• Escape to the mountains and enjoy a refreshing getaway through Japan’s picturesque Kiso Valley as you tour two historic villages on this day trip from Nagoya. Stroll down the streets of Magome-juku a post town on the Nakasendo trail, and enter Edo-era residences in Iwamura, a castle town once ruled by a powerful female samurai. Sip sake as you tour a 200-year-old brewery, and dine on a wide array of dishes at a farm-to-table buffet. Relax and recharge in the charming countryside villages of Central Japan as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.

Iwamura is a small well-preserved castle town located high in the Kiso Mountains. Though long gone, Iwamura Castle was once the highest mountain castle in all of Japan at 717m above sea level. However, the most fascinating thing about this town was that it was once ruled over by a female samurai lord. Your guide will share her unique story with you and why the locals still adore her to this day as you walk along the cobblestone paths through this quaint village. You will then have the opportunity to tour Iwamura Sake Brewery. The brewery—which has been making sake for over 200 years—will provide you with a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and a sample of three types of sake. Non-alcoholic samples are available for children and those who do not drink alcohol—though we also highly recommend the handmade ice cream.