Introduction: Where Exactly Is the Nakasendo Kiso Route?
You’ve probably heard of the Nakasendo Trail, but do you know where it actually runs? I sure didn’t—at first! The Kiso section spans eleven post towns across Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. As one of the Edo–Kyoto highways, it was once traveled by intrepid travelers traversing mountains and valleys on foot.
What’s amazing is how accessible this historical route is from Tokyo! In this post, I’ll share the route I took to reach Kiso-Fukushima Station as a base for walking the Nakasendo, based on my own journey.
🚄 Best Route from Tokyo: Shinkansen + Shinano Limited Express
1. Tokyo → Nagano via Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka or Asama)
- Time: ~1 hr 40 min
- Tip: I always buy a single ticket from Tokyo to Kiso-Fukushima via Nagano—no need to exit the gate!
- Standout feature: Platform #6–7 at Nagano Station has a rare stand-up soba shop. I had their hot tempura soba—it felt like a warm embrace between trains. Save a few minutes between transfers and definitely stop! 🍜
2. Nagano → Kiso-Fukushima via Limited Express Shinano
- Time: ~1 hr 30 min
- You stay on the same ticket from Tokyo, so you don’t even exit the gate.
- Onboard: eye candy everywhere—with views of the distant Japanese Alps and lush valleys that make you feel like you’re truly traveling.⠀
🏨 From Kiso-Fukushima Station to Tsutaya Ryokan
- By taxi or local shuttle (if available): ~5 min
- On foot: ~15 min
- There’s also a no-frills “annex” right across the street.
- The ryokan’s wooden architecture and Edo-era ambiance greeted me with pure nostalgia.
🤔 Why Base Yourself at Fukushima-Juku/Ryokan Tsutaya?
Fukushima-Juku sits perfectly between the three main post towns:
- Tsumago: Around 50 minutes via train + bus via Nagiso
- Magome: Around 1 hour via train + bus via Nakatsugawa
- Narai: Just 20 minutes by train on the JR Chūō Main Line
That means you can day-trip to all three from your base night!
Dinner at Tsutaya is delightful, and the onsen with live Kiso-bushi songs? Absolutely unforgettable.
✏️ What About Other Routes?
Sure, you could take a highway bus, loop via Nagoya–Chūō Line, or go via Matsumoto. But those options risk arriving late with no dinner, confusing connections, or just plain hassle. That’s why Tokyo → Nagano → Kiso-Fukushima is the slickest, smoothest route. A true travel win.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Who says you need weeks to step into Japan’s past? In just about 3.5 hours, you can teleport from Tokyo to Edo-era roads. It’s an efficient, eye-opening escape. Trust me—you’ll come home and everyone will ask, “Where was that amazing trip?”
Ready to follow the same path? Let’s turn this into your journey 🔥
