Nakasendo Trail
Description
- Name Nakasendo Trail
- Length of trail 530 km, 329 miles
- Length in days 27 days
- Start of trail Kyoto
- End of trail Edo
- Traildino grading EW, Easy walk, nature trail
530 km, 27 days, 67 stages
The Nakasendo Trail links Kyoto and Edo via the mountains. From the 8th century onwards, this connection played an important role in knitting together the empire. Along the road, 69 “post-towns” were spaced out, many of them still preserving their ancient origins.
It is promoted today as a historical route with some wonderful mountain scenery.
Be aware that the ancient way is gone. There is little of the original paving left along the way. Still, the trail is beautiful. Special feature are the old, restored villages along the route, like Naria, Kiso-Fukushima, Tsumago and Magome. Worthwile to explore, but terribly crowded in the weekends. The bit between Magome and Tsumago is one of the most popular, and is offered by many tour organisations.
Map
Links
Facts
- Nakasendo Way - Home
Historic backgrounds of the trail
- Hiking on the Nakasendo
This website by the Nagoya city council has several leaflets describing the trail.
- The inns and outs of my walk into Japan's past | Travel | The Observer
Trail report by Kate Graham, published in The Observer
- The New York Times > Travel > In Japan, Hiking an Ancient Trail to See Rural Life
Read a short introduction to the trail
Reports
- The walking fool: The Nakasendo diary
This is a 22 day diary of the entire Nakasendo Trail in 2007.
- Walking the Nakasendo
This blog makes some good reading. The author did the trail from start to tail.
- Nakasendo Solo
Dr. Bad's Blog, hiking the Nakasendo Trail in spring 2009.
- Nakasendo Trail (Japanese)
Some facts and a map.
- Nakasendo Trail (Japanese)
An account in Japanese. The problem is the menu is in pixels, rather than characters, so it's not translated. You will have to fall back on some stochastic approach.
- Eric Hallum on World Reviewer (2009)
Short impression of the trail by Eric Hallum.
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Walking holidays
United Kingdom
- Nakasendo Trail Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Walk the Nakasendo Way through rural Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo. Walk The Nakasendo Trail, a route used since feudal times and part of a network of ancient highways which links Kyoto and Tokyo through the central mountains. This tour includes only the walking section of our longer Nakasendo Trail from Kyoto to Tokyo and starts on day 1 when... Read more
United Kingdom
- Nakasendo Trail - Kyoto to Tokyo Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Walk the Nakasendo Way through rural Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo. Walk the Nakasendo Way through rural Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo. A route used since feudal times the Nakasendo Trail, one of a network of ancient highways, linked Kyoto and Tokyo through the central mountains. Travellers would rest each night at juku - post towns - and today it is... Read more
United Kingdom
- Nakasendo Trail, Tokyo, Kyoto, Mount Koya & Nara
- Combine four days of walking along the Nakasendo Trail with time to explore Japans' highlights; vibrant Tokyo, ancient Nara, Mount Koya & Nara. Combine four days of walking along the Nakasendo Trail with time to explore Japans' highlights; vibrant Tokyo, ancient Nara, Mount Koya & Nara. You’ll discover the highlights of Japan over 11 days,... Read more
Forum
- Fran Miller 2017-01-14 11:32:10
Nakasendo trail Tsumago to Nojiri
- Does anyone know where I can get track notes or map of the above section? I don't think it is well marked and don't want to do it if I don't have detailed information about it. Thanks. Fran