Private Tour

Explore Kiso Valley : Magome - Tsumago Mountain Trail Walk

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

7 hours

Mobile ticket

Nakasendo Trail winds through the picturesque Kiso Valley, connecting the beautifully preserved villages of Magome and Tsumago places that feel frozen in time.

Experience authentic traditional landscapes, immerse yourself in stunning nature, and enjoy a hike that’s as rewarding for the body as it is for the soul.

・Hike along the scenic Nakasendo Trail, surrounded by Japan’s rural beauty and history

・Explore the charming post towns of Magome and Tsumago, rich in old-world atmosphere

・Savor a traditional Japanese-style lunch featuring regional delicacies, and connect with locals preserving the spirit of old Japa

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

English Guide

Bus Ticket

Entrance Fee

Food & Drink

Taxi / Private Car or Bus

What To Expect

Nakasendo Magome-juku

Meet your guide at Nakatsugawa Station’s ticket gate at 9:00am before heading off to your first destination of Magome-Juku via bus. Magome-Juku is a post town on this ancient highway where many samurai passed through on their journey to and from the capital of Edo (present day Tokyo) between the 17th and mid-19th centuries. Located at an altitude of 600m, you can take in the vast cityscape of Nakatsugawa and Mt. Ena (one of Japan's 100 greatest mountains) in the southeast. Magome-Juku's highway runs along a steep slope along the ridge of the mountain, and is characterized by "hill houses" because the inns had to be built on steep slopes, and are therefore supported with stone walls at the base.

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Magome Observatory

This observatory located just up the slope of Magome-Juku has a great view from an altitude of 801m. Placed at the highest point of the Magome-Juku-Tsumago-juku hiking course, you can see not only Magome, but also a beautiful view of Mt. Ena. The sunset as seen from the observatory is ranked one of the top 100 sunsets in Japan.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Explore Kiso Valley : Magome - Tsumago Mountain Trail Walk

Reviews

4.97

32 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excelent tour
isadorar948,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very good tour, the guide was very attentive and knowledgeable about the history of the place. It was a very entertaining experience that I highly recommend.
More meaningful than if we had hiked alone!
BGMorita,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fantastic experience, many thanks to Harumoto-san who was our English speaking guide. His knowledge of the area, history of the Nakasendo trail and knowledge of features along the trail made the experience more meaningful than if we had merely hiked on our own!!! We had light rain in the morning but heavy rain in the afternoon so his knowledge of the trail, timing of the bus back to the JR rail line was so reassuring. We always felt safe and looked after. At the Nakatsugawa rail station (our meet-up place) he explained that the area was famous for local chestnut farming with various farms showcasing their fresh chestnut treats, each with its slightly distinct texture and flavor. He helped us pick out treats that would travel well. My nephew who is in the US military was fascinated by explanations of how the streets in the "post towns" were designed to hamper a possible invading force. And how the requirements for the various warlords to make the journey and pay tributes annually played into control by various rulers ~ hundreds of years ago. Thank you Harumoto-san and thank you Trip Advisor
Great tour guide!
209kenjig,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Harumoto San was awesome! Very knowledgeable guide who made the experience on the Kiso Valley come to life. His deep knowledge of the area and local history filled an otherwise rainy and cold day full of bright history that took us back in time! Enthusiastic, kind and accommodating his tour will be one of the highlight of my year spent in Japan!
Our guide Ryo was...
Erik O,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide Ryo was awesome! He was very knowledgeable about the area (he grew up in the area of the Nakasendo Trail). Great attitude and very enthusiastic. Highly recommended!
Escape432294,
Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing time with Ryo on the hike between Magome and Tsumago. It is an easy trail in a gorgeous area and the towns are very cute. It was a very hot summer day but most of the trail is shaded which was a nice surprise. I imagine it must also be especially amazing in the fall.
5 Star Experience!
S3268NBcw,
Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an absolutely wonderful time exploring the Kiso Valley with our guide, Ryo. He was a great guide, able to answer any questions we had and telling us many interesting things about everything we saw on the walk. I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone looking to explore the area! Thank you very much Ryo!
A very interesting tour...
Stephen W,
Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A very interesting tour with a friendly guide. We enjoyed the history and the Japanese countryside. Highly recommended.
A must do tour of country Japan with stunning waterfalls and amazing guide!
tbrehmer,
Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A beautiful tour not to miss. Moto was an amazing guide with so much knowledge and very welcoming! The scenery was breathtaking and the village not to be missed!
Deeply fulfilling experience for mind, body and spirit
Ruth G,
Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ryo is an exceptional person which makes him A great guide. He loves the land and places he shared with us . I particularly was grateful for his gentle encouragement and patience that helped me to succeed in this mountain hiking challenge. I am almost eighty years old. I did not know if I could walk the pass. Ryo encouraged me the whole time and helped me to Keep saying yes until We succeeded. He took Us to special rest stops and waterfalls. We also began walking through charming old guardian towns and ended in another charming town. We visited a world full of quiet elegant harmonious beauty. Also conversations with Ryo were so satisfying and happy. Ryo knows how to share and listen. He is delightful, light and charming. I recommend this trip with Ryo for his hiking knowledge, knowing the history of the area and for his gentle sweet presence. Ruth Gould- Goodman, Venice CA. USA.
Fantastic tour; highly recommended
Julie P,
Dec 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide Moto made this trip exceptionally interesting, fun, and memorable. We learned a lot from him about the trail's history and about regional culture. We enjoyed breathtaking mountain views and forested paths, and we savored the delicious meal and special treats Moto introduced along the way.