Experience the off-the-beaten path of the Nakasendo Trail, Ontake Kodo Trail.
Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through the heart of the historic Kiso Valley. This beautifully curated self-guided and guided walking tour invites you to exquisitely preserved post towns; Narai-juku (post-town), Yabuhara-juku (post-town), Tsumago-juku (post-town), Magome-juku (post-town), and Nakatsugawa-juku (post-town). Step into the still hidden part of Nakasendo Trail, led by an expert local guide on select days, hiking over the historic Torii Pass and exploring the deeply spiritual pilgrimage trails of the sacred Mt. Ontake, framed by mystical forests and the 50-meter tall cascading waterfalls used fr purification rituals.

Beyond the breathtaking scenery, you will immerse yourself in rich regional traditions. Savor exclusive cultural encounters, including a private lunch and sake tasting at a legendary 17th-century brewery, and a hands-on workshop to master the delicate art of making traditional Soba noodles. Each active day concludes perfectly as you retreat to authentic local accommodations to relax in soothing hot spring waters and enjoy exquisite regional cuisine. This tour is not just a holiday; it is an inspiring passage through the cultural treasures and living history of Central Japan.

Day 01

Step Back in Time at Narai-juku

Your journey into the heart of historic Japan begins as you board the local train from Matsumoto and watch the modern landscape melt away into the dramatic peaks of Nagano. Your destination is Narai-juku, a beautifully preserved Edo-period post town that once bustled with samurai, merchants, and pilgrims traveling the historic Nakasendo Road. Walking through this atmospheric village feels like stepping directly into a classic woodblock print, with its magnificent row of traditional wooden houses stretching along the valley.

The afternoon is entirely yours to explore at your own leisure. You can wander the nostalgic streets of Narai-juku, or perhaps venture to a nearby artisan village celebrated since the Edo period as the premier producer of exquisite lacquerware. Here, hidden workshops sit tucked behind historic facades, keeping centuries-old craftsmanship alive.
To conclude your first day, a exquisite dinner awaits at your authentic ryokan, offering a perfect introduction to regional flavors.

Day 02

Over the Pass to Heritage and Sake

Awaken to a fresh mountain morning and prepare for an 7-kilometer energizing walk along one of the best-preserved sections of the Nakasendo Trail. Led by your expert local guide, you will journey from Narai over the historic Torii Pass, walking the very paths used by samurai centuries ago. As you trek through the serene forest, you will discover an ancient shrine and catch breathtaking, sweeping views of Yabuhara and the sacred Mt. Ontake rising in the distance.
Your morning reward is an exclusive visit to a historic sake brewery founded in 1650. As the producer of an International Wine Challenge Champion Sake, this legendary establishment opens its newly renovated space for an colorful lunch made by the local mothers, followed by a sake tasting experience.
Afterward, enjoy a peaceful stroll through a nearby historic post town, Yabuhara-juku.
For an even deeper connection to the region's spiritual heritage, you can choose to participate in a hands-on polishing workshop to craft your own traditional wooden comb, made from rare minebari wood. Each tree takes about 100 years to mature before it can be crafted into a comb. The result is a smooth, durable comb that reflects centuries of Japanese craftsmanship.
Following that, a brief ride on a local train will take you to another cozy accommodation in Kiso-Fukushima, where you can unwind in soothing hot springs and relax for the evening.

Day 03

Sacred Trails and Highland Traditions

Today opens the door to the deep spiritual traditions of Japan's mountain worship. Travel by private vehicle to the off-the-beaten pilgrimage path. Mt. Ontake is one of Japan’s most sacred mountains and has been a center of mountain worship since the 8th century. Pilgrims calledYamabushi followed strict spiritual practices such as purification rituals and waterfall meditation before being allowed to climb the sacred Mt. Ontake.

Alongside your local guide, you will walk a section of these historic pilgrimage route, framed by 50-meter tall cascading waterfalls and a mystical atmosphere where worshippers have sought purification for over a thousand years (total of 2.5hrs walk). Your guide will customize the route perfectly to suit your personal pace and fitness level.

Following your hike, emerge onto the beautiful, rolling plains of the Kaida Highland. Here, an exclusive culinary experience awaits: a private workshop with a master artisan where you will learn the delicate art of making traditional buckwheat Soba noodles. Savor your delicious handmade Soba noodle for lunch paired with fresh, seasonal vegetable tempura. Depending on the season, you may see a lively local market outside the venue that offers handmade crafts from the region.

As twilight falls, you may choose to enrich your evening by welcoming members of a local preservation society for a private traditional valley dances, and hauntingly beautiful folk melodies.

Day 04

Journey Through the Picturesque Post Towns

Prepare for a day filled with postcard-perfect vistas as you journey to Tsumago-juku, one of the absolute jewels of the Nakasendo Road. Step inside the beautifully restored Honjin, an exclusive official inn that once provided grand hospitality to feudal lords and high-ranking samurai during the 17th century. From Tsumago, embark on an iconic 8-kilometer hike along the historic trail toward Magome-juku. This peaceful mountain path treats you to charming rural scenery, rushing streams, and beautifully preserved wooden architecture that perfectly captures the nostalgia of old Japan. Upon arriving in the hilltop town of Magome-juku, reward yourself with a delicious lunch and a leisurely stroll down its stone-paved streets, which are lined with inviting cafés and local craft shops.
Your final evening brings you to Nakatsugawa-juku, where you can explore the town and select a dining spot of your choice to sample the local evening cuisine.

Day 05

The Journey Concludes

Savor a final, hearty breakfast at your hotel before wrapping up your unforgettable walking adventure. The morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can take a gentle stroll to soak up the last remaining echoes of your Nakasendo journey, pick up any final handmade souvenirs, or head directly to the station.
From the station, you will connect to your next train or your onward destination, carrying with you the timeless spirit, cultural treasures, and inspiring landscapes of the historic Kiso Valley.

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