Backpacking the…
Samurai Trail
“Nakasendo Trail”
Why Hike the Nakasendo?
This trail isn’t just about nature—it's a living, breathing museum of feudal Japan. Walking the Nakasendo is more than a hike; it’s an immersive journey back to a time when travel was slow, deliberate, and deeply intertwined with the land and the people who inhabited it. Samurai once marched these very same trails, passing through sleepy post towns where life unfolded to the gentle rhythm of footsteps echoing on stone paths and the soft whistle of tea kettles warming by the hearth.
Day 1
Route: Magome → Tsumago → TAOYA Kisoji (lodging for the night)
Hike: ~5 miles | ~2–3 hours depending on rest breaks
9:00 AM – Arrive in Magome: Start your morning in this beautifully preserved post town, once a key stop for Edo-period travelers. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
9:15–10:15 AM – Breakfast & Explore: Wander the cobbled slope lined with wooden inns and teahouses.
Try gohei-mochi (grilled rice on a stick with miso-walnut glaze)
Grab a light meal or coffee at a local café like Magome Chaya
Optional visit to the Toson Memorial Museum
10:30 AM – Begin Hike to Tsumago: Follow the well-marked trail through forests, farmland, and small villages.
Highlights include:
Ochiai-juku, a tiny preserved settlement
Forest rest huts and streams
Occasional bear bells (ring them as you pass!)
1:00–1:30 PM – Arrive in Tsumago: Explore this quiet, car-free town full of Edo-period charm.
2:00 PM – Transfer to TAOYA Kisoji Hotel (Agematsu): Take a short taxi ride or hotel shuttle, check in & relax at TAOYA Kisoji.
Enjoy the onsen bath, rest your feet, and take in the surrounding mountain views. Dinner and breakfast are included—perfect after a rewarding day on the trail.
Day 2
Route: Tsumago → Nagiso → Nojiri → Kiso-Fukushima
Hike: ~1–2 hrs
8:00–9:00 AM – Quiet Morning in Tsumago: Wake up early and enjoy a peaceful walk through the empty streets of this Edo-era town before tourists arrive.
9:30 AM – Hike to Nagiso: Take the gentle downhill trail from Tsumago to Nagiso Station, passing through peaceful forest paths, farmland, and small hamlets.
10:45 AM – Train from Nagiso to Nojiri: Hop on the JR Chuo Line bound for Nojiri, passing through the quiet towns of Midono and Agematsu. Enjoy the mountain views from your seat—this stretch of the valley is especially lush and beautiful.
11:15 AM – Quick Walk Around Nojiri: Stretch your legs or grab a snack from a local shop before catching the next train. Nojiri is very quiet but offers a glimpse of local life.
12:00 PM – Train to Kiso-Fukushima: Continue on the JR Chuo Line to Kiso-Fukushima, one of the larger post towns on the trail and your base for the night.
12:30 PM – Arrive in Kiso-Fukushima & Drop Bags at Hotel: Check into your accommodation or drop off luggage.
1:00–2:00 PM – Visit Yamamura Daikan Yashiki Museum: Explore the Yamamura Daikan Yashiki, a beautifully preserved Edo-era magistrate’s house. Learn about how Kiso-Fukushima served as a key administrative checkpoint on the Nakasendo and enjoy the historical displays and garden.
Late Afternoon – Leisurely Explore Town or Rest: Take a short stroll by the river, relax at your inn, or enjoy a soak in an onsen if your hotel offers it. This is a great moment to unwind and reflect on the journey so far.
6:00 PM – Walk to Dinner in Kiso-Fukushima: Dine at a cozy local restaurant.
Day 3
Route: Kiso-Fukushima → Narai → Matsumoto → Shiojiri → Tokyo
Highlights: Historic Narai-juku, Matsumoto Castle, scenic train travel
Estimated Travel Time: ~4–5 hrs (total transit time)
8:00 AM – Depart Kiso-Fukushima: Board the JR Chūō Main Line (local) train to Narai Station (~25–30 min). This stretch of railway follows the Kiso River and offers scenic views of forests and valleys.
8:30 AM – Arrive in Narai-juku & Explore (~2.5–3 hrs): Walk down the beautifully preserved Narai-juku, once the wealthiest post town on the Nakasendo. Key stops: Kiso Ohashi Bridge – a massive all-wood bridge with a unique arched structure; Kiso Shikki lacquerware shops – browse or purchase handcrafted trays, cups, and bento boxes.
11:30–12:00 PM – Depart Narai for Matsumoto: Take the JR Chūō Line from Narai to Matsumoto Station (~50 minutes).
12:45–2:30 PM – Explore Matsumoto Castle: Walk from the station to Matsumoto Castle (15 mins), one of Japan’s most stunning original castles. Climb its steep, wooden stairs for panoramic views of the city and Northern Alps. Then go for a stroll on Nakamachi Street for snacks or souvenirs.
2:45 PM – Train to Shiojiri Station (~15 min): Take a local train from Matsumoto to Shiojiri, a small transfer hub on the way back to Tokyo.
3:30–4:00 PM – Shiojiri to Shinjuku, Tokyo: Board the Limited Express Azusa or Super Azusa to Shinjuku Station (~2.5–3 hrs). Enjoy a final scenic ride through the mountains and gradually return to city life.
Evening – Arrive in Tokyo (Shinjuku Station)!