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5D Nakasendo Minoji Self-Guided Walking Tour

5D Nakasendo Minoji Self-Guided Walking Tour

Starts at US$ 1,780

Shipping calculated at checkout.

City: Tokyo/Osaka

Tour Route: Hiking at Two Sections of Nakasendō: the Mino Road and the Kiso Road; visit the exquisitely preserved post towns of Ōi, Ōkute, Tsumago, Magome, and Narai

Travel the Nakasendō’s Mino section with its hidden gems, relics, and natural formations, before continuing on to the Kiso Valley, our ‘classic’ Nakasendō route. Hike this storied path from post-town to post-town, stay in traditional lodgings, and visit a Japanese castle.

Technical Level: Trails may be uneven at times. They may be waymarked, but a degree of map-reading and route-finding skills is recommended for a smooth experience.

Activity Level: Our Moderate-level tours generally include dedicated days of trail walking, with occasional hikes of over four hours and some ascent and/or descent.

Tour Departures & Rates

  • Mar 25 2026 - May 31 2026: US$ 1,980
  • Jun 1 2026 - Aug 31 2026: US$ 1,780
  • Sep 1 2026 - Nov 30 2026: US$ 1,980
  • Mar 25 2027 - May 31 2027: US$ 1,980
  • Jun 1 2027 - Aug 31 2027: US$ 1,780
  • Single Supplement: +US$ 510

Inclusions

  • 4 nights at accommodations along the Nakasendō Trail
  • 4 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Train tickets from Kyōto or Tōkyō to the trail and from the trail to Tōkyō or Kyōto
  • Train tickets for intermediate journeys on the Nakasendō Trail which can be pre-booked in advance
  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking guidebook
  • Detailed maps
  • Local support by telephone and at Nakasendō branch
  • Traveller's Guide handbook
  • Fureai opportunities that bring you closer to the local community

Complimentary Services

No complimentary services for this tour package.

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Walk the Oni-iwa Loop

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This morning, take a taxi to the start of your walk. Oni-iwa Park is known for its massive granite boulders that line the river. After enjoying this loop walk, you may wish to relax at a nearby café, before heading to your accommodation this evening.

Walking distance: 1.5 km / 0.9 mi
Elevation gain: 140 m / 460 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: About 2 hours
Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn)

Day 2: Hike the Biwa-tōge Pass to Ōi (Ena)

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You start today’s walk from Biwa-tōge Pass. The path here is largely covered with beautiful cobblestones and features many historical landmarks. After reaching the well-preserved post town of Ōkute, take some time to explore before heading on.

Next, you head onward to Jūsan-tōge Pass, which was said to be one of the most challenging sections of the Nakasendō. ‘Jūsan-tōge’ means ‘13 passes’, a name that hints at the many ups and downs found on this section. Along the pass, you will find many stone Buddhas and other monuments. There are also perfectly preserved ichiri-zuka, Edo-period distance markers.

You finish today in the post town of Ōi (now part of the modern-day city of Ena). Ōi was a strategically important post-town, and thus was built with several square masugata structures that served to slow the advance of any invading army. Of the 16 Mino post-towns, this was the most prosperous.

Walking distance: 9.6 km / 6 mi
Elevation gain: 200 m / 655 ft of ascent and 385 m / 1,265 ft of descent
Time required: About 4 hours
Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or minshuku (family-run guesthouse)

Day 3: Walk from Magome to Tsumago

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From Ena Station, travel by train and then by bus to the post-town of Magome, which sits on top of a steep slope. Take in the views – including that of Mount Ena – before beginning your walk to Tsumago.

Travel over Magome-tōge Pass, stopping at the volunteer-run tea house for a rest and a free cup of tea. Pass sights such as Odaki and Medaki, the male and female waterfalls, terraced rice fields, and bamboo forests, before arriving in Tsumago.

Be sure to drop in and say hello to our Oku Japan Tsumago branch staff, as well as at our fureai points!

Overnight in nearby Nagiso, in an accommodation that effortlessly combines traditional Japanese elements with modern comforts, allowing you to fully relax after your day of hiking.

Walking distance: 8.3km / 5.2 mi (About 3 hours)
Elevation gain: 325 m / 1,070 ft of ascent and 430 m / 1,410 ft of descent
Time required: About 3 hours
Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) or onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)

Day 4: Walk from Yabuhara to Narai

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From Tsumago, travel by bus to Nagiso station, where you will take a train to the sleepy town of Yabuhara.

At an elevation of 1,197 metres (3,927 feet), Torii-tōge Pass is considered one of the most challenging parts of the Nakasendō. As you walk, you will see beautiful broad-leaf trees, breathtaking no matter the season. After traversing the pass, you will arrive at Narai.

Because of its prosperity, Narai was known as ‘Narai of a thousand lodgings’ during the Edo period. Its unique townscape is beautifully preserved.

Take your time exploring Narai, then transfer to the city of Matsumoto by train. Tonight’s accommodation is a Western-style hotel in Matsumoto. Dinner is at leisure.

Walking distance: 6.2 km / 3.9 mi
Elevation gain: 345 m / 1,130 ft of ascent and 270 m / 885 ft of descent
Time required: About 3 hours
Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Day 5: Sightsee in Matsumoto, then continue onward on your journey

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Today gives you the chance to explore the city of Matsumoto. We recommend visiting the impressive black Matsumoto Castle, one of five castle keeps designated as a National Treasure of Japan. Once you’ve had your fill of this fascinating city, continue onward to Kyōto or Tōkyō and the rest of your Japan journey.

Terms & Conditions

  • This is a self-guided land arrangement only.
  • Each tour has been assigned with Activity Level & Technical Level to help guests have a better understanding on what to expect. Please check both the Activity Level and Technical Level sections to ensure that you are choosing a trip appropriate to your adventure style.
  • The rate quoted per person is in US Dollars (US$). Any payments to be made in Philippine Pesos (PHP) at the time of booking are subject to the prevailing Airline Exchange Rate (ACR).
  • A minimum of one (1) person is required to book this tour arrangement.
  • A single supplement fee per person must be paid on top of the total tour fare (only if applicable).
  • This offer is valid for Philippine Passport Holders.
  • Eligible foreign passport holders may be subject to additional charges and may be required to secure extra travel documentation, such as visas, transit permits, travel authorizations, etc. All required documents must be completed before departure, as incomplete or missing documentation may lead to additional costs, cancellations, or denied boarding.
  • The itinerary and activities on this land arrangement are subject to change due to local weather conditions.
  • The following payment schedule applies to this group tour package:
    ○ Reservation Fee: a payment of the 50% of the total tour fare & submission of a signed travel service agreement form are required to secure your reservation on your preferred departure date.
    ○ The reservation fee is refundable but subject to penalties or charges.
    ○ Full Payment: the remaining tour fare must be settled at least seventy-five (75) days prior to the departure date or upon visa approval.
    ○ Bookings and reservations made within seventy-five (75) days prior to the tour departure may still be accommodated, subject to availability on the selected departure date. In such cases, full payment will be required upon confirmation to secure the reservation.
  • Banks may charge additional fees for bank transfers and over-the-counter transactions. These fees are imposed by your bank and are not included in the company’s total tour fare. The company is not responsible for covering these charges, and passengers are advised to settle them directly with their respective banks.
  • Full cancellation charges shall apply to the following:
    ○ Voluntary cancellations or withdrawals of tour participation made seventy-five (75) days before the tour departure.
    ○ No-show guests or offloaded guests (airport-to-airport cases)
  • This tour package excludes visa services, airline tickets, round-trip airport transfers, beverages and meals not included in the itinerary, local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver, daily luggage transfer, entrance fees for sites and activities not listed in the Tour Inclusions, pocket Wi-Fi device rental, & other items not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Any unused services of the tour package are non-refundable.
  • This itinerary or tour package may be booked as a private arrangement. Please seek the assistance of our reservation team.
  • This special interest travel experience is operated in partnership with a contracted operator in Japan.

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