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Winter is a fantastic season to visit Japan. Winter in Japan offers must-see sites blanketed in snow, savory seasonal dishes, and a list of winter activities for every traveler. Japan's winter season is vast depending on the region, but each are unique in beauty. Snow does not fall often in the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, but if you are lucky enough, being able to see Kyoto’s Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion covered by fresh snowfall is a scene that is truly breathtaking. Snow falls deeply further... View More
Winter is a fantastic season to visit Japan. Winter in
Japan offers must-see sites blanketed in snow, savory
seasonal dishes, and a list of winter activities for every
traveler. Japan's winter season is vast depending on
the region, but each are unique in beauty. Snow does
not fall often in the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, but if you
are lucky enough, being able to see Kyoto’s Kinkakuji
Golden Pavilion covered by fresh snowfall is a scene
that is truly breathtaking. Snow falls deeply further
down the mountains and towards the Japan Sea
coast. The winter landscapes of the traditional wooden
villages of Magome and Tsumago against a backdrop
of snowfall is something truly enchanting. Whether it
be rejuvenating yourself in the warmth of a steaming-
hot Japanese bath after a day outside, or sitting in an
outdoor Rotemburo thermal water pool while the
snowflakes flow gently through the air around you,
there are so many reasons to choose winter for your
walking adventure in Japan. There are fewer visitors,
special seasonal foods, the absolutely beautiful
illumination of some gardens, and many temples and
shrines.
The Nakasendo trial connected Kyoto to Tokyo,
formerly known as Edo, during Japan’s feudal period.
As opposed to the Tokaido route, which spanned the
Pacific coast, the Nakasendo Trail was known as the
‘road through the mountains’ which was traveled by
feudal lords along with their retinues, samurai,
merchants, and travelers. Along the route were 69
‘post towns’ where tired travelers would rest before
continuing onto their travels. Spending five days
walking on the best parts of the trail, we will be able to
enjoy the peace and serenity of the winter landscapes.
Depending on how deep the snow is, we may use our
snowshoes to follow the route. We will walk along
quiet village roads as well as unpaved hill trails
through the scenic Kiso Valley where we will have the
opportunity to see some beautifully preserved old
villages. We will stay overnight in traditional country
inns and enjoy delectably warming regional cuisine
prepared from the freshest ingredients. Soak in natural
thermal hot springs and enjoy the warm hospitality of
our hosts. There is nothing like ending our day of
walking on the snowy trails like ending it with a
Japanese bath.
Note: this is an intense rated hiking trip with
some steady steep ascents and hikes over 4 hours.
Activity Level: Intense
Our Intense tours generally have dedicated days of
trail walking, with some days of over four hours and
with some ascent and/or descent.
Who is an Intense tour designed for?
- We recommend our Intense tours for anyone who
does regular walking or hiking, and is comfortable
walking a full day with some climbing and descending.
- If you do not exercise regularly, please practice
walking for three to four hours, about three to six
months prior to the tour in order to get the most out of
your trip.
Accommodations
This itinerary contains overnight stays at Western
Hotels, Ryokans, and Minshukus. Ryokans and
Minshukus are more traditional accommodations, with a
more casual hospitality than you will find at a hotel. At
both a Ryokan and a Minshuku, you will stay in a simply
furnished room and sleep on a futon, which is laid on a
tatami mat.
Some Ryokans may have private
bathrooms attached to your room, but others only have
public bathrooms used by all the guests. Minshukus
usually offer only a public bathroom – meaning either a
smaller bathroom used one guest at a time, or larger
bathrooms separated by gender (male & female), and
designed to be used by multiple guests at once.
