![20934_ext_01_en_0](https://www.go-nagano.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/20934_ext_01_en_0.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=20934_ext_01_en_0.jpg)
Until the late 1800s thousands of Samurai walked the Nakasendo between Kyoto and old Edo, passing through Nagano’s Kiso Valley where the best-preserved post towns are located. Experience the history by walking the road, staying in traditional inns, eating the local food, and soaking in hot springs as the samurai did.
A Three-Day Trip Walking the Nakasendo
Trip Highlights
- Visit the three best-preserved post towns of the Nakasendo
- Walk the most popular section of this ancient trail
- Walk a less-discovered section over Torii Pass with views of sacred Mt. Ontake
- Enjoy a hot spring ryokan stay, historical district walk and sake tasting in Kiso Fukushima
- Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s five national treasure castles
Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Kiso Fukushima
Travel to Kiso Fukushima and walk up to the Uenodan historical district. After sake-tasting, enjoy a relaxing stay at a traditional inn.
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/uenodan-small.jpg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/photo-ac3917598_m-small.jpeg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/kiso-fukushima-side-streets-small.jpg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ryokan-room-small.jpg)
Day 2: Magome to Tsumago
Walk the most popular section of the entire Nakasendo from Magome to Tsumago.
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/morning-in-magome-small.jpg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/magome-tsumago-trail-small-1.jpg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/tateba-chaya-rest-house-small.jpg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/52765593490_e3b2a749c4_k-small.jpg)
Day 3: Yabuhara to Narai
Yabuhara to Narai is a relatively undiscovered section of the Nakasendo, crossing scenic Torii Pass before arriving at Narai, the longest post town of the entire route.
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMGP5754-1.jpg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/yabuhara-narai-trail-small.jpg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/52731728696_476dea3e57_k%20(1)-small.jpg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/avenue-of-cedars-small.jpg)
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/matsumoto-castle-small.jpg)
Optional Day: Kaida Kogen
![](https://www.go-nagano.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/kaida-kogen-small.jpg)
If time allows consider visiting Kaida Kogen and Mt. Ontake, a pilgrimage destination for many travelers on the Nakasendo.