Nakasendo Trail

Med over 13 millioner innbyggere i det som betegnes som storbyområdet alene, er Tokyo offisielt verdens mest befolkede byområde. Denne massive og fascinerende metropolen byr på høyteknologiske fremtidsvisjoner, samtidig som den holder på tradisjonell japansk kultur. Tokyo er en vakker by som har blitt stadig mer glamorøs gjennom tidene, blant annet gjennom sin imponerende arkitektur og sine fantastiske museer og kirker. De ulike distriktene gir byen en fenomenal variasjon – fra elektroniske magasiner i Akihabara og livlig ungdomskultur i Shibuya til praktfulle keiserlige hager og helligdommer i Chiyoda. For ikke å glemme de fantastiske keramikkbutikkene og tempelmarkedene i Asakusa. Tokyo har virkelig litt av alt for alle.

Superbly located in the centre of Japan, Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and one of the nation's most important transportation hubs, historical centres and industrial powerhouses. The town developed around the iconic Nagoya Castle, built during Tokugawa Ieyasu's rule in 1612 and rebuilt in 1959 after being destroyed in World War Two. Today, Nagoya is one of the few truly modern cities in Japan and is also the birthplace of one of the biggest car manufacturers in the country, The Toyota Motor Corporation, so be sure to visit the Toyota Automobile Museum. The Nagoya City Science Museum amalgamates modern technology, life sciences exhibitions and boasts the world's largest dome-screen planetarium. Nagoya has a cosmopolitan atmosphere that combines fascinating museums with historical temples and diverse shopping areas.

The historical town of Tsumago is located in the lush Kiso Valley on the route between Edo and Kyoto and served as a post station during the Edo period (1603 to 1868). The old-world ambience, beautiful traditional wooden buildings, and an incredible setting amid densely forested mountains make Tsumago an utterly charming destination. There are numerous enthralling Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to see, which have stood since Shogun times. A 30-minute walking trail leads from one end of Tsumago to another, taking in the lovely local architecture and several museums along the way. Those looking for a more strenuous hike should try the beautiful nine-kilometre route between Tsumago and neighbouring Magome. As cars are prohibited on the main street during the day, and phone and power lines are concealed, the village is often spoken of as having ‘escaped modernisation’, feeling like an ‘open-air village’ or somewhere where time stood still.

Situated in the mountainous Nagano Prefecture in central Honshu, Japan, Kiso-Fukushima is a picturesque rural town best known as the historic check-point for the 500 -kilometre Nakasendo route that linked Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo Period. Encompassed by rugged mountain landscapes, the town is an ideal base from which to hike up Mount Ontake, the second largest volcano in Japan following Mount Fuji. The Yamamura Residence is the stately former home of the local Owari clan governor surrounded by a lush garden and showcases numerous artefacts that include original documents, ceramics, weapons and clothing. Perched on a hilltop and overlooking the Kiso River is Fukushima Sekisho-ato, the fascinating remains of the Fukushima check-point where travellers on the Nakasendo route were required to present their passes before continuing on their journey.

Nestled alongside the mountains of the Japan Central Alps, the rugged and forested Kiso Valley lies in the southwestern corner of the Nagano Prefecture. Previously known as Nakasendo, the valley played a significant part in connecting western Japan with the economic hub of Tokyo during the Edo Period. Today, it is renowned for its spectacular natural landscapes, picturesque villages and famous hiking trails. Visitors flock here to explore the area on foot, embarking on numerous hikes, the most famous being the scenic hike between the villages of Tsumago and Magome. These two historic villages serve as well-preserved living museums featuring restored wooden buildings, cobblestoned streets and rustic shops. Other popular activities include cycling, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, and skiing at one of the resorts scattered along Kiso Valley.

Matsumoto is a city on the island of Honshu, set within the Nagano Prefecture. The city is surrounded by the snow-capped Japan Alps and developed around the captivating Matsumoto Castle, that still stands today. The palace garden is known as one of the best spots in Japan to view blossoming cherry trees - decorated with over 300 of them. Other must-sees include the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, which houses one of the world’s biggest private art collections (over 100 000 pieces), and the Daio Wasabi Farm. Wander the trails between fields and sample interesting wasabi products such as wasabi chocolate, wasabi ice cream, wasabi flavoured crackers, and more.

Osaka er en stor havneby og et travelt handelssentrum på den japanske øya Honshu. Byen er kjent for sin moderne arkitektur, deilige gatemat og sitt pulserende uteliv. Her vil du også finne en rekke tiltalende attraksjoner, som for eksempel National Museum of Ethnology, Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses og Japan Folk Crafts Museum, samt det restaurerte Shogunate Osaka Castle fra det 16. århundre som er omgitt av en vollgrav og kirsebærblomstrende trær. Se også Universal Studios Japan og Expo Commemoration Park, som holder på det ikoniske Tower of the Sun.