The ultimate Pack-Free guided 8-day walk
The Way of the Samurai – Kyoto to Tokyo

Walking on Japan’s Nakasendo Way is a truly enchanting experience that transports travellers to a bygone era of samurais and serene landscapes. This historic trail, which means “path through the mountains,” winds its way through the picturesque Japanese Alps, connecting Kyoto and Tokyo.

Often referred to as the “Way of the Samurai, we traverse the Nakasendo, encountering quaint villages, ancient cedar forests, and traditional teahouses where weary travellers once sought respite.

The journey allows you to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich cultural tapestry, where centuries-old customs and hospitality still flourish. Whether you’re exploring the rustic charm of Tsumago or the lush countryside of Magome, each step on the Nakasendo Way reveals a deep appreciation for Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable walking adventure.

What makes this tour unique

Our philosophy with our tours, is that walking is only part of the adventure. We’ve included some special wow-mazing experiences throughout the journey to make your trip truly unforgettable.

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony wearing kimonos in Kyoto, make your own Japanese art in Ena and visit a Sake establishment to tantalise the tastebuds. We have meticulously designed our tours using private transfers between our walks which not only allows for relaxed walking but gives our guests flexible walking options each day.

You can walk as much or as little as you like and you won’t need to rush to meet train timetables! Add this to staying in the best accomodation in each region all with a unique Japanese charm and you have the perfect journey.

When you walk with Life’s An Adventure you can be sure that our aim is to deliver a tour beyond your expectations. 

When comparing other tours in this region be sure you check that you don’t you have to carry your own gear, you don’t have to camp and that your accommodation is not a long distance from where you are walking. We believe our tours deliver exceptional value for money, with all the creature comforts you are after.

Your 8 day walking holiday includes:

• Pack Free fully supported walk with no heavy packs to carry
• Private vehicle transfers – no trains!
• Flexible walking options or sightseeing each day

Wow-mazing Experiences

• Japanese Traditional Tea Ceremony & Kimonos, Kyoto
• Fushimi Inari Shrine Walk, Kyoto
• Sake experience, Kiso Fukushima
• Japanese Woodblock Art Class

The Best accommodation in each area:

• 1 night at Sora Niwa Terrace Hotel, Kyoto or similar
• 1 night at Ichikawa Inn, Ena or similar
• 1 night at Nagataki Inn, or similar
• 1 night at Hotel Fukinomori  or similar
• 1 night at Tsutaya Inn, Kiso Fukushima or similar
• 1 night at Tsutaya Tokinoyado Retreat or similar
• 1 night at Ancient Hotel Karuisawa or similar

Meals

• 8 x lunches
• 7 x superb dinners every evening featuring local produce
• Complimentary wines with evening meals
• 7 x breakfasts
• Professional and passionate local guides that live in this region
• Luggage transported to your accommodation each day

This tour runs in two directions. Kyoto to Toyko and Toyko to Kyoto. You will need to fly into Japan the day before your tour starts. If your tour is starting in Kyoto the closest international airport is Osaka, only 13 minutes by Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto or Toyko is 3 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train). 

WALK GRADE:

6kms. 3 hours.

This morning meet your guides in the foyer of the Sora Niwa Terrace Hotel, Kyoto at 9.00am. After a short briefing, we make our way to one of Kyoto’s most iconic walks and one that can’t be missed.

Walking through Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is a mesmerizing journey. Walk through its thousands of vivid orange torii gates that create a captivating tunnel-like pathway which meanders its way through the forest and up the hill side. This walk is not only visually stunning but deeply spiritual. The climb to the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto.

Afterwards we enjoy lunch in a local restaurant featuring traditional Japanese cuisine. We make our way back to the hotel to enjoy some free time before meeting up and heading to our special afternoon experience.

We will join the time-honored tradition of a Japanese tea ceremony. Dressed in vibrant and exquisite Japanese kimonos of your choosing, you’ll have the opportunity to select the kimono that resonates most with you and for the women you will have your hair styled with flowers.

After your dressed and looking fabulous you will join our expert to learn the fine art of the tea ceremony which encourages mindfulness, fostering an appreciation for simplicity and humility. This will be a wonderful experience that will offer some fantastic photo opportunities.

Tonight the group come together to enjoy a fabulous dinner in Kyoto accompanied with wine.

TERRAIN: 

Stone paths

WALK GRADE:

Easy. 8kms

FLEXIBLE WALKING: 

Flexible walking options available today.  For those not wanting to do the whole walk enjoy a 5km section of today’s walk instead.

ITINERARY: 

This morning we enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we transfer with our private vehicles from Kyoto to Hikone, a captivating castle town nestled along the serene shores of Lake Biwa.

Wandering through its historical streets, we uncover tales from Japan’s feudal past. Surprisingly, Hikone remains a hidden gem, its castle holding the prestigious title of a Japanese National Treasure. This charming town has also served as a backdrop for numerous period films, including the renowned “Shogun” starring Richard Chamberlain and Toshiro Mifune.

Afterwards, we make our way to the small town of Ena where we take a break at our accommodation for the night, the charming Ichikawa Inn. This is a 400 years old Inn and the owner is the 6th generation.

Afterward, we take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Hiroshige Museum of Art, a cultural haven that offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of traditional Japanese woodblock art. Here, you can try your hand at crafting your very own masterpiece, allowing you to connect with the rich artistic heritage of Japan in a hands-on and creative way.

We return to our accommodation to enjoy wonderful organic food from recipes handed down from generation to generation.

TERRAIN: 

Trails with stone paths and dirt trails

WALK GRADE:

14kms

FLEXIBLE WALKING: 

Flexible walking options available today.  For those not wanting to do the whole walk enjoy a shorter section of today’s walk instead.

ITINERARY: 

After breakfast we head out on today’s walk from Okute-juku to Oi-juku is a journey through time and tradition in rural Japan.

As you leave the quaint post town of Okute-juku, with its well-preserved Edo-period buildings and cobblestone streets, the path meanders through lush, serene countryside.

The route offers glimpses of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, vibrant rice paddies, and the soothing sounds of babbling streams. Along the way, hikers can pause at tranquil shrines and rest stops, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of the Japanese countryside and the quietude of rural life.

After our walk, we are transferred to the Naegi Castle Ruins. Often likened to Machu Picchu in Peru, the Naegi Castle Ruins in Japan hold an air of ancient mystique and historical significance, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape.

Later we make our way back to our accommodation in Ena. Tonight we enjoy dinner at our accommodation.

TERRAIN: 

Most of the trail through forest and countryside and some sections past houses and fields of local residents. Some stone paths and some asphalt roads.

WALK GRADE:

10kms Elevation Gain: 461m. 4 hours.

FLEXIBLE WALKING: 

Flexible walking options available today.  For those not wanting to do the whole walk enjoy a 5km section of today’s walk instead.

ITINERARY: 

After an enjoyable breakfast we head out on our walk to the old post town of Magome. We walk through the quaint cobblestone streets admiring the old wooden watermills and traditional architecture which exudes timeless charm with its well-preserved Edo-era streets and historic atmosphere.

Our journey leads us upwards towards the enchanting Magome Pass. Along this path, our surroundings undergo a dramatic transformation, shifting from expansive countryside vistas to the densely wooded depths of the Kiso Valley.

Along the way we enjoy a nice rest stop at a traditional-style Japanese house with a irori fire pit and traditionally dressed staff serve tea.

Afterwards we continue on and admire the captivating duo of waterfalls before eventually arriving at the quaint village of Tsumago. Tsumago, a time-honored jewel tucked within Japan’s lush Kiso Valley, enchants visitors with its meticulously preserved Edo-era architecture, evoking a sense of stepping into a living museum of bygone days. 

The village’s tranquil ambiance, framed by scenic mountains and a winding river, invites travelers to savor the serene beauty of rural Japan at its most authentic.

Spend time exploring this small town before heading to our accommodation at the charming Hotel Fukinomori, a Japanese-style retreat nestled in the forest in the Kiso Mountains. Relax in the hot springs before enjoying a superb dinner served with wine.

TERRAIN: 

Some steep sections, trails with stone paths, wooden footbridges, dirt trails

WALK GRADE:

14.8 kms. Elevation gain: 669m. Moderate to Challenging. 4 hours and 45 mins

FLEXIBLE WALKING: 

Flexible walking options available today.  For those not wanting to do the whole walk enjoy a shorter 4km walk from Tsumago to Nagiso. The driver will collect you from here and take you on to the town of Kiso Fukisahama for free time in the town. 

ITINERARY: 

After breakfast, we farewell our accommodation and make our way to Nagiso to start our walk.

Our walk today avoids the busy road trail along the river and travels over the Yogawamichi Path from Modono to Nojiri. It is a captivating journey through Japan’s lush and unspoiled countryside which meanders through a tapestry of serene alpine scenery, charming villages, and dense forests, offering us a glimpse into the traditional rural life of the Kiso Valley.

As you traverse the path through dense forests adorned with delicate cedar trees flourishing in their unspoiled splendour, you can occasionally catch glimpses of distant mountain peaks.

Afterwards, we are met by our driver and enjoy the scenic drive to the town of Kiso Fukushima. Early this evening we have an optional visit to the Sake Brewery to meet the wonderfully friendly staff and sample some of Japan’s best sake. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner served with wine.

TERRAIN: 

Trails with stone paths, steep stone stairs, and dirt trails

WALK GRADE: 

6 kms, elevation gain: 323 m, medium grade, 4.5 hours

FLEXIBLE WALKING: 

Flexible walking options available today. For those not wanting to do the whole walk enjoy a shorter section of today’s walk instead.

ITINERARY: 

After breakfast we make our way through the mountainous landscapes of south-east Nagano, transferring to the foot of the impressive Mt. Ontake for the start of your walk. Today’s trail is the owner’s favourite walk in all of Japan, and is one you absolutely can not miss.

You start with a steep stone staircase section taking you through the forest up to the monument of the Three Great Gods of Ontake, known as Omata Sansha.

You continue your walk through lush forests seeing various Reijinhi, stone carvings along the pilgrimage up to Ontake used for sacred rituals. During your walk you pass through the Hanadofukando and Juni Gongen Shrine, showcasing more of Japan’s rich culture, before reaching the waterfalls.

Shintaki Falls cascade down 50 metres, and like the shrines are used for religious purposes. People come from far to take part in purification rituals at many of the waterfalls to be found around Ontake.

Towards the end of this rewarding walk, savour your lunch before making your way to the final highlight of the walk. Kiyotaki Falls is another beautiful water formation used for cleansing rituals and is our final stop before reaching the end of the trail.

After our walk, we make our way to the superb Tsutaya Tokinoyado Retreat. Enjoy the open-air Onsen Hot Springs before joining everyone for dinner in the restaurant served with wine.

TERRAIN: 

Most of the trail through forest. Some stone paths and dirt trails as well as inclines

WALK GRADE:

9kms. Elevation gain 373m.

FLEXIBLE WALKING: 

Flexible walking options available today.  For those not wanting to do the whole walk enjoy a shorter section of today’s walk instead.

ITINERARY: 

This morning enjoy breakfast as you enjoy the views of Mount Ontake.

We make our way to our walk for today. Embarking on the picturesque journey from Yabuhara to Narai via Torii Pass is a step back in time through the heart of Japan’s Kiso Valley.

The trail unveils itself as a meandering pathway through serene forests, where sunlight filters through a green canopy. Along the way, hikers encounter wooden torii gates nestled amidst the trees, each marking progress towards Torii Pass.

As you ascend, the panorama transitions from tranquil woods to sweeping vistas of the Kiso Valley, with its charming villages nestled in the embrace of surrounding mountains.

Finally, arriving in Narai, a beautifully preserved post town, you’re welcomed by cobblestone streets, traditional Edo-era buildings, and a sense of having journeyed through time itself.

This hike encapsulates the essence of rural Japan, offering a meditative and visually captivating exploration of its natural and cultural treasures.

After our walk enjoy free time to meander through the streets of Narai before we head to the beautiful town of Karuisawa.

Our accommodation tonight is at the superb Ancient Hotel high-end hot spring haven, set amongst the woodlands. Tonight enjoy dinner in the restaurant served with wine.

TERRAIN: 

Most of the trail through cypress-lined forest path Some stone paths and dirt trails as well as steep descents.

WALK GRADE:

8kms. Moderate

FLEXIBLE WALKING: 

Flexible walking options available today.  For those not wanting to do the whole walk enjoy a 5km section of today’s walk instead.

ITINERARY: 

Following a satisfying breakfast, we embark on the final leg of our walking adventure.

We take a short detour from our hotel to explore the stunning Shiraito Waterfall located in the forest and measuring three meters high and 70 meters wide and is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Japan.

Shiraito no Taki literally means “the waterfall of white threads”, which aptly describes its appearance, as multiple streaks of water drape over the surface forming what seems like a white curtain.

From here we make our way to the Observation Deck for stunning mountain views before reaching the picturesque Usui Pass. At this idyllic spot, we pause for a break allowing time to explore the Kumanokotail Shrine or indulge in a delectable ice cream treat at the nearby cafe while savoring the panoramic vistas of majestic Mt. Asama.

From here we make our way down into the valley until we reach Yokokawa along the way enjoy the scenic mountain trails and endless stone relics along the way.

We eventually arrive into the town of Yokokawa the end of today’s walk.

From here we make our way back to Toyko the end of a superb journey with drop offs at the Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi located conveniently next to public transport for your ongoing journey.

Please note this tour can be added to our Kumano Kodo walk making it a 16 day walk. See details.