Trek: Nakatsugawa to Magome 8 km ( 3 hours)

Departing from Kyoto station at 9:30am we take two trains to Nakatsugawa, the beginning of our journey on the Nakasendo way. The total journey time is approximately 2 and a half hours and the trains include the fast Shinkansen and a local line.

Arriving at the regional city of Nakatsugawa there is a chance to purchase some fresh sushi or salad for our picnic lunch at Asahigaoka Park near the Asahigaoka Shrine.

This afternoon walk begins with many city footpaths and weaving in and out to avoid large road systems. Once the Nakasendo travelled along these road systems that now transport the modern day Japan. It is an interesting afternoon enjoying the local architecture of the city, and passing many shrines.

Approximately halfway through the afternoon we commence the Ochiai Stone Pavement. Dating back to the Edo period (1600's) it feels a true priviledge walk along this pathway.

There are many steep pitches in our travels this afternoon. They are not too long but we will need to take our time and enjoy the views as we go!

Later we arrive at Magome.

Magome (馬籠) is a former post town which served travelers taking the Nakasendo route from Kyoto to Tokyo during the feudal ages.

The town has been beautifully restored with a broad stone walkway lined with wooden buildings and carefully tended foliage. Magome's embellished preservation contrasts with the rugged authenticity of neighboring Tsumago (our destination tomorrow night).

Tonight we stay in a traditional hotel in Magome.

Meals: Dinner

Trek: Magome to Tusmago 9 km (4 hours)

After breakfast at our Ryokan we begin our travels to Tsumago. Today the track is a combination of modern and stone paved ancient pathways as well as forest trails. The start of the day is the hardest with a climb to the Magome Pass. This will take us about 1 hour with lots of stops to take photos back over the valley.

From the pass the trail falls gently down hill with a few little blips of undulation as we get closer to Tsumago.

Tsumago (妻籠) is known today as one of the best preserved post towns in Japan. The town and its residents go to great lengths to recreate the ambience of the Edo Period. Cars are prohibited on the main street in the day and phone lines and power cables are kept concealed, allowing visitors to imagine they have slipped back to an earlier time. It is a very special place and deserves our time to take it all in. After lunch at one of the small inns we will explore the village and visit the museum.

For those feeling more energetic we can walk up to the Tusmago Castle ruins for great views back over the small village.

Tonight we stay is a very small Ryokan in Tsumago.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Trek: Tsumago to Nojiri 18 kms (6 hours)

Today is possibly the most scenic day on the trail as well as the biggest trekking day of your journey on the Nakasendo. Our aim is to get on the trail early (by 8:00pm at the latest) as we have a train to catch! The trail climbs steadily up from Tsumago and then begins it's undulating path to the Kiso River. At the river we take a sharp 90 degree turn and from there we have long 20 - 30 minute steeps climb over a pass.

With all these ups we are rewarded with idyllic views of the Japanese countryside. Our trek today takes us on a journey through rolling hills, hinoki forests and picturesque Japanese villages. Sometimes we may feel the trail is leading us in to a local residents back garden - part of the quaint and organic feel of this beautiful part of the Nakasendo way.

Arriving in the town of Nojiri we make our way directly to the train station to catch the 2:52pm train to Kiso - Fukushima.

This town is located halfway on the Nakesendo Way between Kyoto and Tokyo, and was a very important "check point" in the Edo Period. Kiso - Fukushima is home to the largest stone garden in Japan and there are a number of Zen Buddhist temples to visit, the most famous being the Kozenji.

Tonight we stay in a slight more modern Ryokan on the Kiso River.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Trek Yabuhara to Narai 6 kms ( 2.5 hours)

First we take a train to Yabuhara to start our trek. This avoids the highway walking from Kiso-Fukishima.

From Yabuhara, the Nakasendo Way climbs up to the Torii Pass, named after the Shinto torii gate, which marks one of four protective sites surrounding Mount Ontake. At 1197m, the Torii Pass is a great vantage point for views of Mount Ontake on a clear day. Our descent takes you along narrow mountain paths until you emerge at the outskirts of UNESCO village, Narai, a lovely post town and the wealthiest of the post towns along the trail. Explore and relax in the cafes and shops of this well-preserved and atmospheric town.

Our afternoon is spent on the train making our way to Kariuzawa resort town. We travel via Nagano and there is a change of trains there. The reward is two nights at this lovely resort town to enjoy trekking and onsens.

Tonight we stay at a resort.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Leisure time!

This morning we take a leisurely breakfast and enjoy a peaceful day. There are options including time in the hot springs, shopping at a high end fashion area at massively discounted prices, or a short hike in a bird park.

Later in the day we will assist you with train travel arrangements back to Tokyo for your flight home. This involves a Shinkensen train journey and two train changes. It is quite straight forward though and works well for the late flights back to Australia.

Meals: Breakfast

Price includes

5 day fully guided trek and experiences with GirlsTrek

Traditional Japanese Ryokan hotels and Luxury resort

All accommodation (twin share)

Transport by private bus or local public transport as per itinerary

Meals as per itinerary

Information get together to detail the trip and answer any of your questions

Trip specific packing list with expert advice and great discounts

At home programme to train you for your trek

Contribution to Sevenwomen.org - supporting women in business and girls in education in Nepal.

*Traditional Japanese Ryokans generally have shared bathhouses. On this trip when we stay in the small Edo villages it is your only option for bathing.

Price excludes

Travel to/from destination

Travel insurance, which is compulsory

Beverages, optional and personal expenses

*Single supplement available on request at an additional cost

Compulsory Gear

Passport

Day Pack approx 34 - 36L (Osprey brand recommended);

Water Bladder 2L capacity (Osprey brand recommended);

Water Bottle 500 ml min

Raincover for Day Pack;

Waterproof rain jacket with hood;

Trekking shoes;

Hat/sunglasses;

Sunscreen/lip balm/insect repellent;

Personal First Aid Kit (band aids, compression bandage, pain relief tablets etc, personal medication).

Recommended Gear

Walking poles;

Trekking Gear (in your backpack for 5 days on the trip from Osaka to Kyoto)

You will wear one of the below recommended Walking pants & shirt from Osaka.

2 x Walking pants or shorts;

2 x Walking shirt (merino wool 150 GSM recommended)

1 x Warm Layer (150 - 250 GSM)

1 x puffer vest or jacket

3 x Trekking socks (woolen recommended)

Swimmers; (for the river in front of Ryokan)

underwear

We highly reccommend you practice wash out walking shirts and underwear at night. The lighter you pack the better you will feel!

Note: The Ryokan provides the following (all new in packaging)

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Comb/ hairbrush

Moisturiser

Shampoo and Conditioner

Hair tonic!

Yukata (everyday Kimino) - replaced daily - you eat and sleep in these

Night time shoes

Note: One of the BEST parts of travelling in Japan is once you have had your bath you change in to the supplied Yukata. We all look like school girls in the same uniform. You do not required Pyjamas on this trip if you sleep in these. They are like a cotton dressing gown and are great to sleep in.

Clothing for Trip

1 x Walking pants or shorts for our time around Kyoto

2 x Walking shirts or short sleeves;

Light jacket;

1 x Outfits for special dinner out in Kyoto;

Additional Underwear

Casual clothes for return journey on flight