The 500km long Nakasendo Way in Japan (literally meaning the ‘Middle Mountain Way’) has become one of Japan’s most famous and popular hiking routes. The walk makes its way over ancient paved paths, through well-preserved authentic Japanese towns , via cypress and cedar forest, and peaceful rural Japanese scenery. Shrines and waterfalls dot the landscape as you make your way through the Kiso Valley, wedged between the sacred mountain of Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake.

The walk was developed in the Edo period (1603-1868) and was used by feudal lords, samurai and merchants to provide access between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). There are 69 ‘post towns’ or resting places en route, where you can stay in traditional ryokan inns and bathe in hot springs. The itinerary allows you to walk the Nakasendo with options to shorten some days if you wish.