Highlight

• Edo Post Town Culture – Relive the Edo Traveler’s Experience with Walks Through Magome and Tsumago Post Towns, Historical Processions, and Kiso Dance
• Life Among Mountains and Kiso People – Experience Kiso Valley Living Through Encounters and Exchange with Woodworkers and Guardians of Kiso’s Five Treasures
• Faith and Local Sake – Encounter the Spirit of Mountain Worship on the Ontake Ancient Path, Savor Kiso’s Bounty at Yugawa Sake Brewery, a Yabuhara-juku Institution

Story

Step into history along the Nakasendo, once traveled by Edo-period wayfarers, and the Ontake Pilgrimage Trail leading to a sacred mountain. As you walk the stone-paved paths lined with towering cedar trees, timeless landscapes of Japan unfold before you.
This two-day journey is more than a walk—it is a living encounter with the spirit of Kiso. Beyond tracing historic routes, you will experience the culture of old post towns through traditional rituals and meet the people who carry on Kiso’s way of life.
Hear the plaintive songs of the Kiso-bushi preserved by local performers, meet those who protect the “Five Sacred Trees of Kiso” such as hinoki and sawara, and learn from artisans keeping centuries-old crafts alive. Through their voices and demonstrations, you will feel the enduring spirit of the valley and the warmth of its community.
Embrace the stories woven by mountains and people as you walk these historic roads.
Two unforgettable days in Kiso await—an autumn journey where the joy of walking meets the rich charm of local culture.

Itinerary

Day 1

Nakasendo Kiso-ji Where Tradition Lives On ― Connecting with People Living with the Mountains《 Walking distance: Approximately 9 km 》

Nakatsugawa Station → Magome-juku → Tsumago-juku
Meet at Nakatsugawa Station in the morning, and your journey begins with a guide. Spend the morning walking from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku. As you stroll along the stone-paved slopes and streets lined with lattice doors, images of travelers from the Edo period naturally come to mind. (Some sections involve vehicle transfer.)

Along the trail, we’ll taste “Mulberry Leaf Sweets” from Okuwa, developed collaboratively by local junior high students and a local patissier.

Arriving at Tsumago-juku, we’ll find the annual “Bunka-Bunsei Folk Customs Procession” in full swing, with people dressed in Edo-period attire parading through the town. It’s an extraordinary moment, like stepping into a historical world.

Woodturners Village & Forest Culture
In the afternoon, visit the village of woodturners and tour a traditional lathe workshop. We also meet people dedicated to preserving Kiso cypress and Japanese white pine, engaged in forest conservation and aromatherapy. It’s a chance to experience the spirit of Kiso, living in harmony with the forest.

Evening in Fukushima-juku
That night, we stay at an inn in Fukushima-juku.After checking in, we are welcomed by members of the Kiso Dance Preservation Society.We enjoy the melancholic songs and dances, sip local sake from our own “my guinomi” cups, and share the peaceful inn town night with fellow travelers.

The Ancient Trail to Ontake Kodo—Experience Mountain Worship and the Blessings of Kiso《 Walking distance: Approximately 9 km 》

Fukushima-juku → Mt. Ontake
Leaving the inn behind, we walk along the ancient trail leading to the sacred mountain, Mt. Ontake.This scenic, three-hour trail hike includes a relaxing lunch break. Bathed in dappled sunlight and crisp air, we trace the path once walked by pilgrims with our own feet. It’s a moment to feel the unique spirituality of Kiso, where nature and prayer intertwine.

Yukawa Sake Brewery & Narai-juku
After the trail, we visit the long-established Yukawa Sake Brewery in Yabuhara-juku. We listen to the story behind their sake brewing using local water and rice, and savor the blessings of Kiso through tastings. It’s a pleasant time for interaction, easing the tension of travel.

If time permits, stop by Narai-juku, the largest post town along the Kiso Road.Stroll through the long townscape once called “Narai Senken” (Narai’s Thousand Houses) and breathe in the atmosphere of the Nakasendo one last time.

Journey’s End
The journey ends at Shiojiri Station.Here, the two-day Kiso journey—enriched by the highway, paths of faith, culture, and encounters with people—draws to a close.

Included in the Fee

• Meals: Lunch 2 times, Dinner 1 time, Breakfast 1 time
• One night’s accommodation fee / Kaido Roman Onshuku Tsutaya (Kiso Fukushima)
• Guide and interpreter fees for 2 days
• Costs for interactions, special experiences, and meals included in the 2-days tour
• Transportation costs for local travel from arrival at JR Nakatsugawa Station until the end of the tour on the second day

Not included in the Fee

• Travel insurance
• Drinks during meals (excluding drinks during the first day’s dinner and the second day’s Yukawa Shuzo tasting)
• Personal expenses

Application Deadline

OCTOBER 31, 2025

Meal Arrangement

If you have any allergies, or vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary requirements, please inquire in advance.

Tattoo Policy at Bathing Facilities

Permitted (in each room / unit bath)

Note

• Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement and getting dirty.
• Prices vary depending on the number of participants. Please inquire for details.
• Please note that this tour will proceed even if the minimum number of participants (4 people) is not met. Participation at the special price is available to those who meet the following two conditions:
  1: Consent to the use of photos taken during the tour for future promotional purposes
  2: Agreement to respond to a simple questionnaire