Guided walks in Japan :: Nakasendo Trail

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Nakasendo Trail
12 days Tokyo to Kyoto

Four days of village-to-village walking on the old Nakasendo trail – Imperial Nara and Kyoto – modern Tokyo - the mountaintop village of Yoshino - visit sacred Mount Koya and stay in a shukubo (temple lodging) – relax in the bath at a lovely hot spring ryokan – travel on the bullet train

Villager collecting sansai vegetables Golden Pavilion Monks at Mount Koya

The Nakasendo trail linked Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period. It was the ‘road through the mountains’ (as opposed to the Tokaido route which travelled the Pacific coast) travelled 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. Enjoy bathing in hot spring water after a day on the trails! We’ll then continue by bullet train to Nara, to explore the former imperial capital, wander the old town and see the famous Todaiji temple, Nara park. From Nara we will continue to Yoshino, a beautiful village famous for its cherry blossoms in springtime and also for its ‘warrior’ monks. We will walk in the hills and relax in the evening in a lovely ryokan. After Yoshino we visit Mount Koya, in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, a temple complex founded in the 9th century by the monk Kobo Daishi, where we will stay in a ‘shukubo’ (temple lodging), enjoying the vegetarian shojin-ryori cuisine. Finally, we travel by train to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, at the western end of the Nakasendo, with time to explore some of the most important temples and shrines, as well as the craft shops and food markets. Our tour ends here and we say farewell.

Walking Level: easy/moderate

There will be easy to moderate level walking and hiking on 4 days out of the 12 days of this trip. Walks will range from 2 to 5 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some moderate ascents.

Note: For those not wishing to walk, we will be happy to make alternative arrangements. Please contact us for details.

Day 1 Meet in Tokyo

Meet at Narita International Airport and transfer by train to Tokyo.

Day 2 Tokyo

Our first full day in Japan will be spent on a walking tour of Tokyo. Overnight in city centre hotel.

Day 3 Nakasendo Trail walking day 1

By train to Shiojori, lunch and then walking on Nakasendo path from Niekawa to Narai.

Day 4 Nakasendo Trail walking day 2

Walking on Nakasendo trail, stay at lovely remote hot spring ryokan.

Day 5 Nakasendo Trail walking day 3

Walking on Nakasendo path, visit Tsumago ‘post town’. Stay family-run minshuku.

Day 6 Nakasendo Trail walking day 4 & Nara

Walk to Magome, then by train to Nara. Overnight hotel.

Day 7 Nara

Morning walking tour to Todai-ji temple and Nara Park, after lunch free to explore the town. Overnight hotel.

Day 8 Yoshino

By train to Yoshino, walking. Overnight at hot spring ryokan.

Day 9 Mount Koya

By train to Mount Koya, visit Okunoin cemetery. Stay at a Buddhist temple.

Day 10 Transfer to Kyoto

Morning visit to visit Kongo-buji temple, then by train to Kyoto. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 Kyoto

Half-day walking tour to the Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, Golden Pavilion, and Ryoan-ji rock garden. The afternoon is free.

Day 12 Tour ends

On our final day we say farewell. Your guide will help you transfer to the airport for your flight home, or you may like to stay a few days longer.

We will be happy to book pre or post-tour accommodation for you throughout Japan.

When we receive your booking we send you a dossier, which contains a suggested gear and clothing list. If you do have queries at this initial stage do ring us and we will be pleased to offer advice.

TOKYO, NARA, KYOTO: Comfortable, modern, downtown hotels. NARAI, KISO-FUKUSHIMA, TSUMAGO, YOSHINO: Traditional Japanese inns (ryokan and minshuku) MOUNT KOYA:Buddhist temple
Please note that single rooms are normally only available in hotels – where a single room supplement may apply.

Facilities vary by location, and some of the minshuku and ryokan do not have en suite bathrooms.

All breakfasts and 7 evening meals are included. For reasons of choice and convenience, 4 evening meals are not included but your guide will be available to help with recommendations and ordering.

Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but we cannot make absolute guarantees! Changes to the itinerary will normally be to introduce an improvement. Weather conditions, road and transport conditions, and the health of walkers can all contribute to changes. The guide will ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy-going nature is an asset!

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