Nakasendo Trail

One of the main reasons why we chose to stay in the Kiso Valley was so that we could do the Nakasendo Trail between Magome to Tsumago.  This section of the Nakasendo trail is a well maintained section of the Nakasendo trail which is the route connected Tokyo with Kyoto during the Edo period. 

The trail is about 7.6 km long.

We had read that it was easier (less uphill) if we started the trail from Magome rather than Tsumago.  So we paid attention to this advice and caught the local bus from Tsumago to Magome to start the trail.

Walking up into Magome

 

Views from Magome 

 
 
 
 

Working out which way to go

Part of the trail was through a picturesque path through a forest.

 

 
 

There were also plenty of signs warning of black bear sightings and bells to scare off any potential bears to ring.  

 

It was also interesting being able to walk through a number of villages. 

 

 

 
  

Along the trail we stumbled upon a hut offering hot green tea and some snacks and it was manned by a very charismatic Japanese man called Mr Yamanaka.  We ate our picnic lunch of onigiri rolls with Mr Yamanaka.  

 

After our lunch stop the girls seemed lot more energised and even started running!

 
 

There were also some beautiful autumn leaves and waterfalls to check out.
 

 


 
 When nature calls ...

 

 
 
The girls were relieved to find that the homeward trail to Tsumago was mostly downhill.

 
 
 

The girls started to get a little weary at the end

Walking into Tsumago

Walking into Tsumago

 

A well deserved soft serve!