1 Day Tour from Nagoya Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail

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You can select up to 15 travelers in total.

Adult (13-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15

Child (6-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15

Infant (0-5) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15

Book online or call: +1 437 970 2890

Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Transportation during the tour
English speaking guide

Lunch
Accommodation
Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Overview

Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. This scenic section of the Nakasendo trail is brimming with lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and remote mountain villages—which have remained relatively untouched by the modern world. Your experienced guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare. This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan.

Meeting points

Nagoya Station
1-chōme-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002, Japan

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The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Nakasendo Tsumagojuku

After a quick stop at a roadside rest stop to stretch our legs, we will arrive at Tsumago-juku post town. Here your guide will explain the history and significance of the area and the Nakasendo trail before setting off on our hike.

45 minutes
Nakasendo Tsumagojuku

We will then set off on our hike down the Nakasendo trail—one of five ancient roads connecting the de facto capital of Edo (Tokyo) with other regions in Japan. The trail was most prominent during the Edo era. Today, most of the original Nakasendo has been lost to time or converted into modern highways and railway lines. However, the section of the trail we will hike remains relatively unchanged from the time of the samurai. You will even see segments of the trail with original cobblestone. The hike will also take you by two waterfalls—the perfect place to catch your breath, feel the cool mist on your face, and stop for lunch. Recharged, we will continue our hike past a lone teahouse run by a local volunteer. You’re welcome to stop here for a sip of tea or exchange stories with other travelers.

3 hours
Nakasendo Magome-juku

At the end of the trek, you will arrive at the beautiful post town of Magome. Situated on a slope, this town offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery and features a main street lined with traditional wooden buildings. Even better, there are waterways on either side of the street, and the fast-running water powers multiple waterwheels. The post town features many shops, selling popular local crafts and snacks such as oyaki dumplings, gohei-mochi rice cakes, and ice cream. We recommend looking for some of the wood crafts made from local trees, many of which are extremely fragrant and, just as importantly, small and easy to carry back home. Of course, your guide will be available to help you take photos that will make your friends and family envious.

45 minutes

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
As lunch options are limited, please purchase a bento box or other food items before the tour starts, and bring them with you. Time will be allotted to eat while on the trail.
The remaining time will be allocated for the transport

Free Cancellation

March 02100% refund

March 03No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.9

7 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 6 reviews with 5 stars

Enjoyable scenic hike

Published on Nov, 2024

I have read about the Nakasendo Trail and interested in its historical significance, so I was keen to include this as a day trip during my tour of Japan. I am glad I made this choice. The scenery is stunning, walking past bamboo forests, waterfalls and traditional houses, enhanced by the colourful autumn leaves. A word of caution though - it is a 3 hour (8km) hike between Tsumago and Magome, involving steep steps, slopes and uneven ground, so it's unsuitable for people with mobility difficulties. A special mention for our excellent tour leader Kim who gave us a comprehensive and interesting explanation of the origin of the trail and what it was like to travel on it centuries ago. She was also considerate and ensured there were plenty of rest breaks. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would definitely consider booking another tour with Snow Monkey Resorts when I next visit Japan.

History and cultural emersion experience

Published on Nov, 2024

The best guide and a most relaxing day filled with exercise, beautiful views, and learning about the beautiful Japanese people and their history! The driver drove safely and carefully and was so sweet and happy.

Loved it!

Published on Nov, 2024

It was a really great hike with lots of great information and viewpoints. There was some time to chill out a bit and eat lunch and also some time to visit some shops in the cute little post towns. 10/10 would recommend

Nakasendo Trail

Published on Nov, 2024

We had the most amazing experience with our awesome tour guides Kim and Edy. The weather was amazing and they were very patient with me taking a billion photos every step of the way. Walking through the woods and exploring the villages stuck in the Edo era was amazing. Thank you so much guys

Nature and history

Published on Oct, 2024

Our tour guide Kim, did an amazing job walking us through the Nakasendo Trail, she told us about historical facts and shared her knowledge with the group. Nakasendo trail was beautiful. I highly recommend.