Former Japanese Highway NAKASENDO
The Nakasendo is an ancient road that has existed for about 450 years and winds through Nagano and Gifu’s magnificent mountainous terrain.
It remains to be a natural road with lots of character; not a uniform road that was constructed with heavy machinery like the modern roads of today.
This area of Japan boasts many majestic mountain views with abundant greenery, and in the towering mountains one can even see snow until late spring.
Clear streams flow along the path and beautiful terraced rice fields are planted like vineyards in narrow valleys.
One might wonder where the spring water was drawn from in such high places. Even Japanese people, especially those who visit from the city, are impressed by the beautiful scenery here.
Cycling & Walking to travel the NAKASENDO
We recommend walking or cycling to travel the Nakasendo. In areas where you see the original scenery of Japan, you cannot fully experience the beauty of Nakasendo by
simply visiting local areas. It is important to experience the feeling of getting to the next post town, by feeling what is on the road or while walking
between the post towns on foot or by bicycle. Naturally, walking is the best way to travel the cobblestones and steep mountain paths.
Retracing the steps of people who have been walking along for 450 years is the best part of traveling on the Nakasendo.
Nagano Prefecture is particularly suited for walking, given the closer location of some of the Nakasendo’s most popular post towns,
Tsumago and Magome-juku. On the other hand, it is fun to ride a bicycle in areas that have been developed and on unpaved roads that remain as they were. In ancient times,
people journeyed along not only on foot, but on horseback as well. Nowadays, it's more enjoyable to experience the Nakasendo riding on a “modern” horse,
made of aluminum or carbon fiber with rubber tires. In particular, the Gifu area is far from the traffic of main roads, so cycling is recommended.
Rediscover yourself and experience Nagano’s and Gifu’s unique treasures along the Nakasendo. Become an old traveler and travel through the original landscapes of Japan.
Feel the real Japan that most travelers never get a chance to discover. Discover the Nakasendo. The Nakasendo awaits.
For more information about GIFU prefecture and attractions,
visit here.