Central Alps

The Central Alps comprise the Kiso mountain range and are part of the Japanese Alps which bisect Japan’s main island of Honshu. This is the landscape which dominated the work of the eminent 18th century woodblock artist, Utagawa Hiroshige. The mountainous countryside features highlights such as the stunning Kiso Valley and the particularly beautiful Kaida Plateau dotted with rural hamlets.

The Alps have been made famous by the legendary Nakasendo Highway which was an ancient trading route linking today’s capital city Tokyo (formerly “Edo”) with the ancient capital city Kyoto during the feudal Edo Period (1603-1867). Whilst not all of this central mountain road has survived, the most scenic sections have been preserved and provide a unique walking experience between Kyoto and Tokyo.

Assistance and further information:

• For assistance in undertaking walks in Japan’s Central Alps, click the button below:

• For information on other walks in Japan, click the button below:

• For information on some of the best walks in the Central Alps, click the buttons below.