Pink snowflakes on a forgotten ancient highway

Long before the Shinkansen trains zap you between cities in hours, Japanese officials had to walk the mountain trails “highways” for weeks to reach their destination. One of the most famous highways is the Nakasendo that links the imperial capital Kyoto with Tokyo, the shogun’s seat of power. The frequent movement of the officials and their entourage give rise to the post towns that provide accommodation, food and entertainment along the long journey.

Even though they have long since been rendered obsolete, parts of the highway and some post towns have been preserved and beautifully restored. Furthermore, many artisan and guesthouse owners are still working like their ancestors have for generations. So we will be able to experience how it was like to be a traveler in feudal Japan.

Last but not least, we will be visiting at the period when cherry blossom should be in full bloom and it will make the scenery along the trail even more gorgeous!

1) Trip highlights
• Learn about the fascinating system of official travel utilizing the Nakasendo trail
• Explore the painstakingly restored post towns including their charming little stores selling traditional crafts, sweets and tea
• Relive the Edo period by hiking a short section of the scenic Nakasendo trail in the cherry blossom season!
• Stay at rustic traditional ryokan at the post town just like the Edo travelers, while enjoying the marvelous food, onsen and Japanese hospitality
• Hands-on making session of traditional painting crafts
*The above itinerary is only a guide and is subjected to change

2) Requirements to sign up for the trip?
• Passport with at least 7 months' validity
• Valid visa to Japan (only required depending on your nationality)
• HK ID card (if applicable)

3) What to expect for the trip?
• Return flight to Nagoya
• Stay 4 nights in traditional ryokan/minshuku (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
• Local transportation including trains, van or taxi
• Meals (Day 1 D, Day 2,3&4 B+L+D, Day 5 B)
• Luggage forwarding
• All admission, local guide or activities fee
*Please take note that in some Japanese traditional guesthouse, there are only shared toilets and bathrooms down the hallway.

4) How to join this trip?
• The trip fee depends on the number of people joining in the end
• For 9 or more person, it costs HK$19,000 per person
• For 6 to 8 person, it costs HK$22,000 per person
• Please sign up on the waiting list. Once you have made bank transfer of the trip fee of HK$22,000, I will move you to the RSVP list. (Please ask me for bank account details)
• If in the end there are 9 or more persons joining the trip, I will refund the difference of $3,000 to your account.

5) Cancellation and refund policy
• In case of bad weather such that the flight service is cancelled, we might postpone or cancel the trip
• Please take note that the event date is subjected to change or cancellation if there are insufficient attendees
• The trip payment is non-refundable in all other situations

Disclaimer: NineXplorer is an amateur casual adventure group that welcomes anyone with a basic level of fitness. By joining this event, you are deemed to have agreed to the terms and conditions contained in this disclaimer, and agreed to exonerate the tour leaders, the organizers and any other participants in the walks from any liabilities, claims, including but not limited to liabilities and claims as a result of any injuries or deaths or damages arising thereof. Members joining our activities are at their own choosing and at their own risk.