Minimum Guests
2 Person
Activate Day
0 Nights/ 1 DaysBest Travel Time
|
Period |
Weather & Scenery |
Highlights & Tips |
|
Apr - May |
Mild (8-18°C), cherry & azalea blooms |
Sakura-lined stone paths at Magome; light crowds; residual snow on mountain peaks |
|
Jul - Aug |
Cool (15-26°C), lush cedar forests |
Prime hiking season; shaded trails through woodlands; avoid midday heat (start early) |
|
Oct - Nov |
Crisp (6-20°C), vibrant autumn foliage |
Red/gold maple contrasts with Edo-era wooden buildings; hot soba perfect post-hike |
|
Dec - Mar |
Cold (-2-10°C), snow-covered landscapes |
Serene "snow country" scenery; trails require crampons; limited tea house hours |
Cultural & Culinary Highlights
|
Experience |
Details |
|
Edo-era Post Town History |
Magome & Tsumago were 2 of 69 nakasendo post towns for travelers between Edo (Tokyo) & Kyoto. Tsumago hides power lines to preserve historic charm |
|
Local Cuisine |
Magome: "Hojicha Parfait" (roasted green tea dessert) at Magome Karyo. Tsumago: "Zaru Soba" (cold buckwheat noodles) at Tsumago Soba-ya |
|
Completion Certificate |
Collect wooden or paper certificate at Tsumago Tourist Center ; stamp with Magome & Tsumago seals for authenticity |
|
Bear Safety |
Trail is equipped with bear bells (ring to deter wildlife); no recent bear sightings reported to tourists |
Essential Gear List
|
Category |
Items |
|
Footwear |
Waterproof hiking boots (ankle support recommended); trail runners acceptable Apr-Nov |
|
Clothing |
Layered system: quick-dry base + fleece; lightweight rain jacket (Jun-Sep) |
|
Equipment |
Daypack; 1.5L water bottle (refill at tea house); trekking poles (optional, for descents) |
|
Extras |
Sunscreen (SPF 50+); hat; camera (golden hour photos at Magome Pass); cash (no ATMs on trail) |
Private Car & Safety Tips
1. Parking Details: Magome drop-off at West Parking Lot (GPS: 35.4972° N, 137.5568° E); Tsumago pickup at 1st Parking Lot (GPS: 35.5241° N, 137.6012° E) .
2. Trail Markings: Follow red "Nakasendo" signs & stone markers; paths are well-maintained but muddy after rain .
3. Driver Communication: Share hiking pace with driver (e.g., "delay 30 mins") via WhatsApp; driver will adjust pickup time.
4. Emergency Contact: Save Tsumago Tourist Center number (+81-26-672-2500) for trail issues; English support available.
Tour Timeline
If you need to increase or reduce the number of travellers, please contact us for customised arrangements.
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Private Car Transfer & Itinerary Overview
Difficulty: ★★☆ (Moderate) | Hiking Distance: 7.7km | Elevation Change: 320m
Suitable for: Cultural history enthusiasts; nature lovers; all fitness levels
Private Car Service: Door-to-door transfer (Nagoya → Magome-juku; Tsumago-juku → Nagoya); English-speaking driver optional
Time
Activity & Location
Duration
Key Details
07:30-09:30
Private Car Pickup (Nagoya) → Magome-juku
2hrs
Scenic drive through Kiso Valley; drop-off at Magome-juku West Parking Lot (5-min walk to trailhead)
09:30-10:30
Explore Magome-juku (Edo-era Post Town)
1hr
Wander 600m stone-paved main street; visit Fujimi-yagura Watchtower for valley views; coffee at traditional tea house
10:30-14:00
Hike: Magome-juku → Tsumago-juku
3.5hrs
Follow "Nakasendo Trail" signs; traverse cedar forests & rural hamlets; 2 rest stops with facilities
14:00-15:30
Explore Tsumago-juku (Historic Preservation District)
1.5hrs
Visit Waki-honjin Okuya (Important Cultural Property); get "Completion Certificate" at tourist center
15:30-17:30
Private Car Transfer: Tsumago-juku → Nagoya
2hrs
Depart from Tsumago-juku 1st Parking Lot; relax post-hike with bottled water & snacks provided
Hiking Trail Breakdown (Magome-juku → Tsumago-juku)
Checkpoint
Altitude
Est. Time
Key Experiences
Magome-juku Trailhead
720m
10:30
Start at Magome Tourist Info Center; grab English trail map (free); note bear bells along path
Magome Pass (Prefecture Border)
940m
12:00
Cross boundary between Gifu & Nagano Prefectures; photo op with historic marker
Mountain Tea House
880m
12:30
Rest at Torii-tei Chaya; try matcha tea & rice crackers (English menu available)
Otaki Waterfalls
820m
13:15
Optional 10-min detour to "Male & Female Waterfalls"—legendary training spot of swordsman Miyamoto Musashi
Tsumago-juku Arrival
680m
14:00
Enter via east gate; stroll car-free main street (vehicles banned 08:00-17:00)
- None
Tour Price
Based on a private tour for 2 people including accommodation, local transportation and guided sightseeing/activities. Price may vary depending on the itinerary, travel date, number of travellers and selected hotel category.
Price Excludes:
- International flights
- The meals not mentioned in the trip plan
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance, and repatriation insurance
- Optional excursions, activities, and optional tours
- Reservations marked as "reserved by traveler" are reservations that the traveler is responsible for directly.These items are not reserved or supported by kimkim and are included in the trip plan just for completeness.
- Any charges due at the hotel include local city taxes
Clients Reviews
We wanted a customised trip instead of a standard tour group, and Three Bears Travel delivered exactly that. Norman took the time to understand what we liked and built an itinerary around food, shopping, and local experiences. It felt personal and flexible, not like a cookie cutter package.
Tom Harris
Feb 01, 2026
A huge thank you to Louise and Three Bear Travel for crafting such a fantastic Japan itinerary! Every moment was well thought out - whether it was the serene temples of Kyoto, the bustling streets of Tokyo, or the delicious food tours. The guides were knowledgeable, and the accommodations were excellent. We couldn’t have asked for a better travel experience!
Emily Carter
Feb 01, 2026
Three Bears Travel made our first trip to Japan so easy and enjoyable. From the initial planning to the final day, everything was well organised. The team really listened to what we wanted instead of giving a generic tour. It felt like travelling with a local friend who knows all the best spots.
Mark Davies
Jan 10, 2026
We travelled to Japan with our two kids, and Three Bears Travel made everything so easy. Shirley helped us plan a family friendly itinerary, and the highlight was definitely Tokyo Disneyland. Our kids were obsessed and still talk about it. The hotel location was perfect, and the schedule was not too rushed for children. Worth every dollar!
Hannah Lee
Dec 08, 2025
From start to finish, the team was professional, friendly, and efficient. The itinerary was fully customised, the pricing was reasonable, and the communication was clear. It felt like they genuinely cared about our experience, not just selling a tour. We will definitely book with Three Bears Travel again.
Olivia Brown
Oct 28, 2025
Best trip ever, no exaggeration. Norman and Shirley were both super friendly and helpful throughout the process. Even when we had last minute questions, they replied quickly and clearly. The Japan itinerary was efficient, exciting, and full of little surprises. Already planning our next trip with them.
Lily Chen
Aug 05, 2025
I have travelled a lot, but this was one of the smoothest trips I have ever had. Robert handled our planning and was extremely professional and responsive. Transport connections were perfect, accommodation choices were excellent, and the pace of the trip was just right. Three Bears Travel exceeded our expectations.
Daniel Thompson
Jun 20, 2025
Huge thanks to Ben and Three Bears Travel team for an unforgettable trip. The logistics were seamless, trains, hotels, tours, all spot on. We could just relax and enjoy the journey. If you want a stress free holiday with great local experiences, these guys are the real deal.
Jason Wong
Jun 03, 2025
Louise did an amazing job tailoring our trip to match our interests! We wanted something cultural but also fun, and she nailed it. Tea ceremonies, small local restaurants, and places we would never have found ourselves. Everything felt personal and thoughtfully planned. Highly recommend!
Sophie Martin
May 01, 2025
What really impressed us was the value for money. Ben customised our Japan trip based on our budget, and somehow we still got great hotels, smooth transport, and amazing experiences. Compared to other agencies, Three Bears Travel offered much better pricing without cutting corners. Highly recommend if you want quality and value.
Andrew Wilson
Mar 11, 2025
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