Great 1-day excursion from Magome-juku on Nakasendo
Hiking the Tosando ~ A Mountain Trek Along One of Japan’s Oldest-Known Trails (Kowashimizu Trail Head - Misaka Pass - Sonohara Route)
This is a special, one-day excursion for lovers of walking to step out from Magome on Nakasendo along Japan's oldest known trail, the Tosando.
The Tosando was developed over 1,300 years ago and was one of seven of Japan’s first-ever official roads that connected the then capital of Omi in modern-day Shiga Prefecture and the provinces. At about 1,000 km long, the Tosando was an extremely long inland road that lead to Mutsu in present-day Miyagi Prefecture. The path was traveled by officials responsible for the expansion of the Imperial Court's influence in the north of the Japanese mainland, as well as sakimori warriors sent to defend northern Kyushu, people delivering taxes and tribute to the Imperial Court, and horses raised in Shinano (now Nagano Prefecture) and used in the capital.
On this excursion, guests will hike along the old Tosando from the Kowashimizu Trail Head to Sonohara in Achi Village via the Misaka Pass (Altitude 1,569m). In ancient times crossing the Misaka Pass was known as the hardest section of the Tosando. Not only was the road steep, long, and mountainous, but the weather was also said to be extremely volatile, with sudden dense fog and thunderstorms making it difficult for travelers to get around. Sonohara, located on the eastern side of the mountain range, is a village with beautiful views and a nostalgic rural Japanese atmosphere. Many an ancient tale of Sonohara and the Misaka Pass has been told by travelers on the Tosando.
The area, with its harsh yet beautiful nature, has been written about in several Japanese historical documents since the early 8th century, as well as in waka poems composed by travelers. The area also captured the imagination of people far away in the Imperial Courts and has been written about in prominent classical Japanese literature. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (said to be the world's oldest full-length novel) and The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon are both works of art written by female authors of the Imperial Court in the early 11th century and both feature the Misaka Pass.
Enjoy over 1,300 years of history, culture, and nature on this beautiful hike.
Price
Hiking the Tosando ~ A Mountain Trek Along One of Japan’s Oldest-Known Trails
Per person
| Person for 4 peoples | 31700~33700Yen |
|---|---|
| Person for 5 peoples | 25500~27500Yen |
| Person for 6 peoples | 21100~23100Yen |
| Person for 7 peoples | 18100~20100Yen |
| Person for 8 peoples | 15900~17900Yen |
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Plan Details
| Period |
2024/5/1(Wed)～2024/11/30(Sat) |
|---|---|
| Excluded days | December~April |
| What is included in the travel/plan price |
・Private car from Magome-juku to Kowashimizu Trail Head, private car from Sonohara Visitor Center to Tsumago-juku, English-speaking guide fee |
| Minimum number of participants per group | 4 person/people |
| Minimum number of participants | 4 person/people |
| Maximum number of participants | 8 person/people |
| Tour Conductor | No |
| Start Time | 8:30 a.m. |
| Tour Time | About 8.5 hours |
| Reservation Deadline | 3 weeks prior to tour start date |
| Payment Method |
Creditcard    
|
- Tour itinerary -
08:30 Meet at Magome-juku A1 Parking Lot (greeting by guide) -->8:30~9:00 Transfer to Kowashimizu Trailhead (by private car) -->9:00 Start walking-->11:00 Arrive at Bangakuso --> 11:00-11:40 Lunch (at Bangakuso dining hall, pay cash by yourself.) --> 11:40 Start walking -->11:40-14:40 Arrive at Misaka Shrine --> 14:40-15:40 Arrive at Sonohara Visitor Center --> 15:40-16:30 Visit Sonohara Visitor Center --> 16:30-17:10 Transfer from Sonohara Visitor Center to Magome-juku A1 Parking Lot (by private car), end of tour
Note: This product does not include luggage transportation service. Please leave your large luggage at the hotel where you will be staying before participating in this tour.
- Meeting Place -
Address is displayed when location is selected.
Nakasendo Magome-juku Parking Lot A1
- Important Points -
- Please bear the cost of international remittance fees.
- Please purchase travel insurance in your own country.
- Closing and what to bring: Clothing and shoes suitable for hiking and matching the weather conditions. Items may include rain gear (coat/pants), backpack, drinks(1 liter), trail snacks, gloves, hat, sunglasses, down layers, hiking poles, etc.
- For issues that require special considerations, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
- In the case of rain or extreme weather conditions, the program route may be changed or the program canceled for the safety of the participants. In this case, contact will made the day before the start of the program.
- Cancellation Fee -
In cases where the customer cancels the contract after the contract has been completed, 1 customer will be charged a cancellation fee from their travel fee at the following rates. In cases where multiple people are participating and a portion of the customers cancel their contracts, we will charge the remaining customers a fee based on the difference according to the change in the number of people (around 1 vehicle/1 room per person) using transport and accommodation facilities.
| Cancellation 10-8 days before the starting day of the tour | Cancellation 7-2 days before the starting day of the tour | Cancellation the day immediately before the starting day of the tour | Cancellation before the start of the tour on the day of the tour | Cancellation after the start of the tour or the traveler does not participate in the tour without notice (no show) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 100% |
- Plan Provider Company -
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau [Registered Travel Agency No. 2-431]
1-2-1 Ikuracho, Iida-shi, Nagano-ken 395-0152 Japan
Sales Manager：Tsukuda
Contact Phone Number：TEL: +81-265-28-1747 FAX: +81-265-28-1748 E-MAIL: chiikishinko@mstb.jp
Application
※Link to an external site
Plan Contents
Tosando: a trail in the mountains that follows in the footsteps of ancient travelers.
Tosando: a trail rich in nature with a different flavor from the Nakasendo.
Beautiful view from Kamisaka Pass.
As you approach Sonohara, another beautiful trail appears.
Kamisaka Shrine creates a solemn atmosphere.
The beautiful and gentle scenery of Sonohara will soothe the fatigue of crossing the mountain pass.
