Nagoya Side Trip to the Kiso Valley | japan-guide.com

Learn more about this trip to the Kiso Valley:
www.japan-guide.com/ad/kisoji/
For this 3 day trip we will be checking out some of the popular attractions in the city of Nagoya, before travelling back in time to the Kiso valley to explore the beautifully post towns of Magome and Tsumago, partake in a calligraphy experience at Ochiaijuku, and end the trip with a visit at Iida's Puppet museum as well as a boat cruise along the Tenryu River.
- Video Credits -
Host and Narrator: Sam Evans
Videographer: Charles Sabas
Producers: Sam Evans, Stefan Schauwecker & Export Japan

[@nakami2001]

私は日本人ですが、このビデオを見て日本を旅したいと思いました。

[@ultrasonicradiation]

Rural Japan is so much more relaxing than big cities.

[@u13erfitz]

Ur Mom rural everywhere in a first world country is more relaxed than big cities.

[@carmcam1]

@@u13erfitz not only first world countries, rural areas are relaxing anywhere.

[@ajienugrahapratamaputra1630]

Carmela Camba well you haven’t come to a rural area in Indonesia then🤣

[@martin7002]

Free from americans

[@jedi423]

@@martin7002 And Europeans

[@gewglesux]

I need to get back to Japan... It's so beautiful.

[@gewglesux]

@RedJoker Ahh good for you...I think the next time i go i'm going to steer clear of the city... the country is much more appealing.

[@gewglesux]

@RedJoker I was just in Germany... loved it.. I dont know... Being in a large City -means being in a large City. I think i get the same feeling.. I take that back.... Reykjavik is a small city.. to me if felt like a village... I would like to go back too... but i think that during the time up to 2020 its going to be more crowded. I'm not sure where to go to this summer... if i'm smart i'll stay home save a few dollars and then do something later on.. Japan does have it charms... I think that when i cam back. Japan and the UK were the only places i said.." i could live here"

[@gewglesux]

@RedJoker I love living here in the states... but i do wish that at times it was easier to get around. I mean i wish everything was a tad closer together. We have slow rail service.. it makes you want to either drive or get on a plane. While in Europe it was the coolest one minute your in Germany and the next it's a different Language. I didn't follow my own advice...... I like to visit everything that i can when i'm on Vacation... However while in Europe this past time... i didn't plan properly and go to Poland.. I hate to be the "couldda wouldda shudda guy" but that is exactly what i did... Next time there's always a next time.

[@ashakydd1]

You and I both. I was supposed to be in Japan for 3 weeks in April, but that didn't happen. I am now planning a trip for next year that will be an entire month.

[@gewglesux]

@@ashakydd1 I'm so happy for you... It's really a beautiful place. If time and finances will allow One Month is an ideal amount of time to spend there. That's what i did. I have friends in the UK who were informed from British airlines that they won't be going in Sept. They have to re schedule for next year some time. I feel so sorry for people in this situation... you included.. I can tell you this gives you time to save more money to spend while your there. you'll want to do everything.

[@tb8651]

My wife is from Nagoya, we've been married almost 30 years, and in all many times I've been there we've only travelled through Kiso Valley on the way to another destination. I'm going back next week and Kiso valley will be a destination this trip! Thank You for such a beautiful and informative video.

[@japanguide]

Thank you somuch for the nice comment, we're happy to video inspired you to visit the Kiso Valley! Hope this will be a memoral trip :)

[@derroz3157]

Im from Kenya visitin Nagoya; On da way to the walk lets go ya

[@Itami95]

We enjoyed walking from Magome to Tsumago but wow, I need to return to the Kiso Valley! The Bunraku puppet theatre museum, writing Japanese calligraphy and the river looked like highlights to me. Thankyou once again. Your videos are beautifully made highlighting so many aspects of Japan.

[@kensuzuki4580]

We are going there in 3 weeks after visiting Kyoto! Thanks Sam and the team for the tips!!

[@wasawasa9776]

Nagoya is my home, and I love this city.

[@pjskywalker2457]

I just wanted to tell you how much I loved your video. It’s a long story so I will make it as short as possible. My daughter lives in Aomori Prefecture and on my second visit to Japan, I decided that the second half of my month long stay In April, was to see Central Japan all on my own. I picked Nagoya as my base City (which I came to love) and had a 21 day train pass to use as I took daily side trips to see various places. My first trip was to Tsumago and Magome as I walked the Nakasendo Trail between. When I saw them again in your video, it brought a warmth to my heart and tears to my eyes as this was my first ever adventure as a solo traveler on my own in Japan. I had taught myself enough Japanese to be able to get by and for those two weeks on my own I traveled every day to a new place. Being a student of Japanese history another favorite day trip was to the fields in Sekigahara where Ieyasu Tokugawa won the great battle and unified Japan. Ok, enough, I would go on and on about Central Japan but you know.....you were there too. Thank you for my trip down memory lane ☺️🙏

[@markylon]

Solo traveller on your own? Isn't that what solo means?

[@doioz]

Finally a good video about Kiso valley on youtube. You did a fantastic job as always with screen, information, animation and everything else. It's just a joy watching your videos, keep it!

[@abnerdanuarta9809]

I bet the scenery of the river looks stunning in the autumn

[@carloslunghard3971]

Great video, showing Japan's natural side, away from the huge metropolitan cities. Nice to see how you appreciate the beauty of simplicity, nature, serenity and japanese cuisine.

[@3082frank]

I just love the traditional and historical architectures. I would love to some day explore Japan.

[@kimtakahashi5735]

Japan is magical. One of my favorite destination in the word. ❤❤❤

[@happy-xu9pe]

What a country with a combination of technology and culture!!! Oh Japan I respect you.

[@MaxAlexTigerNova]

Beautiful Adventures...super! Thanks again for sharing and more videos to come.

[@celebrityrog]

I took a train from Nagano to Nagoya to Kyoto through the Kiso Valley. I thought it was beautiful and I hadn't even seen all the hidden gems offered in the video. I just knew when we were going through there that it was a place I'd like to come back and spend more time in than just passing in a train. Now on my second trip to Japan we are planning to spend time in Nagoya which means I can explore the valley a bit, so I'm taking notes and pinning things in maps for sure.

[@japanguide]

Have a nice second trip there!

[@TallerdeVitrales]

I love your channel and your videos. They are excelents! Congratulations!

[@09rakka]

how beautiful Japan is!!

[@kristinwight8465]

The Toyota museum textile part is amazing! And most docents speak English to help explain the machinery.

[@wildtraveler8855]

Great content Sam! This makes me excited to visit Japan!

[@epiklab]

Thank you for this. It's both entertaining and informative. Nagoya is definitely on my KZbin video list!!

[@robertwing7974]

I was considering a trip to Nagoya, and this seals the deal for me. Thanks for another incredible video :)

[@BelloBudo007]

I am delighted that your videos are promoting life outside of Japanese cities. Personally I have always found the experiences of food, people, scenery & space far more to me liking. Country people are so friendly, and if you can manage a polite word or two in Japanese, they are ever so happy.

[@garagespiders]

Have wanted to go to Magome-Tsumago for some time now. Been to Takayama a couple of times. Kiso valley is lovely.

[@lucilekelly6587]

Was in Nagoya and Kiso Valley last year and walked the Nakasendo Trail from Tsumago to Magome. Enjoyed the experience immensenly.

[@Astran0th]

All those wonderful old towns!

[@Raszagal1983]

first time watching your channel, 1 min into the video i already knew it was high quality. liked and subbed. thank you for sharing

[@Ungoliant92]

I recommend walking between Magome Tsumago. Also, Narai is one of the post towns on the Nakasendo that made me even more feel in ancient Japan.

[@streetvideos260]

Each of your videos are so professional. Just love you describe the itinerary. Thanks you such videos.

[@japanguide]

Thank you!

[@davecheng9403]

Would not have thought about visiting there until I watched this video. Thank you.

[@erichalim]

Amazing. Must go there someday.

[@MillennialTravelConfessions]

Thank you for helping us plan our trip 👍

[@boxerblake1]

Beautiful. Thanks for the great video!

[@sushimaccheese]

Wow!! Never saw this part of Japan before. SO beautiful. Stunning! Thank you for sharing 👍👍

[@martin7002]

Then your not a real fan

[@alexandersveryown4760]

I really wanna travel like this someday. Just experiencing the culture and the area around me. Tasting the foods, and looking at beautiful areas

[@rext8949]

Your expression while biting into the chicken is priceless .

[@Jowurel]

Thanks for sharing! I didn’t know about any of these places except Nagoya.

[@rosalindcatunao9746]

Thank you for this video natsukashi desu! lots of memories in Nagoya

[@priceandpride]

Bless you for making that dull trip somewhat interesting

[@MrRodtal86]

Great content Sam! I am excited to visit Japan!

[@donaldlewis567]

Love these videos - fantastic! We have been to Nagoya, but not the surrounding area yet. And, just have to say - we have a huge crush on Sam - he is way too cute!

[@1knightstand007]

I truly appreciate this video as I'm going to Nagoya in September.thank you very much

[@pjskywalker2457]

1knightstand007 You will LOVE IT 😍

[@BoopsNstuff]

I can’t wait to travel there!

[@spun_01]

We did the walk from Magome to Tsumago on January 3rd this year, and it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. I highly recommend walking it and not blowing past it all in a bus.

[@Roscoe921]

What time of the day did you start your trek? I'm keen to do this

[@spun_01]

Mari We stayed in Nakatsugawa, caught an 8am bus to Magome. After the walk to Tsumago we caught a bus to Nagiso Station then a train back to Nakatsugawa. It was a perfect daytrip.

[@Roscoe921]

​@@spun_01 Thank you for replying! I'll be exploring central Japan end of December thru January. I can't wait to go back.

[@pjskywalker2457]

I did the very same thing In April of 2018 and loved it❤️ I came prepared and was able to stop at the famous purification waterfall and let it wash over me. Such a beautiful and spiritual commune with the natural beauty of rural Japan. So much to see in the central part of this beautiful country. 😍

[@madrockkcordam]

Yep. Did the walk in 2013. Amazingly it wasn't busy. How is it these days?

[@SeniorCoupleDays]

I live near Nagoya. There are many more interesting places in Nagoya. It's a great place to enjoy. Please come to Nagoya.

[@yomommastupid]

Very well done. I did the same tour couple years back but without planning. I started in Nakatsugawa and ended in Nagano.

[@rita5531]

Thank you for the upload. Im visiting Japan, my 3rd...actually still clueless on my plans... Think Ill follow this one. ITINERARY GOALS... SOLVED!

[@ngpl83]

Finally a longer video. Thank you

[@japanguide]

You're welcome.

[@Freerider1703]

I'm gonna do that trip next march. Thank you so much for sharing that important place. I'm obsessed with history and culture and walking a beautifully preserved Nakasendo will be an awesome adventure.

[@japanguide]

Nice! We hope you'll have a nice trip!!

[@deepam1968]

Amazing place !!!!

[@dennisyounkin644]

Great to see Nagoya again, i work for Toyota North America and have been to Japan 6 times but never to the Train Museum. Will have to make the trip..

[@manapamornmalirat]

Excellent and highly informative clip!

[@marygebbie6611]

If you have time and good weather to hike between them, I recommend it! Also, there is a local fried dango dish that is famous you can try. That area is also famous for kurikinton, a dish made of chestnuts, and you can often find kurikinton soft serve ice cream in Magome and Tsumago.

[@devindiperera5766]

hey, I'm planing to hike through tsumago to magome. Would you please be kind to tell me how to access there from nagoya.

[@child737]

nagoya fort very beautifull.i visited.

[@00ta]

Great filming!

[@jimkenny4154]

Great contant and information as usual.

[@ShaneMaesenko]

I moved to central Nagano last summer, and until now I have yet to do much exploring of the Kiso Valley area, although I know it's famous and has great historical significance. This video introduced several things I didn't know before, such as the grasshopper dish and the puppet museum. I have added a few of these places and items to my future exploration plans. Thank you for making nice content like this!

[@chongseitmooi2593]

Wonderful trip

[@reiwababa9930]

Thank you , I can follow this guide .

[@evenstarelectricrailway3281]

I've been planning for a trip to Kiso Valley along Nakasandou for years, merely awaiting a chance to make it come true. My plan, however, centres around Kiso Fukushima. Thanks for the sharing, letting me know there are more to enjoy.

[@japanguide]

Have a good trip!

[@kaushikalugalla3270]

Thanks for the video 🌸

[@sherwinclarencego1933]

Nagoya on its own can be very boring but its an excellent base for various side trips. Kiso Valley, you can also go all the way to Matsumoto and then the Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route (not available on winter). You can also go to Shirakawa-go from Nagoya and Takayama is also a nice city you can visit after a trip to Shirakawa-go.

[@pjskywalker2457]

Sherwin Clarence Go I spent 15 days exploring Central Japan on my own (first time ever) and people who just want to do the tour of the popular cities don’t know the real heart of Japan. ☺️

[@ladydiannepalogan1782]

I miss Sam Evans. I have been to JP four times, and I wish I could do this route someday. I want to explore central JP, and this channel, japan-guide, is very helpful.

[@Dundunmommy]

One of the most beautiful videos so far! Great soundtrack and interesting spots!

[@haruminhanna3838]

Thank you for sharing nice video.

[@fordee1964]

The places you visited in the countryside looked deserted, yet they had beautiful buildings and atmosphere. I wonder why nobody visits there...

[@yasrichanel205]

Nice place,soon come there. Thank and good job

[@Allinho2008]

Beautifully made video:)

[@dreamingofyooo]

Watching this video and reliving my memories of Japan while we are on lockdown (due to Covid).. wondering when I can return to Japan. 🥺🥺🥺

[@yagneshbhatt8399]

Lovely video and awesome photography. Best wishes from Mumbai

[@andreluismatias]

Great content.

[@DogaTvJpn]

hot damn this is a great video! well done guys.

[@japanguide]

Thanks very much!

[@elizabethfarrell9650]

Really liked this.

[@reiwababa9930]

Japan very clean .

[@Boomdizzle99]

This WILL be on my itinerary on my trip to japan in april. Ill do it a bit differently of course

[@japanguide]

Hope you will enjoy your trip! The Kiso Valley is such a beautiful area.

[@user-df5dh4xo5f]

its my hometown! come on man!!

[@sumimaind]

ok, you convinced me!

[@user-tc1rb4gu5p]

Thank you 😳😳 good job 👍 バス 一人じめ 😄😄😄

[@tknuwan]

Oh my god Japan is so pure. I lost my breath at some point in this video..

[@leaf4267]

This is what i call TRUE Paradise.

[@jackndu1119]

i want an adventurous life, but my wallet 💰 doesn't agree with me😁😂

[@amandamiller304]

your wallet itìs my bank manager who gets upset by my adventures

[@epiklab]

If only money grows on trees XD

[@rayvanwayenburg998]

jack NDU the second time i went to Japan I didn’t spend much. Air bnb and convenience stores. It’s made it easier to experience Japan :)

[@michaelsgrantham]

Tsumago to Magome is awesome. So nice to see it showcased in such a beautiful way. You guys are putting out some really amazing videos. I did this in the Autumn several years ago and the fall leaves were simply stunning. Great video Sam, ever give any thought to switching to mirrorless? Those Canons did a great job but I imagine that's a lot of weight to carry around! Keep up the great work guys. We're planning to be back in Nagoya this summer and will hopefully make a bit of a jaunt down to Okinawa...fingers crossed.

[@japanguide]

Thanks for the kind words! Switching to mirrorless camera bodies is a current debate around our office. We have a Canon EOS R, but with the lens adapter, the weight difference seems minimal. Time will tell though, the mirrorless revolution may win out in the end.

[@ramawm]

I've watch all of your videos and read the website too. Would be much appreciate if guys could give an idea of how much it cost. Beautiful video as always, thank you!

[@canadiantree2000]

Thank you for the quality of your videos. I am planning a 15 day trip to Japan & Nagoya is on my radar, do you have any tips on cheap Ryokans with private onsen? I'll be travelling with my wife. Many thanks

[@DionPerdanaPutra]

This useful information for explore nagoya because near from nagoya ^_^

[@frawldog]

Cool

[@MegaMastiffman]

The Maglev is sick I can’t wait for it to go live

[@ianc4342]

That's a whole lot of walking Sam!

[@MisumaruShimomura]

・Interesting your Japanese guide video.

[@libmananchannel]

Nice channel!

[@JapanNagoya]

thank you　my town visiting

[@quangirvine2000]

Thanks.

[@davidcole333]

I've never seen anyone look so geeked to try a fried grasshopper.

[@andrearbarcia]

Great video! But i have a doubt, can we use the japan rail pass to take all of those trains/buses?

[@jptdjdjptmamwtjmtjm]

日本人なのに初めて知った！！行ってみたいなぁ。子供に見せてあげたい。古い日本。

[@scorpionprincess8799]

Would love to visit Japan but have no idea how much it will cost for a trip like this .Could you give specifics as to how much the train and bus tickets cost and your accomodations for the night plus food.Great vid thanks again :-)

[@johncantu287]

Sam... love Japan Guide and your videos!!! Theyre super helpful!!! I'm planning my trip to the Kiso valley now, but I'm unable to book my stay at Shinchaya... there's no website and we even tried calling to no avail... any suggestions on how to book that place??? You're help is much appreciated!!! Thx!!!

[@halfthefiber]

The struggle is real for Southpaws! (Although Sam did a great job at calligraphy).

[@user-df5dh4xo5f]

名古屋はええで！来てくれや！

[@beepbeepbloop]

Sam, mate, I wish I had your job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!