Question on Nagano->Kiso Valley->Kyoto
Is this trip possible now? Within reason, that is. I'm insure if the route's even open because of the landslide. If so, is it "covered" by my JRPass?
Ideally I would leave Tokyo in the morning, follow this guide to get to Tsumago, walk to Magome, and ... In some way get to Kyoto (or Osaka, or a cheap bed where I can continue the next day).
I would also consider this being the place where I check into a Ryokan, but not sure if this is a good place at all.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Posted Jul 29, 2014, 6:27 PM UTC
24
It looks like a lot of the Chou Line is stopped service because of the landslides. (You can see the details on the PDF from JR Central.)
However, it looks like they are offering alternative bus services in the areas that lost train bridges etc. The time schedule alt buses etc are listed on the PDF. There are even some details on the Japan guide site you linked.
It may take a little bit more time, but everything should be do-able with a bus/train combination.
The easiest way to get to Kyoto/Osaka, is just to go back to Nagoya and take a highway bus or bullet train. Doing that all in one day is a bit hectic though. You might consider staying a night in the Kiso Valley Area.
Thanks for the reply!
I'm thinking about coming from Nagano, or directly from Tokyo. Are you saying it's just easier to do it as a trip from Kyoto/Osaka-side?
Do you know anything on how far it is from the trail to any form of bus or train?
Kyoto/Osaka I believe time wise is a little bit closer. But from either direction you still have to transfer through Nagoya. If you are set on doing the Kiso area as a day trip I would recommend cities in this order: Nagoya (not Nagano, which is 2-3 hours away), Kyoto, Tokyo.
Tokyo > Magome about 3 hours
Kyoto > Magome about 2 hours
Here is a access page by Tsumago Tourism with overview, taxi/bus directions. Japan National Tourism Org also has a practical guide (PDF) of the area that shows the main hiking route between the two cities.
You're amazingly helpful, thank you so much!