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.
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.
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 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.
What‘s Included
Round-trip Transportation from Nagoya in our private vehicles
Your choice of English/Spanish/French speaking guide
Lunch
Accommodation
Transportation from your accommodation
Options
Non-Hiking Tour (Spanish)
Non-Hiking tour in Spanish: Perfect for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace, this tour lets you immerse yourself in the post towns.
Hiking tour (English)
Join this tour as a hiker: Enjoy a guided ~8km hike from Tsumago to Magome with an English-speaking guide
Non-Hiking Tour (French)
Non-Hiking tour in French : Perfect for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace, this tour lets you immerse yourself in the post towns.
Hiking Tour (French)
Join this tour as a Hiker: Enjoy a guided ~8km hike from Tsumago to Magome with a French-speaking guide
Non-hiking Tour (English)
Join this tour as a non-hiker: Perfect for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace, this tour lets you immerse yourself in the post towns.
Hiking Tour (Spanish)
Join this tour as a Hiker: Enjoy a guided ~8km hike from Tsumago to Magome with a Spanish-speaking guide
Reviews
121 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day - Vincent was awesome !
490justink,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day with Vincent from start to finish. Very friendly and l informative throughout the day. Highly recommend taking this tour.
Amazing day in the nature
ynka88,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing day, both the guide and the driver war awesome and very knowledgeable. They answered a lot of questions along the way. My 9 year old son and I learned a lot and it was super fun. We had some delicious snacks along the way, there are enough stops for restrooms and the picnic place near the tea house is super nice. It wasn’t rushed at all, we had plenty of time for photos and breaks and the guide fulfilled every wish. I recommend this hike from all my heart. It's the perfect way to switch between Tokyo and Kyoto and relax a bit.
Great tour for walkers and want to hear the history of this track.
jopO3824IB,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day out with our leader today Mir. Very knowledgeable and very helpful with questions we ask him. So happy we decided to take this tour.
Peaceful and Serene Experience
ryanr913,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Serene and peaceful Hike with great company. Thanks Pola!!
Amazing historic Nakasando trail
H745MAren r,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today, I’ve had the great pleasure to be on this trip. The meeting point aka The Silver Clock Tower was pretty easy to find in Nagoya station, but it helps to be early as Japanese stations can be very crowded at some times. As a matter of fact I was the only guest for the trip today, as the guide Aemir told me right ahead. Then we met our driver Iwasaki-san and then we were already on the road. Conversation was fluently in English (and some basic Japanese from my sight). As we were driving Aemir started to give a good overview about the history of the trail and the background. Hiking on the trail itself was interesting as Aemir continued to present information about the trail and historic content. We’ve had luck with the weather, no rain and not too hot. The trail itself is not a too easy one, you should have some basic experience with hiking in hills. And remember to wear good shoes :) As we were just the two of us, we could arrange our pace like we wanted, and somehow managed to be faster than expected, though we didn’t break a record ;) What else can I say? Ah yes, you will hike nearly 8 kilometres in the hills, remember to bring something to drink and some snacks before starting the tour, we’ve stopped at the motorway at a station so that you can buy something. There are no shops at the trail! I can 100% recommend this tour, you have a nice hiking trail with amazing views and a very nice guide, which provides you with information. I would really like to thank Aemir and Iwasaki-san for this day :) ありがとございます
Too bad.
CoolfoxA,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Homepage of the inn ⇒ Book through yahoo travel. There are four plans you can book. ・No meal · Breakfast included · Morning and evening (basic plan only) · Morning and evening (basic plan + one crab) So I made it a plan with one crab. · Set the pot and rice on fire the moment you are seated ・ While peeling the crab, the food is almost ready · By the time the crab is finished peeling, the food is cold ・Some items did not come from the photos on the website. Chan Chan. Rooms are normal for a hot spring hotel The bath is quite spacious. No heating, water addition or circulation at source is indicated in several places.
Best tour I had in Japan
Graham H,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour! Native-English guide who knows her stuff. A nice combination of the historical and the contemporary. No question was left unanswered. Nice small group.
Nakasendo with hiking and/or riding options
194aiweif,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emily was our guide. I can’t remember the driver’s name. Both were friendly, polite and efficient. I liked the option of hiking or riding the van. I hiked in the beginning of the trail and rode the van for the last portion.
Great day trip from Nagoya!
N9243STkevinh,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent hike with great views. Small group size and Emily the tour guide was knowledgeable and personable!
A fantastic hiking...
John N,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fantastic hiking experience along the beautiful Nakasendo trail between Magome and Tsumago. Vincent was highly professional and well organised and shared great local knowledge about the trail's history and culture along the way. Would highly recommend this tour.
From ¥32,000
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