SEASONAL GUIDE · 11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
Japan on Foot: Alps & Nakasendo in September
A walking journey through lesser-known Japan: from the alpine trails of Kamikochi and the summit of Mount Norikura to the stone-paved stretches of the historic Nakasendo Route between centuries-old post towns. High mountains, traditional Gassho-zukuri villages and a finale in Kyoto among temples and shrines. For travellers who want to know Japan by walking it, not just visiting it. September is one of the most stable windows of the year at altitude: clear skies, open trails, and less risk of weather-related closures.
EN CORTO
Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Full itinerary, no dead days or unnecessary transfers.
Season
September
September is one of the most stable windows of the year at altitude: clear skies, open trails, and less risk of weather-related closures.
Group
Max. 16
Small groups of 6 to 100 years old; travelers from different Spanish-speaking countries may coincide.
Pace
Demanding
Clear physical requirements so you can assess if the trip is for you.
DEPARTURES FROM SEPTEMBER
- September 1–11, 202713 locations
We don't sell tours: we offer guided adventure trips, in Spanish, in small groups of up to 16 people, with a Spanish-speaking Wandernow guide and local guides; travelers from different Spanish-speaking countries may coincide on the same departure.
Price per person when paying in a single installment. You can also defer it into staggered payments.
See full tripWHAT IS COVERED
Japan on foot, from the Alps to the samurai road
INCLUDES
- 10 nights of accommodation with breakfast
- Place-to-place ground transfers (Day 2, Tokyo–Matsumoto van)
- Place-to-place train transfers (Shinkansen and regional trains for the rest of the itinerary)
- Wandernow guide
- Local mountain guide (Days 2 to 7)
- Kamikochi trek (Day 2)
- Mount Norikura ascent (Day 3)
- Shirakawa-go walk (Day 4)
- Narai-juku tour (Day 5)
- Nakasendo Trek: Torii Toge Pass (Day 6)
- Nakasendo Trek: Magome to Tsumago (Day 7)
- Higashiyama and Fushimi Inari walk, Kyoto (Day 9)
- Luggage forwarding (Takkyubin) between stops
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- International flights
- Meals not listed (suggested budget: $70.00 US dollars/day)
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Local city transport and optional extra activities
WHAT TO PACK FOR SEPTEMBER
- 01Broken-in trekking boots
- 0225-30 L daypack
- 03Technical layers and light down jacket
- 04Foldable trekking poles
- 051.5 L water bottle or hydration system
- 06Personal first-aid kit and high SPF sun protection
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why go to Japan on Foot: Alps & Nakasendo in September?
September is one of the most stable windows of the year at altitude: clear skies, open trails, and less risk of weather-related closures.
Do I need prior experience?
It is advisable to arrive with good physical condition and some multi-day hiking experience. Before you book, we will review the elevation profile and suggested training with you.
Are flights included?
No. International flights are not included unless the trip details expressly state otherwise.
I'm traveling alone, is that a problem?
None. Solo travelers are welcome and accommodation is assigned by gender (man with man, woman with woman) without an extra single room charge. Couples travel in double occupancy.
How can I pay?
Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay, and Google Pay, via WeTravel. You can pay in a single installment or defer with a deposit and deferred payments.
How much does the Japan on Foot: Alps & Nakasendo trip with Wandernow cost?
$4,729.00 US dollars per person paying in a single payment. On the deferred plan the total is $5,140.00 US dollars per person: a $1,000.00 US dollars deposit to hold your spot and up to 10 deferred payments (the last one 60 days before departure). Prices are per person in double occupancy. Solo travelers share a room with someone of the same sex; couples stay together.
How many days is the Japan on Foot: Alps & Nakasendo trip?
11 days / 10 nights. A walking journey through lesser-known Japan: from the alpine trails of Kamikochi and the summit of Mount Norikura to the stone-paved stretches of the historic Nakasendo Route between centuries-old post towns. High mountains, traditional Gassho-zukuri villages and a finale in Kyoto among temples and shrines. For travellers who want to know Japan by walking it, not just visiting it.
What departure dates are there for Japan on Foot: Alps & Nakasendo?
Confirmed departures: September 1–11, 2027. Each departure runs with a maximum of 16 travelers.
What is and isn't included in the Japan on Foot: Alps & Nakasendo trip?
Includes: 10 nights of accommodation with breakfast; Place-to-place ground transfers (Day 2, Tokyo–Matsumoto van); Place-to-place train transfers (Shinkansen and regional trains for the rest of the itinerary); Wandernow guide; Local mountain guide (Days 2 to 7); Kamikochi trek (Day 2); Mount Norikura ascent (Day 3); Shirakawa-go walk (Day 4); Narai-juku tour (Day 5); Nakasendo Trek: Torii Toge Pass (Day 6); Nakasendo Trek: Magome to Tsumago (Day 7); Higashiyama and Fushimi Inari walk, Kyoto (Day 9); Luggage forwarding (Takkyubin) between stops. Not included: International flights; Meals not listed (suggested budget: $70.00 US dollars/day); Tips; Travel insurance; Local city transport and optional extra activities. International flights are not included unless the trip page expressly says otherwise.
Can I travel solo to Japan on Foot: Alps & Nakasendo?
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome and are given shared accommodation by gender (man with man, woman with woman) at no extra single-room cost. Couples stay together in double occupancy. Groups have a maximum of 16 people (ages 6 to 100), and travelers from different Spanish-speaking countries may join the same departure.
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REAL BUDGET
How much does a 2027 trip to Japan on foot: Alps and Nakasendo from Mexico, Latin America or Spain cost?
The price of a trip to Japan on foot: Alps and Nakasendo, what is included, what you pay separately and how to budget flights from Mexico.
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Nakasendo Trail: what it is, how far you walk and how to prepare
A practical guide to the historic road, its best-known sections and the preparation needed to walk it.