Hidden Craft Village and Nakasendo Historical Town Walking Tour
Join us on an unforgettable journey as we explore the historic Nakasendo trail, starting from Maibara Station and heading towards Samegai-juku, a charming post station village from the Edo Period.
During this immersive experience, our expert guide will lead you through Samegai-juku, where you'll uncover the secrets of this historical village. You'll visit the local shrine and temple, nestled near a pristine spring that feeds a crystal-clear stream running through the heart of the community. Indulge in the flavors of the region with a delectable, locally sourced lunch at a traditional ryotei restaurant – don't forget to inquire about our vegetarian options if that's your preference.
Following lunch, we'll embark on a picturesque 4 km walk to Kaminyu, a hidden gem nestled in a tranquil mountain valley. The journey begins on level terrain, gradually ascending before gently descending, offering breathtaking views of the countryside, from lush rice fields to serene forests.
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Hidden Craft Village and Nakasendo Historical Town Walking Tour
What's included in Hidden Craft Village and Nakasendo Historical Town Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
First, your guide will take you to Samegai juku, a post station town of the historic Nakasendo trail. Nakasendo was once one of two main trails that connected Edo (old Tokyo) and imperial Kyoto. A small crystal clear river runs through the heart of the village, fed by a nearby mountain spring, and also attracts summer visitors every year who come for the rare baikamo or water buttercup, an aquatic flower that grows only is very clean and clear waters.
Enjoy a lunch of local delicacies at Higuchiyama, an authentic ryotei restaurant that was once a former honjin of the post town (the highest class of lodging, reserved for Edo officials). Dishes feature locally sourced ingredients, such as rainbow trout, raised in the waters nearby. The chef is great at adapting to dietary preferences, allergies, vegetarian or vegan meals too, but please be sure to be notify of such requests when you request reservation.
After lunch, we'll embark on a refreshing 4 km walk to Kaminyu, where a resident of the village will show us around, give a peek into the community and workspaces, and opportunities to meet and talk with locals. Our guide will help translating as necessary. Visit studios of craftsmen to learn of their traditional craft, and the intricate methods of making butsudan (Buddhist altars), a 300-year-old local handcrafting trade.
Inclusions
- Light Refreshment
- Locally-sourced ryotei bento lunch
- Professional Bilingual Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Train Fares to Meeting Point / Train Fares from Meeting Point to Tour Venue (420 yen one-way)
- Souvenirs, food, snacks, etc.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Our guide will meet you at JR Maibara Station by the main ticket gates. To get to JR Maibara Station from JR Kyoto Station, please take the bullet train eastbound. Please note that some Hikari and all Nozomi do not stop at Maibara. We will inform you of the train schedule once confirmed.
