During Japan’s Edo Period (1603 to 1868) the Tokaido was the most important of the five major routes (including the Nakasendo, Koshu Kaido, Nikko Kaido, and Oshu Kaido) as it provided the most direct link between Kyoto and the new capital of Tokyo, then called “Edo.” 

Stretching over 500 kilometers between the two cities, the name Tokaido translates as “東 / to = eastern; 海 / kai = sea; 道 / do = road,” or the “The Eastern Route by the Sea.” 

Most travelers made the journey on foot and, in ideal weather and conditions, the entire Tokaido Trail could be traversed in about 10-12 days, however, if conditions were bad, the journey could take a whole month. Along the route were 53 post towns serving as places to rest and refuel with plenty of lodging, restaurants, and other businesses a traveler may need.

Unlike the more remote Nakasendo Trail or “Nakasendo Way” which largely still exists today, the heavy use of the Tokaido forced its modernization early on into what is now the JR Tokaido Main Line and Tokaido Shinkansen, as well as the Tomei and Meishin expressways.

While many post towns on the Tokaido also have modernized, some, such as Seki-juku, still remain much in their original form—retaining the atmosphere of the Edo Era. Here you can walk along the Tokaido and enter several traditional inns and merchant houses that have been well-preserved from the Edo Era. Additionally, the reconstructed Hakone Tokaido Checkpoint serves another great location for experiencing what life was like along this historic trail.

Want to walk the Tokaido Road for yourself?

Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer highly entertaining group-tours of Nagoya and the surrounding areas that are sure to please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road
Period	all year round
Time	9:00-17:00
Meeting Place	JR Nagoya Station
Adult Rate	¥24,900
Child Rate	¥12,900

Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Nagoya area, and other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going. 

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter. With door-to-door service, we can pick you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighboring regions. For more information, please click HERE to check availability and pricing for your trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!