Usui Pass Edo Era Walk

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5 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 2 more

Step into the Edo period and follow in the footsteps of shoguns and travelers on the historic Nakasendo. This guided walking tour takes you across the Usui Pass, once known as the most difficult section of the route, while immersing yourself in history and nature.

Along the way, Kamishibai storytelling brings to life legends of Sakamoto-juku, depicted in ukiyo-e prints. Dressed in Edo-style travel gear (sedge hat, straw raincoat, travel pass), you’ll visit landmarks such as Kumano Shrine, the Usui Sekisho checkpoint, and the Nagai Family Residence, where Emperor Meiji once stayed.

Experience the journey with all five senses:
See: History and legends through Kamishibai
Taste: Chaya Bento with Toge no Chikara Mochi
Hear: Multilingual guide commentary
Smell: Cedar forest phytoncide walk
Touch: Cross the pass in Edo traveler attire

At the end, receive a souvenir certifying your Usui Pass crossing. Relive samurai culture and discover one of Japan’s most fascinating walking routes.

What's Included

Shrine offering fee for visiting Kumano Shrine is included.
Admission fee for the Nagai Family Residence Memorial Hall is included.
Rental of Edo-style traveler’s attire, including sedge hat, raincoat, guards, and travel permit.
Commemorative pass for crossing Usui Checkpoint, one of Japan’s three great checkpoints.
Enjoy a tour-exclusive bento featuring the famous “Tōge no Chikara Mochi,” once beloved by Edo travelers, prepared by the historic Tamaya Drive-in.
Transportation fee to Usui Pass Observation Deck is included.
Luggage transport fee (not included, available as optional service).

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point

Dismissal Point The tour ends at the Usui Sekisho Ruins (National Historic Site). JR Yokokawa Station (train and bus) is just a 5-min walk. For return, trains toward Tokyo depart around 16:00, and buses to Karuizawa leave at 17:20 (Oct 2025). Our nearby office offers rest space and souvenirs.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    At Usui Pass Observation Deck, you’ll receive an introduction to the Nakasendo trail ahead and the iconic landmark Mt. Myogi, a guidepost along the route. Here, you’ll also step across the border between Nagano and Gunma, experiencing the gateway to the Kanto region.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Visit Kumano Shrine, one of Japan’s three great Kumano shrines among 3,500 nationwide. With a history of over 1,900 years, recorded even in the ancient Nihon Shoki, the shrine offers a chance to experience Japan’s deep traditions through a guided explanation and a formal visit.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Our certified guide will lead you along the Usui Pass of the Nakasendo, once walked by shoguns. Along the route, historical sites and landmarks are brought to life through easy-to-understand illustrated storytelling (kamishibai picture cards).

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Together with your guide, stroll through the former Sakamoto-juku post town, once a lively stop for travelers crossing Usui Pass, famously depicted in the ukiyo-e series “Kiso Kaidō Rokujūkyū-tsugi.” You will also visit the Nagai Honjin Memorial Hall, where Emperor Meiji once rested, and admire rare cultural treasures such as a ceiling decorated with Karakami gilt leather paper, preserved in only a few places in Japan. Local guides will bring these traces of history to life.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 5

    This checkpoint once monitored travelers during the Edo period. Under the shogunate’s decree, it strictly inspected “incoming guns and outgoing women.” Visitors will learn about this unique history through explanations provided by the local preservation society.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by 一般社団法人安中市観光機構

Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Walking Tours
Nature Walks

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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