Navigating the Nakasendo Way – the number 1 reason to head to Japan!

One of the greatest challenges for travellers, especially as they age, is how to find a pursuit accessible to all in their travel party. After all, not everyone in a family or friendship group is going to be equally fit and able; in fact, some members may even be managing disabilities that limit the amount of walking they can undertake. This is why Japan’s Nakasendo Way is the perfect destination.

This ancient walking route was once used by samurai who, during the more peaceful Edo decades of Japan’s history, were engaged not in fighting, but as civil servants. Conveying government orders and documents, they walked from town to town, stopping for rest and refreshment at what are now referred to as ‘post towns.’ It is the scenic, rural route they hiked, coupled with the restored post towns along the way, which make this a priority destination for those who enjoy travel, especially walking holidays.

Comprising narrow streets, lined with original wooden rest houses, open museums, and shops, the post towns paint a  magnificently restored glimpse of Japan’s extraordinary past. What makes this popular region of Japan even more attractive for older travellers, is it’s accessibility for those of all abilities. Set in the Kiso Valley, it is served by extremely reliable public transport.

Whatever parts of the most popular sections of the Nakasendo Way you decide to hike, it is always possible for those in your party who are less able, to travel by train or bus, and meet you at your destination. Japanese public transport is inexpensive, easy to use, and so adherent to timetables, you can set your watch by it! So, while you are enjoying the challenge of a winding 10 or 16 km trail, you can relax in the knowledge, less able members of your party will reach your destination by train or bus in just 15 -20 minutes. They can be resting in their accommodation or enjoying looking around the post town you will arrive at, just a few hours after them.

As for the most popular sections of the trail itself, it is no surprise many of the folk you will meet hiking, both local and international, are of retirement age. Often paved, sometimes following sealed roads, and generally clearly marked where they meander through forest paths, the Nakasendo Way is challenging in a more gentle way than you might find New Zealand tramping tracks. What’s more, the trail is served regularly by clean public toilets! The popular sections of the route are filled with interest, including semi-rural scenes with views of backyard gardens and everyday Japanese life, rice fields, and temples. The wilderness sections take walkers through magnificent conifer and bamboo forests, and tracts of deciduous trees are filled with colour in autumn.

The post towns themselves (and by following the most popular sections of the Nakasendo Way you will encounter several of these) are beautifully restored. Most offer the opportunity to enter historic merchant homes and businesses, complete with typical Japanese gardens. Each town has its own special character based on its historic commercial activities such as lacquer wear or textile production. Several of the post towns offer onsen (natural hot pools) for a relaxing after-hike soak. Snacks are available along the way, and in each town you will discover different treats such as mochi (glutinous rice in its many different forms), thick, crisp, rice crackers, and excellent coffee and tea served in traditional surroundings.

Although there is a wide variety of accommodation along the most popular section of the Nakasendo Way, none is more inviting than the ryokan. In these traditional inns you will sleep on futons (mattresses) on tatami mats, eat traditional Japanese food, and often be presented with a yukata (a robe) which you can wear as you amble along the street to your onsen.

The Nakasendo Way is a great reason to head to Japan, and if you, or others in your party, are less able, everyone can rest easy knowing you are all heading to your daily destination in the way that best suits your abilities! Be sure to book ahead when travelling on the popular sections of the Nakasendo Way, and use a reliable agent, such as GrownUps Holidays, to help plan your travel, accommodation, and meals. Most of all – enjoy your adventure!