Snacking on the Nakasendo
The Nakasendo (literally “The Way through the Mountains”) is an ancient highway that linked the cities of Kyoto and Tokyo. Dating back to the 7th century, the route was used at its peak during the Edo Period (1600-1868), as one of the Five Highways (“Gokaido”) designated by the Tokugawa shogunate. The advent of modernization in Japan starting with the Meiji Restoration meant that this ancient route became disused, with parts purposefully removed — including some of the honjin inns where the feudal lords stayed — as vestiges of a backward, draconian regime. Walk Japan, however, takes visitors on a unique journey across those stretches that have been preserved or even rediscovered in recent years. In addition to the stunning walks through the countryside and …
