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Nakasendo: Magome to Tsumago

A well-preserved stretch of the Edo-period highway between two of Japan’s best-kept post towns

Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace, one way
Summit elevation
801 m

The Nakasendo was one of two roads linking Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo period, and the roughly 8 km stretch between the post towns of Magome and Tsumago in the Kiso Valley is its best-preserved walking section. The path climbs gently through cedar forest and farmland on a mix of stone paving and dirt track, passing waterfalls and a teahouse partway along, and both towns at either end have kept their wooden lattice buildings and traffic-free main streets intact.

Highlights

  • Two exceptionally well-preserved Edo-period post towns bookending the walk
  • A gentle climb through cedar forest and terraced farmland
  • Waterfalls and a rest-stop teahouse partway along the route
  • A seasonal luggage-forwarding service that lets you walk between towns hands-free

Getting there

Magome is reached by bus from Nakatsugawa Station on the JR Chuo Line, about a 25 minute ride. Tsumago, at the trail’s other end, connects back to Nagiso Station by a similar bus link, making a one-way walk with train travel at either end straightforward.

Safety tips

This is a gentle, well-signposted rural walk, but sections pass through forest where bear bells (provided at trailheads) are recommended, since the Kiso Valley has an active black bear population. Stone paving can be slick after rain, and phone signal drops out in parts of the forested middle section.

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes for a mix of paving and dirt track
  • A bear bell from the trailhead box if walking alone or early morning
  • Cash for the teahouse and either town’s shops
  • A light rain layer, since the forested middle section offers little shelter