KISO VALLEY

Articles about the Kiso Valley and the Nakasendo Trail — historic post towns (Magome, Tsumago, Narai), hiking, ryokan stays and day trips.

Nakasendo Trail Guide: Walking Japan’s Historic Post Road (First-Timer’s Guide)

A first-timer’s guide to walking Japan’s Nakasendo Trail through the Kiso Valley — best sections, costs, timing, how to get there, and where to book walks and ryokan.

Magome to Tsumago hike — stone forest path on the Nakasendo

Magome to Tsumago Hike: Complete Walking Guide (Route, Times & Tips)

A complete guide to the Magome to Tsumago hike on the Nakasendo Trail — the 7.8km route stage by stage, timings, costs, luggage transfer, best season and how to get there.

Tsumago post town — preserved wooden street in the Kiso Valley

Tsumago Post Town Guide: What to See, Do & Where to Stay

A complete guide to Tsumago, Japan’s best-preserved post town in the Kiso Valley — top sights, the honjin and wakihonjin, food, best times to visit and where to stay.

Narai-juku — old wooden houses along the Kiso Valley post town street

Narai-juku Guide: Kiso Valley’s Longest Post Town

A complete guide to Narai-juku, the longest preserved post town on the Nakasendo — top sights, merchant houses, lacquerware, the Torii Pass, best times to visit and where to stay.

Nakasendo ryokan — traditional tatami room with shoji screens

Where to Stay on the Nakasendo: Best Ryokan & Minshuku in the Kiso Valley

Where to stay on the Nakasendo Trail — the best ryokan and minshuku in Tsumago, Magome, Narai and Kiso-Fukushima, with price ranges, what a stay includes and booking tips.