Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail- 1 Day Tour from Nagoya
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku on this small group tour with round-trip transportation from Nagoya or Nakatsugawa.
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.
**A non-hiking option of this tour is available for individuals who are not able to hike or prefer a more leisurely pace. Please contact us for more information about joining this tour as a non-hiker.
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
Non-Hiking Tour Option: After the tour of Tsumago-juku, your guide will continue on the trail with those who have selected to hike the trail. Non-hikers will be given an hour of free time in Tsumago to enjoy the shops, take pictures, and explore at their own pace. You will then meet back up with your driver to continue on to Magome-juku. At Magome, you will have time to enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, sample regional specialties, or shop for handcrafted souvenirs at your own pace before meeting up with your guide and the hikers at 16:30 for your return trip to Nagoya.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Round-trip Transportation from Nagoya/Nakatsugawa
English speaking guide
Lunch
Accommodation
Transportation from your accommodation
What To Expect
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.
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.
Options
Start from Nakatsugawa
Pick-up at Nakatsugawa Station
Starting point:
Nakatsugawa Station, 2 Chome-1 Otamachi, Nakatsugawa, Gifu 508-0033, Japan
Start from Nagoya
Pick-up at Nagoya Station
Starting point:
Nagoya Station, 1-chōme-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002, Japan
Reviews
81 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A chill hike down the Nakasendo Trail
BruceMc16,
Nov 4, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Camille and Iwasaki-san were both really good. Camille was very friendly and knowledgeable. The walk was really fun (not too challenging, not too easy) and we saw some beautiful scenery. The tour started with a pick up from the station at half 9. We then did an hour and a half drive to the start of the walk, then walked for about 3-4 hours, before finishing with an hour in the post town at the end. Would recommend, very good value for money. Thanks Camille :)
Paula was a great guide -...
Cece P,
Oct 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00Paula was a great guide - she was very friendly, passionate, and knowledgeable about the history of the area with lots of fun facts! We had a great time on the hike and exploring Tsumago and Magome. Asano-San was a great driver and the bus ride was very comfortable! We would definitely recommend this tour!
Amazing
248bradw,
Oct 30, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00A memorable experience in a lovely setting. The environment and setting for the hike was much better than expected. We learned many cool things and had a great day with Paula. Thank you
This experience was a...
Mike S,
Oct 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00This experience was a highlight of our two weeks in Japan. The history was extremely interesting and the scenery was breathtaking. On top of that, our guide Polly was incredible and made the experience that much more special.
A brief taste of the Nakasendo pilgrims trail
P58MZpeterc,
Oct 23, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00A good experience of hiking part of the Nakasendo Trail, seeing and learning about local history & traditions, seeing great landscapes and tasting local foods. The excellent guiding.
Beautiful hike through the woods
808linneah,
Oct 22, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Very beautiful hike! Fun walking through the historical towns. Pretty waterfalls and good company. Pola, our guide, was very nice and knowledgeable.
Great day trip from Nagoya
jen neener,
Oct 22, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Great day trip hiking the Nakasendo trail. Our guide Pola was excellent! Very knowledgeable, friendly and kept a good pace while walking. Comfortable mini bus and great driver. Would highly recommend.
Perfect day trip from Nagoya
374iz,
Oct 20, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very interesting tour. Our guide Kim was very nice and told us a lot about the cultural and historical background of the area. The trail was very beautiful. Tsumago and Magome are very picturesque. The driver drove very safely and made us feel very comfortable.
Wonderful day in the Japanese mountains
177rogern,
Oct 19, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Pola, was full of energy and enthusiasm. She was very keen on reading the individual needs and tried hard to make sure everyone felt included. She made sure that the stragglers in the group had an opportunity to hear everything thing by repeating things for them. The tour was well thought out by ending up in Magome with ample time to shop afterwards. It was nice hike through Japanese mountains and walking the historic trail took us back in time. Just be aware that it is has long stretches of uphill and downhill. The only thing that I would say could have been better was a bus with more leg room for the long drive. I’m tall and had to sit sideways the whole trip.
Fun and healthy :)
jaxc2014,
Oct 17, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely trip, lovely guide, very helpful, friendly and full of great info on the area and various other subjects. My mom and I really enjoyed the trip with Pola!
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