You’ve probably heard of Japan’s modern Golden Route, which connects some of the country’s most popular cities—but long before tour buses and bullet trains existed, five roads reigned supreme in Japan: the legendary Edo Kaido.
What Is the Edo Kaido?
The Edo Kaido, a network of five highways (sometimes called the Five Routes or Five Highways in English), was established by the powerful Tokugawa shogunate to link the capital of Edo with the rest of the nation. These vital arteries connected dozens of post stations and became the lifeblood of travel, trade, and communication in early modern Japan.
Once reserved for daimyo processions and pilgrims on the move, these roads gradually became bustling public thoroughfares. One of them, the Tokaido, was even immortalized in a woodblock print in the series by Hokusai called Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, which featured some of the most iconic images in Japanese art history.
Today, the legacy of the Edo Kaido endures. Many modern highways and railways have been built along these historical routes—so you can still travel them when you want to explore Japan’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local flavors in every season.
This article highlights some of the most impressive stops along the Edo Kaido, perfect for spring and autumn journeys.
| The Edo Kaido at a Glance Five major routes radiating from Edo and connecting the capital to key regions across Japan: • Tokaido—To the Kansai region (via the coast) • Nakasendo—To the Kansai region (via inland mountains) • Koshu Kaido—To Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture • Oshu Kaido—To the northern Tohoku region • Nikko Kaido—To Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture |
Exploring the Edo Kaido: Top Seasonal Spots
With their cherry blossoms and colorful leaves, spring and autumn are great seasons for discovering the charm of these historic routes.
Spring: Experience History and Nature on the Oshu Kaido
Before heading to Tokyo upon arrival at Narita Airport, why not make a stop in the picturesque city of Sakura? This historic castle town carries echoes of the samurai era among the ruins of Sakura Castle, as cherry blossoms blanket the grounds in soft pink. Stroll past preserved earthen walls and moats, then wander through the old samurai district, where restored residences offer a rare glimpse of Edo-period life. Afterwards, head to Tokyo, where you will find Senju-juku, once a lively post town on the Nikko Kaido and now a nostalgic neighborhood near Kita-Senju Station. Its narrow alleyways and retro shopping streets create an atmospheric pocket of old Tokyo, tucked quietly within the modern city.
Heading north into Tochigi Prefecture, Coco Farm & Winery offers a peaceful escape into Japan’s rural heartland. Nestled among rolling hills, this winery crafts distinctive, all-natural wines from the grapes in its scenic vineyards—particularly inviting in spring, when budding vines awaken the landscape. Not far away, the brewery Nishibori Shuzo opens its 150-year-old doors to visitors eager to explore the world of traditional sake. Spring is an ideal time to visit—just after the brewing season, when the sake is at its best. The brewery uses pristine water from the Nikko mountain range in its sake, and it offers guided tours for an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at Japan’s beloved national drink.
End your journey among the blooms of Ibaraki Flower Park, a vibrant garden oasis near Mt. Tsukuba. During this season, over 900 varieties of roses burst into color, making this hillside park a highlight not to be missed.
Spring: Dive into Cultural Charm on the Nakasendo
The Nakasendo reveals a serene side of Japanese tradition, beginning in Omiya Bonsai Village in Saitama—a peaceful neighborhood where the ancient art of bonsai is still lovingly practiced. Wander among top-level nurseries, then visit the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, where living sculptures—some over a century old—are displayed in a serene, garden-style setting.
Not far away in the charming old town of Kawagoe, the Matsumoto Craft Soy Sauce Factory invites visitors into a world of rich aromas and time-honored craftsmanship. Here, soy sauce has been produced for generations, fermented in massive wooden barrels that date back more than 180 years. Guided tours offer a close-up look at this Edo-period tradition—complete with tastings.
Continue on to Gunma Flower Park +, nestled on the southern slopes of Mt. Akagi. In spring, the park erupts in color with vibrant red and yellow tulips and a variety of artfully designed gardens. Stroll through a tranquil Japanese landscape garden or admire the dramatic rock garden—each offering lovely Japanese seasonal aesthetics.
Autumn: Taste Japan’s Seasonal Bounty on the Koshu Kaido
When autumn arrives, the Koshu Kaido transforms into a feast for the senses—especially in Yamanashi Prefecture, known as Japan’s Kingdom of Fruit. This region is the heart of Japanese winemaking and the birthplace of the delicate Koshu grape, harvested during October and November. Rolling hills blanketed in vineyards stretch across the towns of Yamanashi, Fuefuki, and Koshu, where over 60 wineries welcome visitors with tastings, vineyard strolls, and stunning seasonal views. In autumn, the area celebrates its harvest with events like Winetourism Yamanashi, offering rare access to small family-run wineries and exclusive tasting experiences.
A few hours’ drive north, the journey continues at Shirakoma Pond in Nagano—a pristine, high-altitude lake nestled in the northern reaches of the Yatsugatake Mountains. Surrounded by ancient trees and an enchanting moss forest, this tranquil lake becomes even more magical in autumn, when fiery foliage reflects on its glassy waters like a scene straight out of an animated fantasy world. With well-maintained walking paths and crisp mountain air, this spot is a perfect destination for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into nature.
Autumn: Stroll Through History on the Tokaido
The Tokaido remains one of Japan’s most iconic historic routes, and in autumn, its cultural landmarks and scenic paths are especially captivating. In Hakone, the Hakone Hachiri Guided Walk takes visitors along a preserved stretch of the old road once traveled by shoguns and samurai. Towering 400-year-old cedar trees line the trail, with stops including Amazake Chaya Teahouse, one of the few remaining Edo-period teahouses, and the Onshi Hakone Park, where Mt. Fuji reveals itself on clear days.
Nearby in Odawara, the Enoura Observatory offers a fusion of art, architecture, and landscape. Envisioned by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, the facility includes a 100-meter-long gallery aligned to the sunrise, a tea-ceremony room, and the restored Meigetsu Gate from the 14th century—all set within a serene garden overlooking Sagami Bay.
The route continues to Nihonbashi, Tokyo—the point where all the Edo Kaido converge. Though now a bustling modern hub, it still preserves its historical roots through Edo-style architecture, cultural landmarks, and a riverside pier served by boats that offer a scenic and tranquil way to see the city from the water.
Looking Ahead: A Modern Spotlight on the Edo Kaido
Japan’s Edo Kaido legacy lives on through both heritage and innovation. Explore the Edo Shogun Roads project through the link below and be sure to visit the Green X Expo 2027 in Yokohama, held from March through September, 2027—where tradition meets a sustainable future.
To see more and start planning your trip visit the website below: https://wwwtb.mlit.go.jp/kanto/kankou/kankou/edokaidoportal/index.html
For more on the Green X Expo 2027: https://expo2027yokohama.or.jp/en/
