Nakasendō

About this trail

This section of the Nakasendō is the most celebrated and best-preserved stretch of what was once one of Edo-period Japan's five great highways linking Edo to Kyoto. The trail winds through the Kiso Valley, passing cedar groves, rice paddies, and remnants of the original stone-paved road as it connects two immaculately preserved post towns. Walking it feels less like a hike and more like a step back into feudal Japan, with thatched-roof rest stops and weathered stone Jizō statues lining the way. The route runs mostly downhill from Magome to Tsumago, though there is a noticeable climb leaving Magome and one or two steeper pitches through the forest mid-route. Underfoot you'll find a mix of original stone paving, compacted earth, and gravel; sections become slippery after rain. Spring (late April–May) and autumn (October–November) offer the best conditions — the rainy season in June and July makes the trail muddy and significantly less pleasant. Waymarking is thorough, with signposts in both Japanese and English, so navigation is straightforward. A seasonal luggage-forwarding service (takuhaibin) runs between the two towns, allowing you to walk with just a daypack; both Magome and Tsumago offer accommodation in ryokan and minshuku, and a bus connects them for the return journey.