This will be my second time in Japan. The first time I focused more on the less-touristy areas and I had a great time. This time I am visiting with family and we want to focus on some of the more popular spots.
Looking at Nakasendo we were thinking of doing the Narai Juku to Tsumagu route and then move on to see Kyoto. There are some practical questions that we have and that we could not find a clear answer for:
* How do people do it with larger luggage? is there a service that allows you to “send down” the luggage and pick it up at the end of the hikes – or you simply have to hike back to the hotel and then take the train?
* Google maps says that Narai Juku to Tsumago is just 57 Km downhill – which seems that spread over 4 nights is a more than doable distance to hike. Is it worth it to hike the whole thing or do people normally do only the “nicer” hikes at the beginning and at the end and spend a shorter amount of time overall?
* How touristy and crowded is it? Are we talking Venice / Sannenzaka levels?
Any input will be more than appreciated!
by deepestech