Japan in Comfort: Ancient trails of Nagano: Nakasendo & Togakushi Kodo

Welcome to Japan! Make your way to the tour hotel in the center of Kyōto. This evening, meet your tour guide and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Your guide will also go over the itinerary and plans for the days ahead.

Accommodation at Hotel Okura Kyōto Okazaki Bettei or similar.

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This morning, leave Kyōto behind and travel by train to Nakatsugawa, the gateway to the scenic Kiso Valley. The valley is home to some of the bestpreserved sections of the historic Nakasendo, the ancient route that once connected Kyōto with Edo (present-day Tōkyō). Known as the “Road Through the Mountains”, the Nakasendo was used by travellers journeying between the two great cities, with post towns along the route providing places to rest and stay overnight. Today, many of these historic villages have been carefully preserved, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past. From Nakatsugawa, take a short local bus ride to Ochiai, where the first walk along the Nakasendo begins. Follow the historic trail through peaceful forests and traditional rural landscapes, passing through the beautifully preserved post town of Magome before continuing to Tsumago. After the walk, head to a traditional Japanese inn to settle in and relax before dinner

Hiking: 12.8 km/7.9 mi, about 4 hours, 326 m / 1,069 ft ascent, and 430 m / 1,410 ft of descent

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Hirugami onsen, Keigetsu or similar.

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The longest day on the Nakasendo trail is a beautiful and varied hike from Tsumago to Nojiri. The route follows quiet country lanes and forest paths, winding past rice fields, traditional farmhouses and village gardens through some of the least-developed and most scenic landscapes along the Nakasendo. From Nojiri, continue to Kaida Kogen for an overnight stay at a charming countryside ryokan. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, warm hospitality and regional cuisine featuring seasonal local ingredients.

Hiking: 14.5 km / 9 miles, 5 hours, 630 m / 2,075 ft of ascent and 515 m / 1,685 ft of descent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kaida Kogen Kazari or similar

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After breakfast, transfer to Yabuhara, the starting point for the hike over Torii-toge Pass to Narai, with beautiful views across the Kiso Valley. After exploring the atmospheric post town of Narai and perhaps sampling some local specialities, continue to Kiso-Hirasawa, a small town renowned for its traditional lacquerware craftsmanship. Browse workshops and shops selling finely crafted tableware, furniture and other lacquerware products.

Hiking: 8.7 km/5.5 miles, 4 hours, 344m / 1,128 ft ascent, 270m / 885 ft descent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Utsikushigahara Onsen Sugimoto ryokan or similar

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Today offers a chance to take a break from the trails and enjoy a more relaxed day. After breakfast, travel by train from Matsumoto to Nagano, a city surrounded by the mountains of the Japanese Alps and an important centre of Buddhist culture. Visit Zenkōji Temple, one of Japan’s most important and historic Buddhist temples. Founded more than 1,400 years ago, Zenkōji has welcomed pilgrims from across Japan for centuries. Take time to explore the temple grounds and surrounding streets at a leisurely pace. Later, experience zazen, a traditional form of seated Zen meditation. Guided by a Buddhist priest, learn the basics of meditation and spend some quiet time practising. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore Nagano at your own pace. An authentic temple dinner is included at the accommodation for the night, a traditional shukubō.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Nagano, Gyokushōin Shukubō or similar

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Begin the morning with a visit to Zenkōji for the temple’s sunrise morning service (o-asaji), a traditional ceremony that has been held here for centuries. After the service, travel into the mountains to begin the walk along the historic Togakushi Kodo. The trail passes through the peaceful forests of Togakushi, an area deeply connected to Japanese spirituality and mythology. Follow quiet forest paths and mountain trails, gradually leaving the city behind while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and views of the surrounding mountains. Finish the walk at Hōkōsha, the oldest of Togakushi’s five shrines, dating back to the late Edo period. The shrine is known for its beautiful wood carvings and is traditionally associated with the arts, family harmony, safe childbirth, and the protection of women and children. Tonight, stay at another shukubō and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Hiking: 19.3 km / 12.0 mi, 8 hours, 1,070 m / 3,515 ft ascent, 375 m / 1,235 ft descent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Togakushi, Oshi-ryokan Shukubō or similar

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Enjoy a hands-on soba-making experience and learn how to make Togakushi-style soba using locally grown buckwheat flour. With guidance from an experienced instructor, you’ll make the noodles using the traditional single-rolling method before enjoying them freshly cooked. After lunch, board the train for Tōkyō, leaving the mountains of Nagano behind as you head towards the capital. In the evening, come together for a farewell dinner to celebrate the trails, experiences, and memories shared along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Tōkyō or similar

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