Nakasendo Post-Town Trekking & Izakaya-Hopping Tour [Nagoya Departure] -Rakuten Travel Experiences

Overview

Step back in time on this 1-day hiking tour of the historic Nakasendo trail in central Japan! Setting out from Nagoya Station, we’ll head to Magome-juku for a lovely stroll through a charming post town that feels like a living snapshot of the Edo period. Then, trek along the Nakasendo to Tsumago-juku, another well-preserved town steeped in history, and finally wrap up the day with a night out in Nagoya, pub-hopping through a timeless shopping arcade to savor local food and drinks with your guide.

Highlights

Expert guidance: learn from a knowledgeable guide deeply familiar with the Nakasendo
Exclusive private tour: enjoy a personalized experience tailored just for you
Walk through history: trek Edo-period streets and the samurai’s trail, feeling the echoes of Japan’s past
Immerse in the culture: stroll Nagoya’s oldest shopping district, alive with temples, teahouses, shrines, and more
A taste of Japan: savor a variety of Japanese sake, including unique local brews

Key Information

Important Information

• Please contact in advance if you cannot arrive by the meeting time of 08:40 • If you cannot arrive at the meeting place by 09:25, your reservation will be canceled • Latecomers and no-shows are not eligible for refund on account of missing the tour • Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to move in • Please bring a raincoat or folding umbrella in case of rain • Participants must be aged 12+ • The specific food and drinks provided while izakaya-hopping will vary depending on where we stop, which is customized according to your preferences and what is available on the day • The legal drinking age in Japan is 20; please bring a valid ID for proof of age (alcohol will not be served to ages 0–19) • The tour is usually offered in English, but French- Spanish- or Chinese-speaking guides may be available on request Itinerary • 8:40 — Meet at Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center • 9:00 — Transfer by Shinano No. 5 (non-reserved seat) • 9:50 — Arrive at Nakatsugawa Station • 10:45 — Transfer by route bus • 11:10 — Stroll around Magome-juku and have lunch, then transfer by route bus from Magome-juku to Odaru Falls • 13:40 — Trekking on the Nakasendo • 14:40 — Stroll around Tsumago-juku • 15:20 — Transfer by bus or taxi to Nagiso Station • 15:56 — Transfer by Shinano No. 16 (non-reserved seat) • 17:07 — Arrive at Nagoya Station • 18:00 — Izakaya-hopping at Endoji Shopping Street (2–3 stores) • 20:15 — Transfer • 20:30 — Arrive at hotel in the city; tour ends

Booking (4 steps)

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Description

Meet your guide in Nagoya, then set off on a journey by train and bus to the wonderful historic hiking route of the Nakasendo! Using Japan’s excellent public transport to reach the Nakasendo, you’ll start with a stroll through Magome-juku. This is ancient post town nestled in the Kiso Valley offers a window into Japan’s Edo-period past. On the Nakasendo trail, this was a key resting point for travelers moving between Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo). With its charming stone-paved streets, visitors can stroll past traditional wooden inns, shops, and homes, many of which retain their original facades.

After stopping for lunch, we’ll transfer to the beautiful Odaru Falls, and then begin our Nakasendo hike in earnest, following the very same path that samurai once traveled. Further along the trail you’ll reach Tsumago-juku, another beautifully preserved post town. Stroll more historic streets here steeped in character, before we jump on the next transport and head back to Nagoya.

We finish with a fun evening in Nagoya’s Endoji Shopping Street. This is Nagoya’s oldest "shotengai" (shopping street) and exudes a captivating blend of tradition and modern flair. Lined with retro storefronts, cozy cafes, and local eateries, it has a nostalgic aura and overflows with Japanese culture. We will stop at two or three “izakaya” pubs here, and sample a selection of food and drinks as recommended by your local guide to wrap up the day.

Nakasendo Post-Town Trekking & Izakaya-Hopping Tour [Nagoya Departure]