This small-group tour explores the Nakasendo Trail which linked Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period. It was the ‘road through the mountains’ (as opposed to the Tokaido route which traveled the Pacific coast) traveled by feudal lords and their retinues, samurai, merchants, and travelers. Along the route were 69 ‘post towns’, where weary travelers could rest before continuing on the next leg. Our journey will start in Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the Shoguns. We will then spend four days walking along the Nakasendo. By day we will walk along the ancient route as it passes through beautifully preserved villages along an easy path, and by evening we will stay in traditional country inns enjoying exquisite regional cuisine prepared from the freshest ingredients, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy the warm hospitality of our hosts. The best walks will let you discover the beautiful villages of Tsumago, Magome, and Narai. Enjoy bathing in a hot spring bath (onsen) after a day on the trails!
September 25 to October 6, 2023 – Full
October 3 to October 14, 2023 – Full
October 13 to October 24, 2023 – Full
October 29 to November 9, 2023 – Full
November 5 to November 16, 2023 – Full
November 12 to November 23, 2023 – Almost Full
March 26 to April 6, 2024
April 4 to April 15, 2024
April 11 to April 22, 2024 – Guaranteed Departure
May 9 to May 20, 2024 – Guaranteed Departure
May 14 to May 25, 2024
May 22 to June 2, 2024
June 4 to June 15, 2024
September 10 to September 21, 2024
September 24 to October 5, 2024
October 1 to October 12, 2024
October 9 to October 20, 2024
October 15 to October 26, 2024
October 22 to November 2, 2024
November 1 to November 12, 2024
November 14 to November 25, 2024
November 19 to November 30, 2024
Starting from US$4,420.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
Central Japan is a region of tall mountain ranges and fast-flowing rivers and this small-group tour takes you there. It wasn’t until recently that roads reached the remoter villages, and today many remain remarkably well-preserved and evocative of centuries past. Our journey takes us through Japanese history from modern Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the Shoguns, to end near Kyoto, Japan’s capital for 400 years and the repository of much of the country’s cultural heritage.
From Tokyo, we head first to Yudanaka Onsen hot spring where the famous “snow monkeys” come to enjoy the natural hot spring baths just like humans. In feudal times people traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo would use the Nakasendo way – the road through the central mountains – one of a network of ancient highways. We will visit one of the best-preserved sections in the Kiso Valley, where the lovely villages of Tsumago and Magome have been immaculately restored.
October 31 to November 13, 2023
February 13 to February 26, 2024
March 26 to April 8, 2024
April 13 to April 26, 2024
May 17 to May 30, 2024
September 6 to September 19, 2024
October 15 to October 28, 2024
November 5 to November 18, 2024
Starting from US$4930.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)