Nakasendo Trail

During Japan's feudal period, the Nakasendo Trail linked Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo) via the mountains, rather than the Pacific coast—via the Tokaido route. Samurai, merchants, feudal lords and their entourages walked or rode the route which passed through 69 towns along a relatively gentle pathway. The route takes you through some wonderful mountain scenery, and passes quite close to hot springs and famous temples. Being just off the bullet train route, it winds though a more peaceful and traditional Japan. From the zero point on the Nihonbashi (Japan Bridge), the journey heads out of Tokyo into the Kiso valley, hopping from one small village to the next, where it's traditional for travellers to stay in ryokans—traditional Japanese inns. Narai and Tsumago (both very well preserved towns), Niekawa (known for its local lacquer ware), Magome and Kiso-Fukushima are all worth staying in, though there are many more choices. The whole route is 530-km-long and takes about 22 days of tramping without too much dallying, though most people walk only a section of the whole—the bit between Magome and Tsumago being one of the most popular.