Nakatsugawa, Japan
Jan 23 - Arrive in Nakatsugawa and hike from Nakatsugawa to Magome. It is at low
elevation and good for the winters. If we can find an open inn, you would stay
there in the pretty village one night.
Nakatsugawa to Magome: 9km – 320m uphill – 70m downhill
A great cross-section of life in rural Japan heading from a small town, into the
suburbs, and through to the forests, rice fields and countryside. Highlights
include a look at the backstreets of Nakatsugawa, lunch in the quiet post town
of Ochiai, the ancient cobblestone road of Ochia, and the quaint ancient
hillside post town of Magome.
Jan 24 - Hike from Magome to Tsumago. Then you can either stay the night there
if anything is open or head to the train station to your next destination.
Magome to Tsumago: 8km – 230m uphill – 365m downhill
The most popular hike on the Nakasendo and for very good reason. This hike
visits two of the very best preserved, most stunning post towns of Magome and
Tsumago. Being there is like experiencing a time-slip back to the age of the
samurai. The route between is absolutely gorgeous too with the highlights being
the ancient forests, crystal clear rivers, cascading waterfalls, and an ancient
tea house.