Self-Guided Nakasendo Trail Walking Tour

Arrival

The tour begins in either Kyōto or Tōkyō, depending on your chosen starting point. Included train tickets cover the journey from your starting city to Nakatsugawa, including travel on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya and connecting local train services. From Nakatsugawa Station, take a local bus to Magome, where the Nakasendō Trail walk begins. Airport transfers are not included and should be arranged separately from Kansai International Airport (KIX) if arriving in Kyōto, or from Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) if arriving in Tōkyō.

Departure

The tour concludes in Tōkyō. After completing the final walk from Karuizawa to Yokokawa, take a local train to Takasaki, where you will transfer to the Shinkansen (bullet train) for the journey to Tōkyō. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours, with arrival in Tōkyō expected in the late afternoon or early evening. If preferred, the final walk can be shortened by 5.9 km (3.7 mi) by taking a taxi at the start of the day, although this taxi is not included. Airport transfers are not included and should be arranged separately for onward travel to Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).

The Nakasendō Trail is best experienced during spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November), when the Kiso Valley forests, historic post towns, and mountain passes offer the most pleasant weather and beautiful seasonal scenery. During these months, temperatures typically range from 10-22°C (50-72°F), creating comfortable conditions for exploring the trail and surrounding towns.

March and June are also good times to visit, with temperatures of 5-25°C (41-77°F) and generally favorable weather.

July and September provide mixed conditions, as temperatures range from 15-30°C (59-86°F) and humidity can be higher, especially in midsummer.

August and the winter months from December to February are considered the off-season, with August often reaching 20-32°C (68-90°F) and feeling hot and humid, while winter temperatures can drop to -5-10°C (23-50°F), making mountain trail sections less comfortable and some services more limited.

Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.

Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear

• Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
• Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
• Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
• Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
• Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
• Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Hiking poles if you prefer extra support on uneven terrain.
• Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
• Headlamp or small flashlight.
• Light gloves and a beanie for early mornings or higher altitudes.

Clothing

• Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
• Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
• Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
• Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
• Extra socks, preferably synthetic or wool.

Other Necessities

• Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
• Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
• Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
• Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.

Pro Tips

• Pack light. You'll appreciate it on the trail.
• Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
• Keep rain gear easy to access in your daypack.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

• UK Residents: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Travel Advice.
• US Residents: US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Australian Residents: Smartraveller.
• Canadian Residents: Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories.
• New Zealand Residents: SafeTravel.
• Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Check for updates close to departure to avoid last-minute issues.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance, including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Active Travel sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.