[SenHeng]

If you’re doing the nakasendo then just skip Kyoto and stick around in Matsumoto. Head north to Azumino/Tateshina or south to Suwa.

https://www.go-nagano.net/en/trip-idea/id16492

Forgot to mention, the uncharacteristically warm and long summer meant there hasn’t been enough food in the forests and bears have been coming into towns to forage. Lots of people have been hurt and killed by bears this year. Up 2.7 times according to the news today. Be careful when hiking anywhere secluded.