Following in the Footsteps of Samurai on the Nakasendo Trail

The Nakasendo trail, also known as Kisokaido, is a route once travelled by feudal governors, salesmen, artisans, and samurai that connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the Tokugawa period (1603-1867). Some stretches of the trail, which forms part of the Five Highways to Edo (now Tokyo), have remained extremely picturesque.

A route that supported customs and traditions

One of the most beautiful stretches, the Kiso valley, gives the impression of reliving these forgotten moments in time while discovering the Japanese countryside. In each valley there are a number of stop-off points, juku, where travellers and their horses would once take a break before continuing on their voyage. Today, 69 of these remain and are exceptionally well preserved.

Hiking also offers the opportunity to learn more about traditions and those who would have once taken this route, such as newlyweds travelling to Edo for the ceremony. One of them, Kazunomiya, the youngest sister to the emperor (and great-great-aunt to the current emperor) was sent to Edo in 1861. Aged 16, she was due to marry the fourteenth Shogun. According to legend, tens of thousands of people accompanied her on the great voyage.

More information on the Nakasendo trail can be found on the Japanese National Tourism Organisation’s website.