Kiso Valley & Nakasendo Trail
Nagano, Japan • INR 15708 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, Aug
3°C – 16°C, mild spring weather, cherry blossoms in lower elevations, trails are generally clear and scenery is vibrant, medium crowds, peak season
3°C – 16°C, mild spring weather, cherry blossoms in lower elevations, trails are generally clear and scenery is vibrant, medium crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Trail is mountainous, uneven, and requires walking over varied terrain.
Trail is mountainous, uneven, and requires walking over varied terrain.
Value for money
Medium
Trail access is free, but costs add up quickly.
Trail access is free, but costs add up quickly.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the serene trails and historic towns. Perfect for a peaceful escape.
Breathtaking Scenery
The forests and villages create a stunning backdrop for a romantic stroll. Highly recommend.
Charming Towns
Visitors found the preserved towns, like Magome and Tsumago, incredibly picturesque and lovely.
Crowded Trails
Couples noted the trail can get busy, especially during peak season. Plan accordingly.
Limited Privacy
The popularity of the trail means less privacy. It's not a secluded experience.
Uneven Terrain
Some couples found the trail challenging due to the uneven terrain and steep sections.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Explore the Scenic Nakasendo Trail in the Breathtaking Kiso Valley through our captivating video.
A traveler embarks on an exhilarating hike along the scenic Nakasendo Trail.
Embark on a thrilling adventure to the Nakasendo Trail.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
January
LOW
-7-3°C
Cold, with frequent snowfall and icy trail conditions. Snow may cover much of the path, making hiking and some transport difficult.
Cold, with frequent snowfall and icy trail conditions. Snow may cover much of the path, making hiking and some transport difficult.
Closed
Many ryokan and businesses close or limit service in winter. Trail access may be restricted due to snow and ice. Public transport is less frequent.
Many ryokan and businesses close or limit service in winter. Trail access may be restricted due to snow and ice. Public transport is less frequent.
Not recommended
Not recommended for most travelers. Winter weather brings snow, ice, and closures, making hiking and access challenging.
Not recommended for most travelers. Winter weather brings snow, ice, and closures, making hiking and access challenging.
February
LOW
-6-5°C
Cold, with occasional snow and icy patches remaining on the trails. Some sunny days possible, but winter conditions persist.
Cold, with occasional snow and icy patches remaining on the trails. Some sunny days possible, but winter conditions persist.
Closed
Some businesses and lodgings remain closed or have limited hours. Trail conditions may still be unsafe for hiking.
Some businesses and lodgings remain closed or have limited hours. Trail conditions may still be unsafe for hiking.
Not recommended
Still not an ideal time for hiking. Cold temperatures and snow limit access and services.
Still not an ideal time for hiking. Cold temperatures and snow limit access and services.
March
LOW
-2-10°C
Cool early spring weather. Snow begins to melt, trails become more accessible, but some icy or muddy patches may remain.
Cool early spring weather. Snow begins to melt, trails become more accessible, but some icy or muddy patches may remain.
Open
Certain accommodations or trail sections may open later in the month. Occasional transport delays possible.
Certain accommodations or trail sections may open later in the month. Occasional transport delays possible.
Recommended
A reasonable time for experienced hikers. Fewer crowds, improving weather, but prepare for some lingering winter conditions.
A reasonable time for experienced hikers. Fewer crowds, improving weather, but prepare for some lingering winter conditions.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Local buses connect train stations (Nakatsugawa, Nagiso) to the post towns of Magome and Tsumago. The Kitaena Bus (Magome Line) runs from Nakatsugawa Station to Magome-juku. Buses also run from Nagiso Station to Tsumago.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are available at Nakatsugawa and Nagiso stations, offering a direct route to the post towns. A taxi from Nagiso Station to Tsumago is a short ride.
Train
Recommended
The JR Chuo Main Line provides access to the Kiso Valley. The Limited Express Shinano connects to Nakatsugawa and Nagiso stations. From Nagoya, take the Limited Express Shinano to Nakatsugawa or Nagiso stations.
Car
The Kiso Valley is accessible by car via the Chuo Expressway, exiting at the Nakatsugawa Interchange. National Route 19 runs parallel to the Nakasendo trail.
Walking
Walking is the primary way to experience the Nakasendo Trail. The most popular section is between Magome and Tsumago. It is also feasible to walk from Nagiso Station to Tsumago.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages 6-75