Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park

Best trails in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park

4.4(1,052 reviews)

·

Gifu
: 
#1 of 1 quasi national parks

All photos

The Central Alps, commonly known as the Kiso Mountains, are located in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture and run approximately 20km east-west and 100km north-south between Ina Valley and Kiso Valley. The Central Alps Quasi-National Park is known for its numerous natural scenic spots. The Senjojiki Circus, which is designated as a special conservation area and is located at an altitude of 2,600m, is a topography created during the ice age 20,000 years ago, centered around Mt. Hokendake. The autumn leaves are spectacular, and the ability to easily enjoy the beautiful scenery using the ropeway is also appealing.

The flow of the Kiso River creates countless waterfalls around Neza-no-toko and Kisodadate Falls, and you can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery. Be sure to also visit Nakasendo in the Kiso district, where historic houses from the Edo period are preserved. Shiojiri is known for its 16 unique wineries. Enjoy tastings of fresh local wines.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Nakasendo: Nagiso - Magome

    4.8(338)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.0 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    This trail is a continuous uphill climb from the valley up to the ridgetop town of Magome. The hike features a mix of quiet country roads, peaceful forest paths, and sections of the original `ishidatami` (stone paving) that samurai and merchants used for centuries. The trail takes visitors through the beautiful scenery of the Kiso Valley, passing small farms and walking under a canopy of towering Japanese cedar trees. The main reward is arriving at the top of Magome-juku, one of the most...

  2. #2 - Nakasendo: Yogawamichi Path (Nagiso - Nojiri)

    4.7(289)
    ·Hard
    ·9.3 mi
    ·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    This trail is a steep, rustic, earthen trail that can be muddy and covered in roots. Visitors will be walking deep inside a beautiful, old-growth cedar and cypress forest. It is recommended to carry a bear bell. The reward is a peaceful, atmospheric journey on an ancient path, completely immersed in the sounds and smells of the Japanese forest.

  3. #3 - Nakasendo: Nagiso from Tsumago

    4.8(148)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.5 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    This trail is gentle and well-marked, featuring a mix of quiet country roads and beautiful, shady paths that run alongside the Araragi River, a tributary of the Kiso River. The trail takes you through a classic Japanese forest of tall cedar trees and small farmhouses. The Tsumago-juku is one of the most perfectly preserved post towns in all of Japan. This historic village, with its dark-wood buildings and stone streets, has been meticulously maintained to retain its appearance from the Edo...

  4. #4 - Nakasendo: Nojiri - Nakatsugawa

    4.5(87)
    ·Hard
    ·18.5 mi
    ·Est. 9–10 hr
    This trail is a historic path that has been largely replaced by modern asphalt roads. You will be walking through the Kiso Valley. The route features a historic detour that includes a climb up a section of the original, moss-covered stone paving. This part takes you deep into a beautiful Japanese cypress forest. This is a remote forest, so bear bells are highly recommended for this section.

  5. #5 - Otaki/Metaki Falls - Tsumago

    4.8(26)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.5 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Otaki/Metaki Falls - Tsumago (男滝・女滝 - 妻籠) Heads to the famous Otaki and Metaki Falls from Tsumago, an old inn town on the Nakasendo Road. This area is a popular site for both domestic and international visitors.

  6. #6 - Nakasendo: Yogawamichi Path (Nagiso - Yogawa)

    4.6(23)
    ·Hard
    ·13.3 mi
    ·Est. 6.5–7.5 hr
    Nakasendo: Yogawamichi Path (Nagiso - Yogawa) (中山道: 与川道 (南木曽 ‐ 与川)) Nakasendo is one of the five old highways constructed during the Edo period (1603-1868), connecting Nihonbashi in Edo (Tokyo) and Sanjo Ohashi Bridge in Kyoto via inland routes. The Nakasendo along the Kiso River was often closed due to flooding, and as a detour, the Yogawamichi Path has built to cross the mountain pass from Midono to Nojiri. This route leads you to the Yogawa area from Nagiso through various historical...

  7. #7 - Mount Kiso-Komagatake - Senjojiki Cirque

    4.7(51)
    ·Hard
    ·2.7 mi
    This trail begins at the Senjojiki Cirque, a breathtaking amphitheater-shaped valley carved by glaciers. From the ropeway station, the trail is steep and rocky, climbing straight up the side of the cirque. You will be climbing on a rugged path of loose rock and gravel. The entire area is a treasure trove of rare alpine flowers. You might also spot the rare, protected rock ptarmigan. The main reward for this climb is the panoramic view from the summit, which overlooks a historic Shinto shrine....

  8. #8 - Senjojiki Cirque Walk

    4.5(11)
    ·Moderate
    ·0.6 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Senjojiki Cirque Walk (千畳敷カールウォーク) Walk on Senjojiki Cirque, known for its bowl-shaped topography carved out during the last ice age 20,000 years ago, and numerous alpine plants. The natural sceneries created by the white granites and verdant greens are breathtaking.

  9. #9 - Mount Kiso-Komagatake - Kisokoma Kogen

    4.0(9)
    ·Hard
    ·8.1 mi
    ·Est. 8.5–9 hr
    Mount Kiso-Komagatake - Kisokoma Kogen (木曽駒ヶ岳 - 木曽駒高原) A hiking journey goes up to Mount Kiso-Komagatake as the highest peak of the Chuo Alps (Central Alps) of Japan from Kisokoma Kogen. The route offers dramatic views of lovely alpine plants and the superb mountains.

  10. #10 - Mount Hoken - Mount Kiso-Komagatake Loop

    4.7(8)
    ·Strenuous
    ·2.8 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This high-altitude loop presents a sharp study in contrasts within the Central Alps. The route begins in the glacial amphitheater of Senjojiki Cirque, ascending steeply through granite boulders to the ridgeline. While the path to Mount Kiso-Komagatake is wide and non-technical, the spur to Mount Hoken changes character dramatically. Hoken requires navigating a jagged, knife-edge ridge with vertical drops, utilizing a series of heavy chains and metal ladders fixed into the rock. The granite...
Showing results 1–10 of 45
Explore more trails
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park is Nakasendo: Nagiso - Magome, which has a 4.8 star rating from 338 reviews. This trail is 7.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,354 ft.

What is the longest trail in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park is Senjojiki Cirque - Mount Kiso-Komagatake - Kosumogoya Hut. This trail is estimated to be 19.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park?

There are 45 trails in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park.These trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park?

Senjojiki Cirque - Mount Kiso-Komagatake - Kosumogoya Hut has the most elevation gain with 9,406 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Utugi - Mount Minami-Komagatake - Mount Kosmo Loop, which has 8,257 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 33 camping trails in Chuo Alps Quasi-National Park and the most popular is Nakasendo: Yogawamichi Path (Nagiso - Nojiri) with an average 4.7 star rating from 289 community reviews.

Top national parks in Gifu

Show all
Show all

Top quasi national parks in Gifu

Show all
Show all