After an early breakfast head out to Midono-juku the 41st of the 69 post towns of Nakasendo. It is said that the name of the town was derived from the old Japanese term for “palace” as there used to be a mansion here which presumably burned down from the huge fire that destroyed the village in 1881.

The present-day Midono is more modern than Tsumago but the 6-kilometer trail between these two towns promises some of the best scenery in Nakasendo. The 15 kilometre long stretch can be completed in about 5 hours.

From Nagiso Station head northward to Midono-juku and Tokaku-ji Temple. There are several different approaches to these places with one that follows a couple of slowly ascending slopes along narrow paved roads passing through a small forested trail and then emerging to a tiny village.
With the temple on the right continue forward following the upward slope in the middle of rice fields. The rest of the trail is mainly along alternating roads – wide well-paved roads for vehicles and trucks; narrow streets lined with private homes; and dirt paths leading to small forests.
Around 2 hours in arrive at a resting area called Matsubara O-koyasumijo. Continue along the trail and pass by a small temple called Amidado. After around 15 minutes cross the white-fenced Rankan-bashi Bridge, which used to be a grand structure during the Edo Period. The trail that leads from the bridge is mainly downhill and along a dirt road that passes through the forest.
From Nojiri Station catch the local train to Kiso-Fukushima, another post town that was known for having one of the only two barrier stations in Nakasendo.

Overnight in Kiso-Fukushima

After an early breakfast, take an optional stroll around Kiso-Fukushima. Afterwards catch the local train to Yabuhara, the starting point of the ancient trail between Yabuhara-juku and Narai-juku - a section which used to be the most dangerous path in Nakasendo.

Facing Yabuhara Station follow the paved road on the right continuing onward until you reach a small park. Walk on the path that goes through the park and onto the other side of the railway. Continue walking northward until reaching a two-way street; turn left on the small paved road between some tombstones on the left and rice fields on the right.

Upon reaching the end of the narrow street follow the ascending slope on the right making a soft turn along some stone monuments. Continue walking forward for about 5 minutes and then turn right on a small parking area of a local inn and through a narrow alley. At the end of the street is a short tunnel that leads to a wider paved road. Have the option to trace back and walk up the slope on the right to visit Yabuhara Shrine and Gokuraku-ji Temple.

Walk back and follow the paved road making right turns uphill until reaching a small forest of cedar trees (there is a restroom behind the trees). Cross the road and walk up the slope that leads to the forested mountain (English signage at the corner of the street). From the entrance all the way to Otake Shrine and torii gate the trail is constantly uphill reaching an elevation of up to 160 m.

The trail from this point to Narai is mainly downhill. There is some signage along the way (note: the trail that leads up to an observation deck is a dead end and at this time has no views). From the foot of the mountain emerge into a wide paved road that leads to the post town of Narai-juku. Along the way pass by Joryu-ji Temple which used to be the praying grounds for ancient hikers who asked for protection and health before climbing the mountains.

From Narai Station catch the local train to Matsumoto, a small town known for its castle and surrounding rice fields vineyards and wasabi farms. Continue with your own arrangements.

• Hotel accommodation in twin room with daily breakfast (for ryokan minshuku and other traditional accommodation rooms are Japanese-style with futon and meals are half board)
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner)
• PASMO Card for local transportation with 1500 JPY worth of credits
  (Note: The pre-charged credit is enough to travel from Narai to Matsumoto via local train. Clients are free to further charge their card should they wish to make use of it during self-guided days).
• Train tickets from Kyoto to Nakatsugawa (reserved seats ordinary class)
• English-speaking guide in Nakasendo from Days 1 to 3 (supplementary charges apply for other languages)
• All entrance fees and public transportation fees as mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel notes as provided by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Local Tourism Dirham tax (for Dubai only)
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above