The trail between Magome and Tsumago is a well-maintained section of the former Nakasendo, the route that ran along the Kiso Valley and connected Tokyo with Kyoto during the Edo Period. The trail is relatively gentle and is well marked in English and Japanese. It is about 8 kilometers long and takes around 2-3 hours to walk at a leisurely pace. You will start your optional self guided tour with a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka to Nagoya and then an express train to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa it is a short bus ride to Magome (cost not included). Enjoy some free time in Magome before checking into your overnight accommodations. After breakfast the next morning, you drop off your overnight bags at the Tourist Information Center and they will deliver the bags by 1 pm to the Tourist Information Center in Tsumago (cost not included). Once your bags are dropped off you can begin your hike along the route of the old Nakasendo highway from Magome to Tsumago (8km or 5 miles). You can choose to take the bus to Tsumago or there is another bus available from the halfway point of the walk to Tsumago (buses are not included). Once you arrive in Tsumago you will have some free time before checking into your overnight accommodations. After breakfast, travel to the Tsumago bus stop and travel by bus (not included), local train, express train and Shinkansen to Tokyo. We will provide a detailed self guided itinerary. We will arrange your train tickets but the local busses can not be prepaid and there will be around $10 – $15 USD per person out of pocket.
Kyoto
Travel Time: 3 Hours
With JR Rail Pass: $350.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail Pass: $350.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $350.00
Inclusions
Train tickets from Kyoto to Nagoya, Nagoya to Nakatsugawa, Nagiso to Nagoya, Nagoya to Kyoto (If not using a rail pass, we will pre-purchase the tickets.)
Suggested train schedule
Detailed itinerary and directions
Overnight at the Iroribata Ryokan (Japanese style room), or similar, with breakfast and dinner included
Overnight at the Matsushiroya Ryokan (Japanese style room), or similar, with breakfast and dinner included
Not Included
JR Rail Pass
Baggage Transfer Fees
Bus Tickets