The Magome-Tsumago Trail: Getting to and Exploring Japan's historic Nakasendo

  • Publicado el : 12/06/2025
  • Por : Japan Experience
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Nestled in the heart of Japan, the Magome Tsumago Kiso Valley offers a captivating journey through time along the historic Nakasendo trail.

The Nakasendo, meaning "central mountain route," stretches over 500 kilometers. This inland route was favored by many travelers, including daimyo lords, merchants, and pilgrims, as it avoided the treacherous river crossings of the coastal Tokaido route. The Nakasendo played a crucial role in Japan's history, facilitating trade, communication, and cultural exchange between the imperial capital and the shogun's seat of power.

Along its length, the Nakasendo featured 69 post towns where travelers could rest, replenish supplies, and change horses. These towns, known as juku, became vibrant hubs of activity, each developing its own unique character and traditions. Today, several of these post towns have been meticulously preserved or restored, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Narai-juku in Nagano on the Nakasendo Trail

Narai-juku in Nagano on the Nakasendo Trail

@Wikimedia

Signs marking the Magome-Tsumago Trail

Signs marking the Magome-Tsumago Trail

@Japan Visitor

The quickest option to this station is taking the Shinano Limited Express Train: 

  • 1 hour 15 minutes from Nagoya (2,870 yen).
  • 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes from Nagano (5,610 yen). 

The Chuo Line Sub Rapid train is also an option:

  • 1 hour 50 minutes from Nagoya (1,340 yen). 

  • These trains do not go to or depart from Nagano. 

From Nakatsugawa Station, there is a bus that departs from bus stop no. 3. It takes around 25 minutes to get from Nakatsugawa Station to Magome (800 yen). 

JR Nakatsugawa Station on the Chuo Main Line between Nagoya and Nagano

JR Nakatsugawa Station on the Chuo Main Line between Nagoya and Nagano

@Wikimedia

From Nagiso Station, there is a bus that goes to the center of Tsumago and only takes around 7-10 minutes (300 yen). However, these buses are more infrequent and also aren’t on as consistent of a schedule compared to the ones that go from Nakatsugawa Station to Magome, so be sure to check the timetable before you travel! 

If the bus schedule doesn’t fit with your itinerary, there will be taxis at Nagiso Station as well. This will take around 5-10 minutes and 2,000 yen to 3,000 yen. Walking is also a great option from Nagiso Station to Tsumago, taking just a bit under 1 hour and serving as a great precursor to the Magome-Tsumago hike. 

JR Nagiso Station nearby Tsumago

JR Nagiso Station nearby Tsumago

@Wikimedia

  • Toson Memorial Museum: Dedicated to writer Shimazaki Toson, who hails from the town of Magome.
  • Magome-juku Honjin: A restored inn that serviced high-ranking officials during the trail's heyday.
  • Magome Chaya: An old guest house complete with dining and refreshment options. Stay overnight for an authentic and traditional experience!

 

There are a number of specialties that the town of Magome is famous for! This includes oyaki, a dumpling similar in shape to a bagel with different fillings, and goheimochi, balls of mochi that are grilled and glazed with a special sauce and topped with nuts. 

Magome Chaya Inn

Magome Chaya Inn

@flickr/ Masayuki (Yuki) Kawagishi

Magome-juku in Gifu Prefecture

Magome-juku in Gifu Prefecture

@Japan Visitor

Toson Memorial Museum in Magome

Toson Memorial Museum in Magome

Sub-Honjin Museum in Magome

Sub-Honjin Museum in Magome

@Wikimedia

  • Rekishi Shiryokan: A museum that documents the history of the area, the Nakasendo Trail, and the Kiso Valley as a whole.
  • Waki-Honjin Okuya: Preserved since the Edo Period, this historic guesthouse served the elite of the time.
  • Otake and Medaki Waterfalls: Located just outside of central Tsumago, these waterfalls once served as baths, one for men and one for women. 

 

Tsumago Juku is well known for its wooden crafts that use local resources in their production. Known as Nagiso Rokuro-zaiku, it is a form of wood sculpting using spinning wheels and manipulation. Various goods can be purchased throughout the town.

Main street of Tsumago

Main street of Tsumago

@Japan Visitor

Tsumago

Tsumago

©Yukiya Shiba, unsplash

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