Nakasendo & The Kaida Plateau - 6 Days
JapanNakasendo Way

Nakasendo & The Kaida Plateau - 6 Days

6 Days
Moderate

Nakasendo & The Kaida Plateau - 6 Days

from $3,695 / person

Overview

The Nakasendo Way connects Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto via a mountainous inland route, with a network of 69 post towns spread along 540 kilometres. The section through the Kiso Valley, known as the Kiso-ji or the Kiso Road, is one of the best preserved, with 11 post towns linking the four southernmost towns of Magome, Tsumago, Midono Nagiso and Nojiri. This group-guided walk also includes the Kaida Plateau, one of the finest walks in the entire region and a highlight that sets this itinerary apart.

The Kiso-ji is a hilly path of ancient stone pavements and dirt trails, alive with seasonal flowers, clear-water creeks and endemic forest. Countless daimyo processions passed this way, including samurai, farmers, merchants and nobility, and the post towns they once stopped in remain largely unchanged, giving the walk a sense of living history that few routes in Japan can match.

Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in the hills north of Kiso-Fukushima
  • Walk pack-free on the well-graded ancient trail - wondrous views included
  • Walk over the ancient postal route, through old forest, incredible mountain views (including Mount Ontake) and bathe in onsens
  • 5 nights stay in a family-run or small traditional Minshuku, Ryokan or Hotel
  • The impressive Karasawa Waterfall and the famous Torii Pass
  • Immerse yourself in the Japanese culture with our qualified Japanese Guides
  • Enjoy authentic Japanese dinners & breakfasts served in mostly elegant tatami mat settings

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Nakatsugawa

Today is a travel day for you to make your way to the town of Nakatsugawa, where the old post town (Nakatsugawa-juku) has been extensively restored. This is a great place to explore at leisure and includes a number of traditional shops that sell goods such as Japanese sweets and sake. You will meet your guide, share your first Japanese dinner, and go over the walk and what you can expect. It is a straightforward process to get to Nakatsugawa and your accommodation. We will give you the details on how to get there.

Accommodation

3-star Hotel / Ryokan in Nakatsugawa

Meals

Dinner

What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel / Ryokan (4 nights), 3-star Hotel / Minshuku (1 night)

Meals

5 breakfasts, and 5 dinners

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Train

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Auswalk Walking Grade

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

3

Days on the trail

9-19 km

Daily distance range

507-987 m

Daily ascent range

4/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Five nights on this walk are spent in family-run ryokans and Japanese hotels, ranging from traditionally styled wooden properties to more contemporary hybrid alternatives. Rooms are fitted with tatami mats and shoji sliding doors, with futons laid on the floor in the traditional Japanese manner. Very few ryokans offer actual beds, which is entirely in keeping with the spirit of staying this way. En-suite facilities are available in some rooms, though communal bathing is far more common and treated with genuine care. In onsen properties, the baths are fed by natural hot spring water and separated by gender.

The heated toilet seats are a characteristically Japanese touch that most first-time visitors find themselves quietly won over by. Every effort has been made to select properties that balance authentic Japanese character with comfort, and the views along this route are a reward in themselves.

What You'll Eat

Meals on this tour are an event in themselves. Five breakfasts and five dinners are included throughout the trip, starting with dinner on arrival in Nakatsugawa. Meals are served in traditional dining areas and are generous and carefully prepared, most commonly in the form of a Kaiseki set meal, a multi-course spread that showcases the best of regional Japanese cooking. Larger ryokans may offer a buffet option.

Note: Please note that this group guided trip is unable to accommodate dairy-free, vegan or gluten-free diets, or those unable to eat fish stock. If this affects you, please contact the office directly to discuss further.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Nakatsugawa and finishes in Kiso-Fukushima, in the Japanese Alps. The most convenient arrival is by Shinkansen to Nagoya, from where the JR Chuo Line reaches Nakatsugawa in around 1 hour 15 minutes. From Tokyo, the Shinkansen to Nagoya takes around 1 hour 45 minutes. From Osaka, take a local train to Shin-Osaka and connect to the Shinkansen, taking around 48 minutes to Nagoya. On arrival in Nakatsugawa, the central hotel is a short 9-minute walk from the station. A free shuttle bus also runs from the station to Hotel Hanasarasa, departing regularly throughout the day.

The walk ends in Kiso-Fukushima, from where trains connect to Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. A JR Rail Pass may offer good value for those extending their time in Japan, though tickets can also be purchased on the day. The Japan Transit Planner is a useful resource for checking schedules and fares.

Spring brings cherry blossom to the post towns and the Kaida Plateau coming back to life after winter. October and November offer perfect walking conditions, with temperatures in the high teens, little rain and the Kiso Valley forests turning gold. Early booking is recommended. Pack layers whatever the month; the plateau sits at altitude and temperatures can drop quickly.

The terrain is mountainous and uneven in places but the paths are in good condition, walking boots with good ankle support and grip are essential. Elevation is the primary training consideration; include serious hill climbs, back-to-back walking days, and build up to around 18 kilometres comfortably in a single day. Squats, lunges, and balance exercises will also prove valuable on the uneven terrain.


You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

On this walk we use public transport (buses or trains) when required to access the best walks in the Kiso and beyond. The journey times vary from 10 minutes to 50 minutes, depending on the day. Rest assured you will have a local guide to assist you through his process.

This walk has the luggage transferred from accommodation to accommodation.

Please note: The accommodation on this group guided trip is unable to cater for dairy free, vegan or gluten free diets, or those unable to eat fish stock. If this affects you, please contact the office directly to discuss further.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Departure

Select a fixed group departure - places are limited

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Nakasendo Way reviews

4.9
53 reviews
5 Star
49
4 Star
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Jenny R
2 months ago

I would absolutely recommend the Nakasendo Way to anyone with a basic level of fitness. Auswalks made it straightforward & apart from Tsutamaraya the accommodation & food was wonderful. We would have liked the option of western breakfast in Kiso Fukushima. Not everyone loves Japanese breakfast but we were in Japan so it is all part of the experience.

Jennifer S
2 months ago

Departure point process was quite ok and enjoyed time in Ena and the woodblock print museum. Excellent choice of accommodations diverse and friendly staff.

Sandra G
2 months ago

Auswalk support was great to help us organise our walking trip on the Nakasendo Trail in Japan. The accommodation was luxurious which was a total treat as well. We needed Auswalk support during the trip and they responded and supported us immediately which was very much appreciated. Thank you Auswalk … a great trip.

Robyn P
3 months ago

Fortunately there was sufficient information supplied. Seemed a bit ‘overwhelming’ when the package arrived in the mail BUT once you arrive at the destination it all falls into place. It was a fantastic walk- with comprehensive notes.

Phillipa C
3 months ago

Thoroughly enjoyed our walk and the notes were very comprehensive. Accommodation exceeded our expectations All in all a great experience.

Paula M
3 months ago

There were literally no dramas with any of the organisation of the trip - everything went really well. I have to say the app was great - it saved us a couple of times and I really wish I had it when I did the C2C! All of the accommodation was superb. The Nakasendo path itself was quite a different experience to C2C as it was not a continuous trail. I think personally if someone asked me, I would say not to worry about the very first leg from Ena to Nakatsugwa but overall we enjoyed seeing a different side to Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your main luggage is collected each morning and transferred to your next accommodation while you walk. The allowance is one bag per person up to 20kg. One important thing to be aware of: on one night of the itinerary, your main luggage will not be with you due to limitations of the local courier service. You'll need to pack a small overnight bag in your daypack for that evening — Auswalk will flag exactly which night this is and what to prepare when you book.

Check-in is generally from 3:00 PM, with check-out before 10:00 AM. Dinner is typically served at a set time, so plan to arrive by 6:00 PM at the latest. If you're running behind, call your accommodation to let them know — if you haven't arrived by dark, your hosts will assume something has gone wrong and begin making enquiries.

A few customs are worth knowing before you arrive. Remove your shoes at the entrance and change into the indoor slippers provided. Your room will likely include a yukata (cotton robe) for the evening — wear something underneath, fold the left side over the right, and tie the belt firmly. A loose yukata is considered disrespectful. Meal times are set, so confirm dinner and breakfast times when you check in. Towels and toiletries are usually provided, though this varies by property.

Onsens are one of the great pleasures of the Nakasendo, and there are a few important customs to follow. You bathe completely naked — swimwear is not permitted. Before entering the communal bath, wash and rinse yourself thoroughly at the shower stations provided. Keep your towel out of the water. Onsens are separated by gender. If you have tattoos, be aware that many onsens in Japan restrict entry — speak with your accommodation host in advance, as policies vary. Some places offer stickers to cover small tattoos for a modest additional charge. If possible, avoid peak bathing times and be mindful of other guests. A rest day in Kiso-Fukushima is a good opportunity to properly enjoy the local onsens.

Japan is a densely populated country, and you're never far from civilisation on the Nakasendo, but coverage can still be patchy on some forest and mountain sections. Most accommodations have WiFi.

A shower-proof daypack with a waterproof liner is ideal. Key items include a waterproof jacket, warm layer, sun hat and sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum), comfortable walking boots, 2–3 litres of water, lunch supplies, a first aid kit with insect repellent, toilet paper, your phone, a battery pack, and cash. Walking poles are highly recommended — the track includes short but steep hill sections and they make a real difference. In summer, wear long sleeves and pants due to leeches, and pack bug spray. A folding umbrella and a bandana or handkerchief are also worth throwing in.

Japan runs largely on cash, and the Nakasendo is no exception. Most ATMs outside airports and convenience stores don't accept foreign cards, so withdraw sufficient Yen early — the best options are at the airport on arrival or at 7-Eleven and other convenience store ATMs.

No. Tipping is not customary in Japan and is generally not expected — in fact, it can sometimes be politely refused. Excellent service is simply the standard. Enjoy it without the need to tip.

Japan has a rich culture of etiquette and a little preparation goes a long way. Remove your shoes before entering homes, ryokans, and many traditional restaurants — indoor slippers are usually provided. Speak quietly in public spaces, particularly on trains and buses. Avoid eating or drinking while walking. When visiting temples and shrines, dress modestly and follow any posted guidelines. A slight bow when greeting people is always appreciated. Note that it is illegal to bring over-the-counter medicines containing pseudoephedrine or codeine into Japan — check your medications before you travel.

Traditional Japanese cuisine relies heavily on soy sauce (shoyu), miso, and fish stock (dashi), which feature in almost everything and are very difficult to remove. If you can tolerate these in trace amounts, your accommodation options increase significantly. Vegetarian meals can be arranged at most inns with advance notice, though fish and seafood feature prominently in the standard diet. Strict vegans and those with coeliac disease will find things more challenging. Dietary requirements must be declared at the time of booking and cannot be changed afterwards. Bring supplementary snacks if your needs are complex.

Want to Know More?

The Nakasendo Experience

Wonder
Walk ancient cobblestone paths through Magome, Tsumago and beautifully restored Narai
Pass iconic red torii gates, proclamation boards and centuries-old post towns
Live like a local staying in traditional ryokans, enjoying tatami dining and multi-course Kaiseki meals
Wellness
Slow travel on a well-graded path pack-free walking through rice paddies, villages and cedar forest
Unwind in Enakyo Onsen baths with panoramic views over Enakyo Gorge
Friendly family-run minshukus, home-cooked food and intimate Japanese hospitality
Nature
Walk the Kiso Valley beneath Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake
Visit Karasawa Waterfall, Odaki-Medaki falls and streams through dense woodland
Cross the Kaida Plateau, Jizo Pass and autumn-bright deciduous forests