During the Edo period (1603–1868), 'Five Routes' connected the capital of Japan with the outer provinces and extended the control of the ruling Shōgun of the time. One of these routes traversed the central mountains on Honshu Island and has since become one of Japan’s most famous hiking trails. Translating as "Middle Mountain Way", the Nakasendo Way follows a historical road from Kyoto to Tokyo, with a total distance of about 534 km (332 mi), and today attracts travellers, hikers, historians and urban ramblers along its paths for relaxing and invigorating stays.
A series of some 70 small towns once marked the route; several survive today and have been beautifully preserved, providing weary travellers with accommodation and hearty farmhouse-style cuisine in traditional Japanese inns. The best preserved, and some would argue the most attractive, is Tsumago, where all visible signs of modernity, such as telegraph poles and electric lines, have been banned to ensure picture-perfect serenity.
Following the trails between these centuries-old post towns, the scenery is characterised by pretty mountainous countryside, petite waterfalls, paddy fields, bamboo forests, and wooded valleys. Some sections feature traditional stone paving known as Ishidatami, while others merge with modern highways. Overall, the route is gently undulating and includes short, steeper climbs.
Following the full length of the route between Kyoto and Tokyo would require 11 days. However, it's possible to sample the historic trail from Kyoto on a day's excursion, walking the popular section between Magome and Tsumago. For those considering a longer hike, the best time to walk the Nakasendo Trail is between March and June or September and November, when temperatures are moderate.