Hiking Japan's Most Legendary Trail | The NAKASENDO

[@hideokogawa]

I(a Japanese) remember walking that trail wice when I was young. At that time, many young Japanese people traveled nationwide as part of a campaign called "Discover Japan." There were no foreigners there at the time. Now, many foreigners visit, and it feels like "Discover Japan" is experiencing a revival. Thank you for your detail article.

[@hori166]

What a spectacular time to do the Magome - Tsumago leg of the Nakasendo! @ 16:18 The Nakasendo is dotted with these natural springs--the water is cold and sweet--there were no convenience stores or bottled water back then. The Yabuhara - Narai segment is also rewarding and much less traveled. You'll be alone most of the time and the climb to the summit is more challenging. During the Edo Period travelers wore straw sandals. Some were carried by porters in palanquins and others carried merchandise. And then there were the mail runners. They must have been incredibly fit back then! Be sure to take a look at Hiroshige's ukiyoe prints of all 69 Stations (juku). The print of Magome is taken exactly from this spot in your video @ 18:07. BTW those bells are more suited to reciting a Buddhist sutra rather than scaring off any bears...

[@rhill1985]

Stunning, well documented and beautifully edited video. Love every bit of it especially the music choices that put so much emotions into, and the sunlight breaking through the trees at 25.50 is breathtaking. Thank you.

[@JunOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching :)

[@markurta1]

Recently walked part of the Kumano Kodo trail. It was beautiful and my next walk will be Nakasendo. That soba restaurant meal at the end - 美味しかった！

[@geraldineliew9460]

i love this trail. Did it in 2020 with my 2 year old twins, just before covid hit. Back then it was really quiet and it felt like we were the only ones doing it at that time. I wish to go back and do a longer trail walk.

[@JunOutdoors]

Must be really beautiful and tranquil without the crowd :)

[@shim2484]

Hi Geraldine is it easy to find the correct paths? I am thinking of a solo hike

[@geraldineliew9460]

@@shim2484 yes it is. my husband did it carrying my 2 year old kid :) enjoy. highly recommended

[@shim2484]

@@geraldineliew9460 Thanks (:

[@patriciaobrien2219]

My 1st trip to Japan 15yrs ago did some of this trail . Loved Gifu

[@JunOutdoors]

That's lovely. Bet you enjoyed it a lot. It's a beautiful country :)

[@mohdabduhng1871]

Wow Wow Superb video sharing with us those stunningly magnificent scenery Autumn really amazingly beautiful Oh yeah, with light make-up, liangnoy Jun semestinya cun n gorgeous Wish i could revisit Japan

[@JunOutdoors]

Thank you. Was really mesmerized by Japan's beauty. Left cosmetics years ago. High maintenance. Lol.

[@mohdabduhng1871]

@@JunOutdoors Went to Japan 1990(Liangnoy Jun most probably belum lahir hihihi)on a company training trip of almost two months, what really2 amazed me were 1) the Japanese, warm kind sincere... 2) the punctuality of the train, arriving just on the dot 3) superb attitude of all drivers where they never jump queue during traffic jam(my experience from Narita airport to hostel of some 3 hours on the road), unbelievable for Msia standard 4) mandi bogel !!! The company's common bathroom with hot pool, a culture shock for us Msian to see people bath in complete nude, of course me n Msia colleagues never dare to do that lah hahaha And of course the scenery the beauty of Japan (cheery blossom was the highlight of my trip) but its an expensive country, present exchange rate make it even more costly to visit Wish to do something similar to your trip but my children need to sponsor their dad baru boleh pergi

[@beagle3570]

Another amazing vlog, Jun. A trail good for our soul! ❤

[@JunOutdoors]

It really is! Thanks for letting me be a part of this :)

[@themrgumbatron]

beautifully documented. bucket-list hike

[@ervinslens]

What a brilliant cinematography my friend! Absolutely stunning work, you narrated this so professionally!!

[@JunOutdoors]

You're very kind. Thanks :)

[@pinnylukito]

31:41 Hi Jun. Thank you for the amazing video❤. Btw, do Ryokan hosts not serve breakfast & dinner for their guests? I'd seen it on other videos.

[@Its_just_me_again]

what a wonderfully put together video. great videographer, edit and pacing. im equally impressed by the speed of you posting it as im fully aware how long putting together a vid like this takes. you seem to have done the trail a week or so after me and im still in the editing stage of my vid lol. what a wonderful place :)

[@JunOutdoors]

Thank you. It is a one-man team where I am the director, actor, videographer, editor, everything! Creating a video like this takes time, yes, but I always make time. Really nice when the efforts are recognized. Thanks :)

[@blackblurr-be8hi]

Beautiful 👍👍

[@alancrossley4461]

Another beautiful piece of videography Jun. So entertaining and , as ever, you make me very hungry and tired after a long hike through this beautiful country. It’s difficult to believe that the soldiers of Japan were so cruel. To see such lovely people is so wonderful. Have a lovely Christmas. Kind regards Alan

[@JunOutdoors]

Thanks Alan. Always so kind with your words. Wishing you a merry Christmas too! :)

[@Leei]

Thank you for sharing this experience with us! Absolutely beautiful scenery, autumn at its best. When exactly was this filmed?

[@JunOutdoors]

Thank you. This was filmed on Nov 1st :)

[@pishedbloke]

This is your best video yet! Loved everything about it, you really brought out the beauty of Japan.

[@JunOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks :)

[@muamar78]

👍 ... you've said it all in your video. Love it!

[@JunOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@sofiajburke]

So stunning! Can't wait to walk this

[@JunOutdoors]

You will enjoy this trail!

[@ceciliashim3433]

Totally enjoyed this vlog!! Amazeball 😘

[@JunOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@khooalbert9948]

Jun, thank you for the great video. Exactly when were you hiking the Nakasendo trail, i would like to catch the same period of Fall too when i plan my trip for Nakasendo

[@JunOutdoors]

It was 1st Nov :)

[@Hopeful_Koi]

Beautiful! Thank you so much for the lovely video

[@dougblalock5175]

Jun, you never disappoint with your videos. Thank you for taking the time to share your magnificent travels. Excellent job 👍👍! Godspeed good woman.

[@JunOutdoors]

Thanks for your kind words :)

[@unebonnevie]

I LOVE Japan!

[@batangnorte7059]

Amazing vlog... can't wait to go there. Can I ask what month did you go there coz I love the autumn vibe❤

[@hkkbs]

Very well done video! Beautifully filmed!

[@JunOutdoors]

Thank you very much!

[@renanugent4200]

Thank you so much for taking us on your Nakasendo Trail Experience. Almos felt like I was on the trail with you. I'm interested in doing the trip on the future. Beautifully put together video. Would make a beautiful TV programme. We have some similar Walking Trail TV programmes here in Ireland which really help to educate people about what they can experience in Irelan.

[@JunOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed the video. It's my pleasure to share this beautiful experience. Thanks for watching!

[@johnwelk3842]

Hi Jun, I'll be retiring this October 2024 at the age of 60. Planning also a Nakasendo Trail hike next year. What particular month did this Nakasendo hike of yours happen? From your video, looks like the timing was perfect to see the foliage color. By the way, I'm from the Philippines.

[@JunOutdoors]

Hi, my trip was end of october till early November. Just the right time to see and experience the colours of autumn. Congratulations in advance for your retirement!

[@lhubfrankhub6510]

So nice hear this sharing and exchange info .. I can see I could go on this trail…

[@nolamatthews7951]

Jun, that is such a beautiful trail. I have never thought about going to Japan, but after you sharing your video it has inspired me to look into walking the trail. I love the autumn leaves, I live in the wet tropics of Australia and we don’t get the four seasons, it is more like Malaysia where you live. Thank you for making the video and sharing. ❤️🌸🌺 Nola 😊

[@JunOutdoors]

That's lovely to hear. I hope you make it to Japan one day. Avoid the cities, go into their wilderness, enjoy some hot green tea, and breathe in lots of Zen :)

[@nowgaku]

What a experience!

[@jrco1010]

thank you for sharing. hope i can do this one day :)

[@senseiksan9721]

At 17.06 they could be white birch trees......heard that on another video. Beautiful episode Jun.....thank you .

[@street6118]

17:06

[@JunOutdoors]

Thanks for the input! Cheers :)

[@wooihenry]

nice one jun, i went last month trek from nagiso to magome

[@JunOutdoors]

Last month was the peak of Autumn. That's about the same time I went. Nagiso to Magome - wow, that's even longer!

[@wooihenry]

@@JunOutdoors that's why i brought along my camping gear to cook lunch along my way. 😂

[@fionang4414]

Hello, love your video 😍 a realistic view into the trail. Im planning to hike this trail in April! May I know if the small bells on your bags are bear bells as well?:) is it necessary and where could I get them?:)

[@JunOutdoors]

Those little bells are bear bells. You could get them from one of the many souvenir shops in the post towns! Thanks for watching :)

[@davidchan5424]

Greetings from David Kampar. The wooden "clogs" the 3 of you wore at the Ryokan, is called GETA. It is purely made of wood and is quite difficult to wear and walk,initially. Hope you enjoyed them,despite the initial uneasiness.

[@JunOutdoors]

Hi David from Kampar. So it's called a Geta, thanks for that info! Yeah not the most comfortable footwear but definitely forces one to take smaller steps and try to be graceful. Lol

[@davidchan5424]

You may not believe but it had been proven that in an unhappy hostile situation where the assailant has a weapon ( sword,stick,pole),quickly getting the feet off the Getas,and fitting each to our palm,with the two wooden protruding parts facing Outwards , we can immediately have a pair of defensive armaments !ha ha !

[@davidchan5424]

a​@@JunOutdoors

[@rozitahipeni8715]

Hai jun..love all your camping vids,but this is my fav...wish i could go too❤❤❤

[@JunOutdoors]

Thank you. It is really a beautiful place to experience :)

[@ilmarinen79]

11:08 I think all the Spanish people would love to drive around with that sweet thing

[@subodhrathi9512]

Very beautifully made, thoroughly enjoyed. I am planning a trip around nov mid this year along with my elderly parents, wife and a 2 year old kid. what would u suggest we take for dressing up, do u think we would still be able to see the autumn colors?

[@JunOutdoors]

Mid Nov, yes you will probably still need able to catch the autumn colours :)

[@ems9097]

hi jun, this video was an absolute delight to watch! is the shuttle bus from nagiso to tsumago and magome provided for by the ryokan or is it a public transport shuttle bus?

[@JunOutdoors]

The bus from Nagiso train station (as shown in this video) was provided for by the Ryokan to get us to the Ryokan. This same bus also took us to Tsumago. The shuttle bus between Tsumago and Magome is a public transport shuttle bus :)

[@baileyekd]

Hello, excellent video and great scenery. May I ask you where did you fly into? We plan to do Kumano Kodo and would like to add the Nakasendo if possible. Many thanks, 😊

[@JunOutdoors]

Hi, thanks for watching. We flew into Tokyo, took a train to Takayama, and did the Kamikochi trail. Thereafter we took another train to Nakatsugawa, and then Nagano, where we started the Nakasendo :)

[@emmapan9362]

Amazing vlog!

[@JunOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@aRVeesBlog]

wow very nice experience friend

[@JunOutdoors]

It was really nice. Thanks for watching!

[@aRVeesBlog]

welcome@@JunOutdoors

[@rayadistri]

Beautiful! Can I ask, what time of the year did you film that video? I didn't catch it in the video. Thanks!

[@JunOutdoors]

This was end of October to early November :)

[@jamescox5883]

When did you film this please? We are going late November and I'm praying the fall colours are still around for our trip. Love the bear bell idea. Hopefully they sell them in Magome

[@JunOutdoors]

This was filmed end of Oct-early Nov

[@SamanthaSim-j4s]

Lovely video. Detailed and wonderfully put together...showing many different parts of the walking trail. Very useful for those like me planning a trip. Like to ask: Where can I get the map which was shown at the beginning of your video? Thank you

[@JunOutdoors]

Hi thanks for watching. The map in the form of a booklet was a welcome gift from a lady who works at the train station! I'm not sure where to get it honestly

[@beagle3570]

Nagiso station :-) The lovely lady who works there, Momo-san.

[@Chris-ut5ih]

Would you say it’s worth the time to do part of the trail as a day trip from Nagoya?

[@ravindranparamsothy2446]

Lovely video , thanks for sharing . We are thinking of doing the Nakasendo Trail in Autumn. What month did you do your walk ? Thank you .

[@JunOutdoors]

I did the walk end of october-early November :)

[@moonflowerkei]

could you kindly share a bit more on how did you plan this hike? Were there permits required, etc. and would this be doable for a solo female?

[@JunOutdoors]

Hello there. Not much planning required for the Nakasendo Trail. Just need to get to Nagiso Station by train, and then a shuttle bus to Tsumago or Magome to start the trek! No permit required. Anyone is free to walk on this trail. Extremely safe so a solo female can definitely do it. You can do it all in 1 day but I recommend booking a Ryokan ahead, so that you can take your time and enjoy the walk and exploring the post towns :)

[@shim2484]

Hi! I am also inspired to go for a hike as a solo female! Do you have exact dates that you are planning for? If our dates coincide are you keen to hike together?

[@bhaskaranm.v.2161]

Greetings from Nepal. This video is beautiful🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵

[@JunOutdoors]

Thank you so much 😀

[@farahzin6307]

Ahhh u make me missssss japan. Went there last November 😂

[@JunOutdoors]

You went in Autumn too. Must be really beautiful :)

[@nz_sailor]

fantastic

[@AmbientWalking]

Thanks for this!

[@johnfurtado511]

Can you tell me where you got your wonderful map book?

[@beagle3570]

Nagiso station :-) See Momo-san, the ever so lovely and helpful lady.

[@rakotzy]

Jun, thank you for your Nakasendo Trail Video, it was both a beautiful video as well as well edited. The views and vistas are amazing. I wish I could do such trip, but been old and wheelchair bound makes it impossible. I have seen many video done about Nakasendo, but yours so far is the best for me. You managed you capture the "Spirit" of the trail; for that.....I am very grateful. Perhaps in my next life I might have the priviledge to do the trail. Your gift is precious, so my girft to you is my subscription to your charming channel and a Big thumbs up.

[@JunOutdoors]

You're very kind. Glad you enjoyed this video. Thanks for subscribing :)

[@paganini600]

Macam NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Good job Jun Mizaki 😂

[@JunOutdoors]

Wow NatGeo. Haha thanks :)

[@vinodms2791]

Lovely vlog!!!! Which month did you do this Jun?

[@JunOutdoors]

This was end of october - early November!

[@micbun8661]

I would like to ask about how to make a reservation for the hotel , is there any recommendation? thank you, ❤the video btw

[@JunOutdoors]

Hi, the best is to contact the hotels/ryokans directly to make a reservation. Do it at least a few months in advance! They are limited and get booked up fast :)

[@micbun8661]

@@JunOutdoors thxyou

[@studiodavidarchitects373]

Hi Jun, Really great video! May I know the time & month you did this trip? Is this in October or November? The Autumn colors are really beautiful.

[@JunOutdoors]

Hey, thanks for watching! This was end of October to early November :)

[@valeriam.4496]

Was this an organised hike? Or everyone was doing the same route? I ll be in Jpn next september next year alone!

[@JunOutdoors]

This wasn't an organised hike. We were pretty much on our own. Most people do the same route - the direction is up to you. The most popular route is Tsumago to Magome, or Magome to Tsumago. Some people also extend their stay and explore further

[@29eukanuba]

May I please know which month did you hiked this trail?...many thanks!

[@JunOutdoors]

Hi, this was end of Oct till early Nov :)

[@nichtakehara9233]

Great colors, which camera are you using for this video?

[@JunOutdoors]

I use a Sony ZV e10, a Samsung S23 smartphone camera, and a Gopro Hero 7 black :)

[@nichtakehara9233]

Thank you! Do you also color grade when editing?

[@alexjg42]

I'm a bit surprised that the restaurants close at 4pm.

[@JunOutdoors]

We were surprised too :)

[@indulci87]

Hi Jun, may I know what time of the year did you hike the trail?

[@JunOutdoors]

It was end of October to early Nov

[@indulci87]

⁠I’m looking forward to the hike after watching your video! Thanks for posting!!

[@JunOutdoors]

@@indulci87 my pleasure to share. I hope you have a good time :)

[@timmo5192]

Is 1 day hike enough or you feel 5 days is needed and go full thing.

[@JunOutdoors]

1 day is definitely enough But if you are there for 2-3 days, you get to enjoy the energy of the place thoroughly :)

[@timmo5192]

@@JunOutdoors Good to know as I decided to do 1 day and go Nachi Waterfall, and add Mount yake on other days with a bit more travel, and use a kansai wide pass for south bit. Going in October. Will travel some other places west Japan also. One of the main factors, was the accommodation was so expensive on trail so going to start early and train late to Matsumoto.

[@brianchar-bow3273]

Even as time passes and the surface of the city changes, nothing remains the same in terms of what lies at the root of Japan's unique culture. The common root of the originality of Japanese culture is the uniqueness of its geopolitical isolated location and the influence of its special natural environment. Even if culture and knowledge are imported from abroad, it is not dominated by them, but rather, after a certain period of time, it is able to select and discard the content, integrate it with its own culture, make repeated improvements to fit its environment, and eventually create its own new style. This is due to the influence of Japan's unique natural environment, which is both rich and harsh, and is very different from the natural environment on the continent. Japan's original country name "NIPPON" means "the country under the sun," but its other name is "YAMATO (WA, DaiWa)," which means "peaceful harmony between people and nature.　In other words, the name of Japan is "the country under the sun," meaning the country of "great harmony between people and nature. The history of Japan is very old, about 2,000 years since the reign of the Emperor, but it was during the "Jomon Pottery" culture about 14,000 years ago that humans began to form villages and communities and live in this island nation. (It was about 30,000 years ago if the Neolithic Age is included.) Surrounded on all sides by the sea and geographically isolated from the Eurasian continent in the Pacific Ocean, this island nation has a warm and humid climate, and because it is a volcanic island, it is blessed with abundant underground clear water resources, diverse vegetation, and fishery resources. For this reason, people have lived here for tens of thousands of years, enjoying the abundant nature and living in peace with nature. However, while the natural environment of this island nation is rich, it is also harsh and has both light and dark sides. Since ancient times, the people of this land have respected human harmony and have lived in peace by working together as a group. They have shared and enjoyed the blessings of nature by pooling their wisdom and collectively overcoming numerous severe and harsh natural disasters, such as frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, summer typhoons, and heavy snowfall in winter. This is because this island nation has a harsh natural environment that cannot be overcome by a single person. Individual power is too weak to face the onslaught of nature, which can destroy the wealth we have built overnight. Therefore, many people should suppress their egos, dislike confrontation, and work together to create a livable environment and maintain cleanliness, and then work together to prevent disasters before they occur and to restore the environment after they have occurred. This is the most wise, efficient, and rational way to maintain peace and harmony in each other's lives, rather than to create more chaos by insisting on each other's selfishness, which has given rise to Japan's unique teachings, culture, and behavior. The ancient name of Japan, "YAMATO" or "WA" (peaceful harmony between people and nature), represents the wishes and reality of the people who have been trying to survive in the rich and harsh natural environment unique to island countries, which is different from the dry and stable land of the Eurasian continent. And it is in this ancient Japanese country name "WA YAMATO" that the essence of Japanese culture, the origin and secret of its unique culture, which is very different from the cultures of other Asian countries on the continent, is hidden.

[@lucifir3]

Hi jun can I ask which month were u there?great video!

[@JunOutdoors]

This was end of october-early November :)

[@lucifir3]

@@JunOutdoors TQ..am heading there 1st Oct…excited ..thxs for the tips…

[@sarahfanourgakis8215]

What month did you do this walk? Also at what time of the month?

[@JunOutdoors]

It's was end of October/early November

[@clausb5826]

Male and female waterfalls as they are a pair ... 😊

[@JunOutdoors]

Thanks for the info!

[@user-nc7jj7vx2z]

🍁🍁🍁

[@maznimanchannel38]

Amizing video... Love it!!!

[@stephenchung]

My friends n I are thinking of going for this trail.. anyone can help me to plan??

[@JunOutdoors]

I believe not much planning is required for the Nakasendo, except for the transportation to get there, and accommodation while you are there. The trail is open to public all year round, and easy to navigate :)

[@stephenchung]

@@JunOutdoors we are going to just do the 1st 2 sections.. do we need to book any accommodation?

[@cupcake3756]

Did you fwd yr luggage ahead?

[@JunOutdoors]

Nope, we brought everything with us. Luggage was in our ryokan (hotel)!

[@jennylee8256]

Amazing! Kindly share your itinerary, I want to follow you 😊

[@JunOutdoors]

The itinerary is quite a detailed and lengthy one. But what I can say is, take your time in places like these. Will be worth it :)

[@matthiaslow8533]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@janiceting7021]

Amazing trail! May I ask when did you take this? Which month and date? The scenery looks amazing

[@JunOutdoors]

Hi, this was on November 1st, during autumn. Thanks for watching!

[@marieong9591]

What day is this?

[@JunOutdoors]

If I remember correctly it was a Tuesday.

[@dafidafionalisa2643]

Saya follow you

[@Afro3461]

Oh dear, do be careful about misgendering your waterfalls! You could be in danger of upsetting one of them!

[@JunOutdoors]

Oh dear! Hope my guess was right!