Walk the preserved post town section between Magome and Tsumago around the main stone-paved street. Search for the Nakasendo trailhead signs near the old rest house and follow the wooden route markers, about 8 km with gentle climbs through cedar forest.

Explore the restored Edo-era post town along the main thoroughfare, with historic inns and storefronts open to visitors. Look for the tourist information center near the entrance for a free English map and stamp rally.

Walk the main street and look for a small shop serving hand-made soba, often with the noodles displayed in the window. Order the cold zaru soba with dipping sauce or the warm version topped with local mountain vegetables.

Head to the riverbank just below the village along the trail path for clear winter views of the Kiso River and surrounding peaks. The water runs cold and fast, and the banks are quiet this season with few other visitors.

Visit the small museum near the edge of town showcasing local forestry history and woodcraft. Check the seasonal exhibit schedule at the front desk, and allow an hour to see the displays on Kiso cedar and traditional carpentry.

Preserved Edo-era post town at the southern end of the Nakasendo. Walk the main stone-paved street uphill from the bus stop, popping into the small shops selling local crafts and oyaki. Stop at the Magome Wakihonjin museum near the top for a look at historic post town life.

Hike the scenic section between Magome and Tsumago, roughly 8 km through cedar forests and mountain passes. Look for the signposts at the trailhead near Magome's top exit. Pace yourself on the uphill switchbacks in the first hour, then enjoy the gentler descent past the one-room Eishoji temple and waterwheel.

Grab a goheimochi, a pounded rice cake skewer glazed with miso or walnut sauce, from a stall near the trail's halfway point or back in Magome's old town. Look for the charcoal grill racks with skewers roasting. It is a filling, warm snack that Kiso is famous for.

Take a short bus ride or drive to a viewpoint along the Kiso River valley for winter views of snow-dusted ridges. The lookout near the Kiso Ohashi bridge gives good photo angles over the gorge. Dress warmly as exposed viewpoints catch strong wind.

Soak at a local ryokan or public onsen, such as the one near Tsumago or the Hana Kaido onsen further south. Arrive with your own towel or rent one for a small fee. Winter evenings are the best time for the outdoor bath with steam rising into cold air.

Japan's second-highest volcano at 3,067m. In winter, the upper ropeway and trails are typically closed due to snow, so plan to visit the Kiso Ontake Sky Cable viewpoint and the surrounding foothills instead. Bundle up heavily, check the Nagano prefecture volcano warning status, and carry traction cleats for icy paths.

A historic Shinto shrine at the mountain's base, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Kiso Valley. Take the shuttle or taxi from the cable car station. In winter, the cedar-lined approach is often dusted with snow, making for atmospheric photos. Pick up a goshuin (stamp) from the office near the main hall.

One of Japan's largest wasabi farms, fed by crystal-clear mountain spring water. While winter is the dormant season for the crop, the working waterwheels, stone paths, and the scenic streams still make a great short walk. Try the wasabi soft serve and wasabi-flavored snacks at the on-site shop.

A beautifully preserved post town along the historic Nakasendo route, known as Narai of a Thousand Inhabitants. Walk the main street, lined with latticed Edo-era wooden buildings now housing craft shops and cafes. Visit the lacquerware stores, which is the town's signature craft, and warm up with a hot drink at one of the teahouses.