The Nakasendo highway which officially runs all the way from Kyoto to Tokyo is one of the oldest roads in Japan. Passing through the idyllic post towns of the Kiso Valley this is a popular route for hikers looking for a challenge while reaping the rewards in the form of postcard perfect scenery along the way.
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![Walking the Nakasendo Trail]()
Walking the Nakasendo Trail
The Nakasendo is one of five routes throughout Japan that was in popular use in the Edo period as a means of travelling between the country’s main cities by foot. The trail is still intact to this day starting in Kyoto and leading all the way to Tokyo. While some of the more serious hikers may want to take on the challenge of completing the whole 534-kilometer route, it’s more common to complete a section of the trail which runs through the Kiso Valley.
![Walking the Nakasendo Trail]()
Walking the Nakasendo Trail
This picturesque stretch of the southern half of Nagano Prefecture (and dipping into Gifu Prefecture) is made up of some of the prettiest of the Nakasendo’s 69 post towns complete with quaint stone paved streets which were originally created as a place for travellers to check in and take a break along their trip.
![Walking the Nakasendo Trail]()
Walking the Nakasendo Trail
![Walking the Nakasendo Trail]()
Walking the Nakasendo Trail
The distance between each post town along the Kiso Valley varies from simple one-hour walks to whole day trips. A recommended route is from Tsumago to Magome which follows a meandering path for around eight kilometres through atmospheric woodland. Waterfalls and wildlife greet visitors along the way as well as a number of other walkers as this is one of the most popular legs of the Nakasendo.
![Walking the Nakasendo Trail]()
Walking the Nakasendo Trail
Many of the journeys between the Nakasendo’s diverse post towns offer tranquil expanses of nature-rich land while the towns are a good place for your culture fix. Whether you’re interested in learning about the history of the area at the many museums, stocking up on shiny lacquerware crafted in the area, or getting spiritual at temples along the way, Kiso Valley has something to keep its visitors busy at every step along the way. The towns are a convenient place to stay overnight with an abundance of traditional ryokan and guest houses as well as myriad cafés and restaurants for trying out the region’s iconic chestnut dishes and local sake.
![Walking the Nakasendo Trail]()
Walking the Nakasendo Trail
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