BRIGHT AUTUMN IN NAKASENDO OLD ROAD - GUIDED WALK TO ENJOY THE BEST WITHOUT CROWDS
Walk the Paths of History
Step back in time as you follow the ancient Nakasendo from Magome to Tsumago. In autumn, the mountain forest comes alive with layers of gold, amber, and deep red momiji. Stone-paved paths wind through the trees, while beyond the forest, quiet fields and mountain villages unfold beneath the wide autumn sky. For centuries, travellers crossed these mountains on foot, passing through post towns, forests, villages, and steep mountain passes.
Today, the road remains — shaped by generations of people who travelled it, lived along it, and chose to preserve it. Our pace is intentionally unhurried, leaving time to notice the details that are easy to pass by: a Jizo watching over the road, a poem carved in stone, a centuries-old tree, or a small monument connected to local beliefs. Along the way, these details begin to reveal the lives, traditions, and stories woven into the old road.
From Magome to Tsumago
The day begins with your Rural Japan guide — a local English-speaking expert who knows this road as home — meeting you at your hotel in the Nakatsugawa area, or at JR Nakatsugawa Station. Together you travel by taxi to Magome, one of the best-preserved post towns along the Nakasendo.
After a short introduction to the road and the world of the post towns, the journey begins into the mountains. The trail leads through forest and countryside, past old stone paths, Jizo figures, poetry monuments, and quiet settlements. At the mountain pass, pause at a traditional teahouse, where local volunteers continue the simple custom of welcoming travellers with tea.
Crossing into Nagano, the trail continues through forest, farmland, original stone paving, and the famous switchbacks, carrying you onward toward Tsumago. The walk ends in Tsumago, another beautifully preserved post town with its own unhurried atmosphere. Browse the old streets at your own pace — local shops, small cafés, and stalls selling regional snacks have lined this road for centuries. There is no rush. Your guide will show you where to stop. After exploring Tsumago, your guide accompanies you to Nagiso Station or JR Nakatsugawa Station, where the journey comes to an end.
MEETING POINT: your hotel in the Ena or Nakatsugawa area, or JR Ena / Nakatsugawa Station. Details confirmed upon booking.
DURATION: 5.5-6 hours
DISTANCE: approx. 8 km
ACTIVITY LEVEL: moderate to active · Approx. 190 m ascent. Grip shoes required.
SEASON: late October – mid-November
Please note: we reccomend starting no later than 10:30 AM, as autumn days are short in the mountains. This is an outdoor tour that runs in all weather — please bring sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
— Private guided walk from Magome to Tsumago by a local English-speaking expert from Rural Japan
— Taxi: Nakatsugawa → Magome
— Taxi: Tsumago → JR Nagiso Sta.
NOT INCLUDED
— Travel and medical insurance
— Personal expenses
— Food and drinks
Experience Rate
Number of participants | Price per person (JPY) |
|---|---|
5 participants | 20,000 |
4 participants | 24,000 |
3 participants | 30,000 |
2 participants | 40,000 |
1 participant | 55,000 |
Groups of 6 or more: Please contact us for availability and a custom quotation.
Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of ¥5,000 per person is required at the time of booking.
Cancellation fees are calculated based on the number of days before the experience date (JST).
Days before experience | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
7+ days | Non-refundable deposit only |
3–6 days | 30% |
2 days | 40% |
1 day | 50％ |
Same day or no-show | 100% of total |
In the event of severe weather or force majeure, we will work with you to reschedule or arrange a full refund.
Reservation Process
Select your date and number of guests — Click the booking button to open our online calendar. Choose your preferred date, time, and number of guests, then select the corresponding price and complete payment securely via Square.
Receive a personal email from us — After payment, we will personally send you a confirmation email with your full itinerary, meeting instructions, what to bring, your guide's name, and emergency contact details. Your tour is confirmed at this point. Please allow up to 24 hours for this email to arrive.
If we need to cancel — In the rare event that we need to cancel your booking on our end, you will receive a full refund.
Questions or special requests? — For dietary requirements, optional add-ons, or anything else, please contact us before booking:
📧 info@ruraljapan.co.jp
💬 WhatsApp / Telegram: available on request
Contact
For late arrival or transport delays:
Please contact us directly.
General enquiries:
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