(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Local Traditions of the Kiso Valley & Nakasendo Road

Embark on a scenic escape to the mountains and immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan’s Kiso Valley as you explore the rich history and traditions of the villages along the Nakasendo Trail on this day trip from Nagoya.

Delight in a hands-on soba-making workshop where you’ll create and savor this iconic dish. Explore a traditional Kabuki theater and learn about the region’s favorite pastime. Wander through the picturesque streets of Magome-juku, a historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail, and soak in the tranquil surroundings. 

Led by an experienced, English-speaking guide, this full-day tour offers a chance to relax and recharge in the serene countryside of Central Japan.

Is your preferred tour date not available? Please check HERE for information about availability for a private tour on that day. If you are in search of other tours in Nagoya and the rest of Japan, please see our complete Tour Listings.

Highlights

• Experience making (and eating) soba noodles in a soba making workshop.
• Discover the region’s love for Kabuki with a visit to a traditional Kabuki theater.
• Stroll the streets of Magome and learn about the history of the Nakasendo Trail.
• Have a snack or window shop in the quaint town of Magome while you enjoy some of rural Japan’s best scenery.

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 8:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings on our tour bus if you feel the need.

Your guide will provide you with a brief history of the region and set the scene as we depart Nagoya JR Station via our tour bus. We will take a short break at a roadside rest stop to stretch our legs before arriving at our first destination, a local Kabuki theater.

Kabuki, a traditional Japanese theatrical art form, holds significant historical and cultural importance along the Nakasendo Trail and the Kiso Valley, especially through its regional variant, Ji-Kabuki.

Ji-Kabuki is distinct from other Kabuki forms, in that it was performed in small community theaters or temporary outdoor stages, often during local festivals or important celebrations. These theatrical performances became a form of local identity, reflecting the values, customs, and social dynamics of these rural areas—often featuring tales of local heroes and historical figures that resonated with the audience.

You will have a chance to speak with a Kabuki actor, go backstage, and explore one of these beloved theaters in a guided tour.

As we continue our journey through the Kiso Valley, you will have the opportunity to participate in a soba-making workshop. 

The Kiso Valley has long been renowned for cultivating some of the finest buckwheat in Japan, leading to the production of exceptional soba noodles. Local chefs have been perfecting the art of preparing this traditional dish for centuries, and the meal became a practical and nourishing meal for travelers along the Nakasendo Trail.

A local chef will guide you step-by-step through the process of making soba—which you will then be able to enjoy with an optional side of tempura.

The last leg of this journey will bring us to the picturesque town of Magome-juku. Situated on a slope, this town offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery and features a main street lined with traditional wooden buildings. Learn about the town’s role as a post town along the historic Nakasendo Trail while taking pictures of the town’s famous waterwheels.

Your guide will provide you with a tour of this charming town while allowing plenty of time for you to go off and explore on your own. Sample local delicacies or purchase some souvenirs to commemorate your trip. Of course, your guide will be on hand to take photos to make all your friends and family back home jealous of your time in Japan.

From here, we will return to the station via our tour bus and say our goodbyes there. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 8:00 A.M.

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the Sakura-Dori gate (the side with the gold clock). In this case, please walk straight through the station towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 8:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Soba Workshop
• Admission into all Tour Locations
• Transportation during the tour

Excluded

• Optional Tempura side
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

• This tour is not wheelchair accessible and will not be suitable for most guests with mobility impairments. Should you have any concerns about your ability to join the tour, please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
• The drive from Nagoya to the Nakasendo Trail is around 2 hours, and while there will be a bathroom stop along the way, please come prepared to spend a few hours on our tour bus while we are heading to our destination.
• In the winter, the weather in the Kiso Valley is typically cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, especially in January and February. Daytime temperatures range from around 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F), but it can feel colder with wind chill. Please pay attention to the weather forecast. We recommend dressing in layers, allowing you to stay warm during outdoor portions of the tour and adjust as needed while indoors.
• This tour is not suitable for small children due to hands-on soba making workshop.