Usui Pass Edo Era Walk, Karuizawa

About this activity

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.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Audio Guides Cultural Tours Walking Tours Nature Walks Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 5 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 30 people
People per booking: 1–30
Audio guide: Chinese, English
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: 一般社団法人安中市観光機構

Ages: Children (10–12 years) · Adults (13–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Shrine offering fee for visiting Kumano Shrine is included.
Included: Admission fee for the Nagai Family Residence Memorial Hall is included.
Included: Rental of Edo-style traveler’s attire, including sedge hat, raincoat, guards, and travel permit.
Included: Commemorative pass for crossing Usui Checkpoint, one of Japan’s three great checkpoints.
Included: Snacks: Enjoy a tour-exclusive bento featuring the famous “Tōge no Chikara Mochi,” once beloved by Edo travelers, prepared by the historic Tamaya Drive-in.

Not included

Not included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.): Transportation fee to Usui Pass Observation Deck is included.
Not included: Luggage transport fee (not included, available as optional service).

Itinerary

Former Usuitouge View Point

10 min

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.
Kimano Shrine

20 min Admission included

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.
Usui Pass

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).
Stop 4

30 min Admission included

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.
The remains of Usui Sekisho

20 min Admission included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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).
Access Information

To Karuizawa Station:

Shinkansen arriving at 8:56 is recommended.

From Yokokawa, take JR Bus (8:10 dep. → 8:44 arr.).

From Karuizawa Station:

Apr–Nov: Karuizawa Aka Bus departs Hotel Harvest Kyukaruizawa 9:40.

Other seasons: Use taxi, or local bus + 50 min walk, or 90 min walk.

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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

Options

Nakasendo Usui Pass Walk

Starting point:

Usui Pass Observation Platform, Togemachi, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0101, Japan
luggage delivery to Yokokawa

Luggage transport from Karuizawa Station to Yokokawa for 1,000 JPY per item.

Starting point:

軽井沢駅北口タクシー乗り場, Japan, 389-0102 Nagano, Kitasaku District, Karuizawa, ７６１駅