Thinking you are back in time in an era when Samuri hiked these hills is easy to imagine. To get a taste of the alternative to Japan's non-stop and populated cities, taking the local train with commuters and school kids as it slowly makes away through the countryside before disembarking in a small village where you can stay in an old primary school turned hostel for the night was just the right way! The following morning, we set off before sunrise to start this magical route that takes you through some of the oldest towns from the Ode period (1603-1869).