Hike through the rustic Japanese countryside on the “back road” of the Nakasendo
The Nakasendo and the Kisoji, or Kiso Road were firmly established in the 16th century. The Kiso Road was the center point of the ancient road between Kyoto and Edo. Deep in history, mystery, and intrigue, even today this famous road lures people from all over the world.
The Yogawa Road connects the post towns of Midono-juku Post Town and Nojiri-juku Post Town. It used to be used as a “back road” of the Nakasendo. When the weather was bad the Kiso River would flood (and Kiso is known for its plentiful rain), and in this area the Nakasendo would become impassable. Sometimes landslips would even take the main path out of service for swathes at a time. In such times, an alternate route was used. Travelers would cross the Nenoue Pass using the Yogawa Road to continue their journey.
The Yogawa Road goes up and into the mountainside of the Kiso Valley. It passes through rustic little farming villages, giving some of the most idyllic views of the Japanese countryside. From there you’ll see forests of hinoki cypress, thick bamboo, gorgeous streams, and views of the Central Alps. In addition to the abundant nature, there are lots of remnants and signs of ancient times, such as the resting points of passing nobles and many more. The Yogawa Road has a very different, more remote feel than other hikes on the Nakasendo. Why not enjoy a relaxing hike with a local guide on the Yogawa Road.
Nature/Culture/Activity
・This trail receives much less traffic than the more famous routes of the Nakasendo. Enjoy walking on this hidden gem route!
・From the Yogawa Road you can enjoy the changing seasons. Expect sakura in the springtime and fiery autumn leaves.
・Learn about the rich nature of Nagiso and the lives of the people who live there.
・Follow in the footsteps of the travelers of yesteryear.
・For lunch, enjoy hoba-sushi, a traditional food of the Kiso Valley. It goes great with tea made in agiso, of which a 500ml pet-bottle is also included.
18,000 JPY~
Nagiso Town Tourism Association
09:00/16:20
09:00-09:10 Meet at Nagiso Station. Briefing from guide, warm-up exercises.
09:10-09:50 Nagiso Station → Midono-juku
09:50-12:10 Midono-juku → Nijuusan-ya-tou Stone Statue → Koten-an
12:10-12:50 Lunch (Koten-an)
12:50-14:50 Koten-an → Amida-dou → Nenoue Pass
14:50-16:20 Nenoue Pass → Nojiri-juku → Nojiri Station
16:20 Tour finishes at Nojiri Station
[Start] Nagiso Station (JR Chuo Main Line)
[Finish] Nojiri Station (JR Chuo Main Line)
[Start] Nagiso Station (JR Chuo Main Line)
(Onsite parking available.)
[Finish] Nojiri Station (JR Chuo Main Line)
Spring ~ Late-November
16 yrs and above
30 days prior
Minimum 3 Maximum 8
(Please contact us re. requests for 1 to 2 persons.)
Clothing/shoes appropriate trekking, rain gear (coat/pants), backpack, drinks (around 1-2 liters), energy bar, cold protection, hat, gloves, sunglasses (if necessary).
4
[Distance] Approx. 13.5km
[Elevation difference] 450m
This is a fairly gentle hike but for a few steep sections. You will need to have enough physical strength to hike for about 7 hours.
3
There are paved and unpaved sections on this hike. The trail is well maintained and easy to walk.
English guide fee, boxed lunch, tea (500ml petbottle).
Transportation to/from the meeting point, insurance (please purchase travel insurance in your own country), anything else not specified in “what is included” above.
(The bank transfer fees are responsibility of the participants)
N/A
[Cancellation at customer’s convenience]
-7 days to 2 days prior to the reserved date: 25%
-One day prior to the reserved date: 50%
-On the day of the reserved date & No-show: 100%
[Cancellation at the discretion of the organizer]
-In case of inclement weather, we will make a decision the previous day and notify you only if the program has been cancelled.
-If the tour is cancelled on the day of the tour prior to the start of the program, no cancellation fee will be charged.
-Depending on the weather conditions once the tour begins, the route may be changed or the tour may be cancelled. No refunds will be given in this case.