The Tokaido road was considered to be the most important of the five routes connecting Kyoto to Edo (the former name of Tokyo) in the Edo Period from 1603 to 1867 and as the main route of travel between the old capital and new, with a mix of coastal and mountainous paths the Tokaido has a vivid and storied history.

Explore the preserved areas of one key section along the Tokaido road, in the eastern Lake Biwa area, situated between Kyoto and Nagoya, and taking in the prefectures of Shiga and Mie. Featuring a vibrant mix of regional cultures unique to central Japan; from the remarkable nature and pristinely preserved merchant towns of central Shiga, to the historically rich enclaves of engaging eastern Mie, the area has a great depth and variety, tied together neatly with the storied history of the Tokaido. Eastern Biwa and the Tokaido road provide a deep and interesting experience.

Our journey begins from the entry point of the Tokaido, Kyoto, first heading to Shiga, and a rewarding mountain hike with great views out over the vibrant nature here.

After staying at a renovated premium townhouse in the centre of Otsu, head onwards by a local train line to the carefully preserved merchant post-town of Seki in Mie. Explore this picturesque historic town and view the wider area from the top of the mountain here, linking with a 33 Kanon pilgrimage nearby.

Finally, head on to Kuwana in eastern Mie and close to Nagoya, with a comfortable overnight stay in a private traditional-style residency, before trying local cuisine at a nearby Japanese restaurant for dinner. After the final breakfast, a gentle town stroll here provides an education in local folklore and monuments of the trail.