Travel Back in Time to Seki-juku on the Tokaido Highway
Seki-juku is a post town, about a 1.5-hour train ride from Nagoya, or about a 2-hour train ride from Osaka. It offers you a chance to slip back in time to the Edo period of Japan and a doorway to hike on the Old Tokaido Road, the main walking trail that connected Tokyo and Kyoto four hundred years ago. Well-preserved Japanese traditional area without too many tourists, Seki-juku is a must-visit place for you to explore freely in real Japan as if you were a samurai.
Lush greenery from Seki-juku to Suzuka Pass.
Without the tourist crowds, you can take the time to slow down and indulge yourself in the peaceful village, lush greenery, and paddy fields.
The 48th post town, Sakashita-juku, as it appears today.
The final highlight of the route is Katayama Shrine and Suzuka-Toge Pass. The shrine looks like castle ruins and walking on the historical old stone pavement of Suzuka-Toge Pass in the forest refreshes your mind and soul. You will never get tired of walking along the route.
Katayama Shrine.
Surrounded by the forest and walking on the old samurai road.
Walking the Tokaido road allows you to envision the formidable journey undertaken by samurai traversing the ancient stone path for over 10 arduous days. After conquering the Suzuka-Toge Pass, travelers continue their journey, covering an additional 7 kilometers to reach the Tsuchiyama-juku post town. This leg of the journey requires another 1.5 hours of travel, highlighting the enduring nature of their expedition.
Walking on these 400-year-old stones feels like taking a journey back in time to the Edo period.
The natural scenery makes for a rewarding 10 km hike.
Wrap-up
To experience the life of a true Japanese samurai, we highly recommend visiting these lesser-known places. Spending half a day in Seki-juku post town or hiking along the old Tokaido road to Suzuka-Toge pass will create unforgettable memories for your next trip to Japan!