Known as a leader in immersive, community-based travel experiences across Japan, Oku Japan is once again expanding the paths less travelled with a relaunched Nakasendō Minoji Self-Guided Tour, offering travellers an even more holistic way to experience one of Japan’s most historic walking routes.
This thoughtfully refreshed itinerary combines the best of both worlds along the famed Nakasendō Trail – weaving in the much-loved Kiso Valley section, renowned for its beautifully preserved post towns, while also guiding travellers into the quieter Minoji branch, where they can discover gems like Ōkute and Ōi, communities that remain wonderfully authentic and far less visited than their Kiso Valley counterparts.
“The spirit of Oku Japan is about going deeper – into the landscapes, traditions, and communities of Japan,” says Hiroshi Kawaguchi, general manager for Oku Japan. “With the relaunch of our Minoji journey, we’ve refined the experience to better align with what today’s travellers are seeking – a balance of iconic highlights and lesser-visited places where discovery feels personal.”
Starting further west than the Kiso section – where Oku Japan’s classic Nakasendō tours take place – but ultimately joining it, the enhanced Minoji tour stretches across five perfectly paced days. Travellers walk between two and seven hours daily, journeying through forests, across mountain passes, and into exquisitely preserved post-towns, including Tsumago, Magome, and Narai. The adventure culminates in Matsumoto, home to one of Japan’s most striking original castles. Along the way, guests stay in traditional inns, soak in onsen, savour seasonal cuisine, and connect with locals through Oku Japan’s signature fureai encounters, a Japanese term that refers to the connection between people, offering small but meaningful interactions designed to deepen the overall journey.
As the only travel company in Japan with local branches along both the Nakasendō and Kumano Kodō, Oku Japan remains uniquely positioned to deliver authentic, sustainable journeys that support rural communities while helping to preserve cultural heritage.
Other Oku Japan tours along the Nakasendō feature both self-guided and guided opportunities for discovery, including:
Self-guided:
- Nakasendō self-guided walking (3 days, 4 days, and 5 days)
- Nakasendō and Kamikochi walking (6 days and 10 days)
Small-group guided:
- Nakasendō and the Kiso Valley (8 days)
- Nakasendō Trail (12 days)
- Winter Nakasendō Trail (8 days)
