(Summer Only) 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hidden Gems of the Kiso Valley

Join us for an unforgettable day-trip from Nagoya combining nature, culture, and history—offering a unique glimpse into the heart of rural Japan. Explore hidden gem locations throughout the Kiso Valley starting with a hike through a stunning gorge filled with pristine nature and roaring waterfalls. Dive into Japan’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to a traditional Kabuki theater and discover the region’s deep love for this centuries-old performing art. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Magome, a charming post town along the historic Nakasendo Trail as your English-speaking guide explains the fascinating history of this ancient samurai route that once connected Kyoto and Edo. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or cultural explorer, this tour offers something special for everyone.

*As lunch options are limited, please purchase a bento box or other food items before the tour starts, and bring them with you. Time will be allotted to eat while on the trail.

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

• Hike through Tsukechi Gorge, with plenty of time to rest and take in the view.
• 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, Tsukechi Gorge.

Tsukechi Gorge is one of the best-kept secrets within the Kiso Valley. This stunning natural gem will surely impress with its stunning natural beauty, particularly the lush greenery, clear river waters, and impressive waterfalls—so be sure to bring your camera!

Your guide will lead you on a hike through the gorge with plenty of stops along the way to take pictures and soak up the fresh mountain air. The hike is roughly one kilometer long and will take about one hour to complete.

We will stop to eat our bento lunches along the trail (weather dependent). So please ensure you have purchased a bento box or other food items before the tour starts, and bring them with you. After our hike, we will head to a nearby theater to learn about a local favorite pastime—Kabuki.

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.

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
• Admission into all locations included in the tour
• Transportation during the tour

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

• There will be a significant amount of walking required (including steep stairs), so please wear appropriate shoes/boots.
• 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 Kiso Valley 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 summer, the weather in the Kiso Valley is typically hot and humid, with average daytime temperatures ranging from around 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F), though it can occasionally reach over 35°C (95°F). Please pay attention to the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• This tour is not suitable for small children due to the steep stairs involved.