism in the Kiso Valley has encouraged the conservation of these areas, and discouraged the development of golf-courses and other projects which have negative effects on the local biodiversity. We support conservation through the Nature Conservancy Council of Japan.

People

The villages you will visit along the Kiso Valley section of the Nakasendo trail were, until the 1970s, falling into disrepair and with few jobs, young people were moving to the cities. The villagers then began a concerted conservation and restoration effort, repairing the old wooden houses, and turning some of them into small ‘minshuku’ guest houses. Over the past 30 years this gradual conservation has continued, and the Kiso Valley villages have enjoyed a steady stream of income and sustainable development from the visitors who come.

You will be staying at these traditional ‘machiya’ houses, some over 200 years old. They are owned and run by several generations of one family, and all income from visitors stays in the village and brings the benefit of jobs for the younger generation. Your food will be prepared from locally-sourced fish, meat, and vegetables. Many owners also grow their own vegetables and rice. We support The Japan National Trust which helps protect the traditional buildings of rural Japan.

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