This small-group tour explores the Nakasendo Trail which linked Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period. It was the ‘road through the mountains’ (as opposed to the Tokaido route which traveled the Pacific coast) traveled 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, soaking in natural hot springs, and enjoy the warm hospitality of our hosts. The best walks will let you discover the beautiful villages of Tsumago, Magome, and Narai. Enjoy bathing in a hot spring bath (onsen) after a day on the trails!
October to October 26, 2024 – Full
October 22 to November 2, 2024 – Full
November 1 to November 12, 2024
November 14 to November 25, 2024 – Full
November 19 to November 30, 2024
March 25 to April 5, 2025 – almost full
April 3 to April 14, 2025
April 10 to April 21, 2025
April 21 to May 2, 2025
May 8 to May 19, 2025
May 15 to May 26, 2025
May 22 to June 2, 2025
June 10 to June 21, 2025
September 30 to October 11, 2025
October 7 to October 18, 2025
October 14 to October 25, 2025
October 21 to November 1, 2025
November 6 to November 17, 2025
November 13 to November 24, 2025
November 18 to November 29, 2025
Starting from US$4,785.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
Central Japan is a region of tall mountain ranges and fast-flowing rivers and this small-group tour takes you there. It wasn’t until recently that roads reached the remoter villages, and today many remain remarkably well-preserved and evocative of centuries past. Our journey takes us through Japanese history from modern Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the Shoguns, to end near Kyoto, Japan’s capital for 400 years and the repository of much of the country’s cultural heritage.
From Tokyo, we head first to Yudanaka Onsen hot spring where the famous “snow monkeys” come to enjoy the natural hot spring baths just like humans. In feudal times people traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo would use the Nakasendo way – the road through the central mountains – one of a network of ancient highways. We will visit one of the best-preserved sections in the Kiso Valley, where the lovely villages of Tsumago and Magome have been immaculately restored.
October 15 to October 28, 2024 – full
November 5 to November 18, 2024 – full
February 11 to February 24, 2025
March 25 to April 7, 2025
April 12 to April 25, 2025
May 16 to May 29, 2025
September 3 to September 16, 2025
October 7 to October 20, 2025
November 4 to November 17, 2025
Starting from US$4,930.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)