1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Walk the Nakasendo Trail
English
1 day
(42)
A full-day hiking tour from Nagano and Matsumoto led by a local English-speaking guide, covering an 8-kilometer section of the historic Nakasendo trail between the post towns of Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku.
Transportation from Matsumoto to the Nakasendo Trail and back
English-speaking guide
What's not included
Lunch
Accommodation
Meet directly at one of these locations to join the tour
The trail covers 8 kilometers with changes in elevation and sections of mud, slippery rock, and uneven ground. The walk takes approximately 3 hours at a comfortable pace. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility limitations or young children.
Lunch is not included. Dining options on the trail are very limited. Guests are strongly advised to bring a packed meal or purchase food before the tour departs. Time is allotted during breaks on the trail for eating.
Sturdy walking shoes or boots with a good grip are essential. The trail includes mud, slippery rock, and uneven surfaces. Layered, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Spring and autumn temperatures can be cool and changeable.
This tour is not suitable for young children due to the 8-kilometer distance and physical demands of the trail. Guests should assess the fitness level of all members of their group before booking.
If any part of the itinerary cannot proceed as scheduled, the tour operator will arrange a suitable alternative and inform guests as early as possible.
Kunihiko was amazing! As a solo traveller you can be apprehensive about how a day will turn out but I felt welcomed and comfortable from the first moment. The transport was very comfortable. Kunihiko had an amazing amount of knowledge of both the castle and Narai Juku and the tour allowed for some fee time as well as toilet stops as required. Lunch was traditional Matsumoto fare and Kunihiko was forebearing enough to use the traditional Japanese floor seating for our lunch so I could experience the full dining experience. Totally recommend this tour and this great guide.
Kim F
February 12, 2026
Day trip walking Nakasendo Way from Matsumoto
A fabulous day! It was great to get out of town and see some of rural Japan, as well as gorgeous old postal towns and a beautiful scenic walk on the Nakasendo Way. We were really lucky with the weather too. Matcha ice cream at the end of the walk was the icing on the cake!
Holly K
March 28, 2026
Kim F
February 12, 2026
Matsumoto Castle and Narai Juku Day Trip
Kunihiko was amazing! As a solo traveller you can be apprehensive about how a day will turn out but I felt welcomed and comfortable from the first moment. The transport was very comfortable. Kunihiko had an amazing amount of knowledge of both the castle and Narai Juku and the tour allowed for some fee time as well as toilet stops as required. Lunch was traditional Matsumoto fare and Kunihiko was forebearing enough to use the traditional Japanese floor seating for our lunch so I could experience the full dining experience. Totally recommend this tour and this great guide.
Holly K
March 28, 2026
Day trip walking Nakasendo Way from Matsumoto
A fabulous day! It was great to get out of town and see some of rural Japan, as well as gorgeous old postal towns and a beautiful scenic walk on the Nakasendo Way. We were really lucky with the weather too. Matcha ice cream at the end of the walk was the icing on the cake!
