"Walk the Nakasendo" Japan Things to Do Tip by dancinbudgie

We stayed in the old Post Town of Tsumago for 3 nights. It was a highlight of our trip. Part of the reason we came here was to walk the 'Nakasendo' (the old Edo time 'highway'. We did the trail from Magome to Tsumago (even the baby who wasn't yet 2), and nobody was eaten by bears (mind you, we had our trusty bear bell tinkling all the way), or collapsed from fatigue...it is actually quite an easy walk once you get up the hill at Magome. We met a japanese man who was in his 80's along the way...so it really is do-able for all ages, although I don't think doing it from the opposite direction would be as easy as it would be mostly uphill...we caught the bus to Magome from Tsumago (an experience in itself), and walked back along the trail.

I don't really believe for a minute there are still bears, but the bells make a great souveneir!

Address: Kiso Valley