Usui Pass Edo Era Walk
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About This Experience in Karuizawa
Why Visit Karuizawa?
Karuizawa, Japan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Karuizawa provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Karuizawa
You can reach Karuizawa, Japan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city has excellent public transportation systems, including trains, subways, and buses. Taxis are widely available, and the transportation infrastructure is efficient and reliable.
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.
What's Not Included
- Transportation fee to Usui Pass Observation Deck is included.
- Luggage transport fee (not included, available as optional service).
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- 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
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
At Usui Pass Observation Deck,For guests using the Luggage Transport Service (advance reservation required) ・Please meet at Karuizawa Station at 9:00. ・We will store your luggage and provide instructions on the route to Usui Pass Viewing Platform (note: staff will not accompany you).
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.
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
At Usui Pass Observation Deck, you’ll receive an... 10 minutes
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.
Visit Kumano Shrine, one of Japan’s three great... 20 minutes
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.
Our certified guide will lead you along the... 3 hours
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).
Together with your guide, stroll through the former... 30 minutes
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.
This checkpoint once monitored travelers during the Edo period 20 minutes
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
