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Strolling along the Nakasendo Trail

Strolling along the Nakasendo Trail

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Matsumoto - Kiso Valley
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 479.- per person (excluding flights)
Highlights:
✔ Stay in Matsumoto the ideal base to explore the Kiso Valley
✔ Walk the historic Magome to Tsumago path through cedar forests and sleepy villages
✔Explore a wide variety of local restaurants after a day on the trail

The Nakasendo Trail is an ancient walking trail of the Edo period that connects Tokyo with Kyoto. Matsumoto makes an ideal base for exploring the Kiso Valley, home to beautifully preserved medieval towns. From Magome to Tsumago, you can walk roughly eight kilometres along sections of the old trade route. It’s a hike well worth doing, not only for its history but also for its scenery: lush forests, fertile fields, sweeping views and charming houses mark the way. Keep an eye out for the bear bell, as bears do live in the area.

Day 1 – Arrival in Matsumoto

Today you’ll take a scenic train journey into the Japanese Alps to reach Matsumoto, around three hours from Tokyo or Hakone. Your hotel sits on the edge of the compact city centre, where most sights are easily explored on foot, though the tourist office also offers free bicycle hire. Be sure to visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest wooden fortresses, and wander through the Nakamachi district, a charming maze of Edo-period streets lined with cafés and galleries.

Day 2 – Explore the Kiso Valley

You’re staying in Matsumoto because it is the perfect base for a day trip to the Kiso Valley, which you can easily explore on your own with our information. The valley is dotted with atmospheric medieval towns, where traditionally built wooden houses and narrow lanes evoke a bygone era. We recommend the hike from Magome to Tsumago, an easy eight kilometre walk that follows parts of the old trade route. The scenery alone makes it worthwhile, with lush forests, fertile fields, wide open views and cosy homes lining the path. Bears do live in the area, but there is no need to worry, as bear bells are placed along the trail. Give them a ring to alert the wildlife to your presence; we did, and we did not see a single bear.

Walking Along the Nakasendo Trail

Today you’ll spend 3 hours walking a historical 8km stretch from Magome to Tsumago. As you make your way through the forest, you’ll be treated to views of cascading waterfalls and beautiful mountain vistas peeking through the trees.

You’ll also pass the Tateba-Jaya Tea House, where you can take a break with tea, snacks and even warm up by the fire. As you walk past the locals and their small farmhouses and fields, you eventually reach the picture-perfect town of Tsumago. You’ll explore the scenic towns and roads that are lined with traditional old buildings, dating back to over 200 years old.

Day 3 – Departure from the Kiso Valley

Your time in the mountains of Matsumoto and the Kiso Valley has come to an end, after breakfast this morning you’ll head back to the train station, and head onto your next destination.