What's included
Everything you need to plan your own Nakasendo journey
19 GPX Track Files
One file for each day, covering the entire 540+ km journey from Sanjo Ohashi in Kyoto to Nihonbashi in Tokyo. You can upload these files to any hiking app on your phone (like AllTrails or Komoot) or GPS device (such as Garmin or Apple Watch) to accurately track the route we followed.
Free for all subscribers
Day-by-Day Blog Series
Detailed write-ups for all 19 days, including post towns, history, what we ate, where we stayed, and the small moments that made the trail memorable. Published as we write them.
Free for all subscribers
Season & Weather Guide
Early spring in the Nakasendo brings mild days, cold mornings, and the chance of snow in Gifu and Nagano. We documented the daily weather so you can pack appropriately.
Free for all subscribersGPX tracks — common questions
What exactly is a GPX track?
Think of it like Google Maps, but for hiking. Instead of directions to a restaurant, it shows you the exact path we walked. Every turn, every post town, every shortcut. Open it in any free hiking app like Garmin, AllTrails, or Komoot, or your GPS watch, and a line appears on your map. You can also load it in Google Maps in the "My Maps" section, and it will appear in the Google Maps app. Your phone shows you where you are on that path in real time, so you always know if you're on track. No signal needed!
What do I need to use these files?
Your smartphone will do! Download a free app like AllTrails or Komoot open the file we send you, and the route appears. If you have a Garmin watch or similar GPS device, it works there too. Alternatively, you can use a standalone GPS device if you have one and load it there as well; there is no limit on how many devices you can load it on.
Can I edit the GPX files?
Yes, you can edit these on your app of choice. If you decide to walk less, visit a different museum, etc., you can add these points to your map.
