Nakasendo Way

The Nakasendo Way was one of Japan's great ancient highways, the road from Kyoto, an ancient capital and cultural epicentre of Japan, to Edo (now Tokyo). It travelled "through the mountains" (its name), whereas the Tokaido route stayed by the coast. Various stretches of it are still well preserved and truly rural, indeed deep in the mountains.

Established in the 8^th Century, in its heyday in the C18, the Nakasendo pullulated with travellers, including samurai, merchants and pilgrims, and was lined with 69 post towns. Much of it now a backwater, it is an enjoyable route through scenic countryside and, also, an insight into the history of Japan. You will pass through amazingly preserved post towns as did the Japanese traveller of old, still staying in high grade traditional inns (ryokans) or minshuku, family homes so more relaxed, friendlier and cheaper but atmospheric nonetheless. You will eat like gods and soak in hot spring water.

Most expeditions meet in Kyoto and travel through some or all of Hikone, Sekigahara, Magome, Tsumago, and Narai in the Kiso Mountain Region before perhaps finishing the journey along the Nakasendo in Tokyo itself.

Your baggage can go by taxi, except when you travel by train. You will cross several not-too-demanding passes.

In the summer you can hit higher ground, checking out some of the most scenic and enjoyable sections of the ancient Nakasendo Way, and digress to the beautiful Kaida Plateau and Matsumoto, a pleasing city dominated by a proper castle.

Our friends, the excellent Walk Japan, do a selection of fascinating Nakasendos.  

Have a look at the dreaded TripAdvisor . You should get good, current views on this walk/area.

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