[2025 Kiso District Attraction] Travel Guide for Old Nakasendo Highway (Updated Jul)

Walking along the stone-paved slope of Magome-juku, the sound of trickling water fills the air, emanating from the rhythmic motion of an ancient waterwheel. This is one of the 69 post towns of the Nakasendo, a must-visit stop for travelers during the Edo period. As a modern-day traveler, I find myself lost amidst the aroma of tea and the charm of old houses. Wooden structures and the enticing scent of handmade snacks from shop signs transport me back three centuries. Crossing over the mountain to Tsumago-juku, the atmosphere becomes even more tranquil. Here, underground wiring preserves the pure, traditional scenery. Whether it's the old station "Honjin" or the Tail Bridge spanning the Ran River, the refined and restrained culture of the post town remains intact. Separated by 8 kilometers, walking between these two towns allows one to experience the changing mindset of a traveler, embodying the essence of "journey." 📍Location Check-in: Magome-juku, Tsumago-juku (border of Gifu Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture) 🎒Suggestion: Hike a section of the Nakasendo trail to personally experience the Edo-era travel atmosphere.

#myfavoriteroute the Nakasendo Trail is an ancient path that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. Unlike the busy modern cities, this trail winds through quiet mountains, cedar forests, and beautifully preserved post towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time feels like it has stopped. Walking the Nakasendo is like stepping into a living postcard: wooden inns, stone paths, tea houses. The walk from Magome to Tsumago takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. #travel #nakasendo #japantravel #japan_vacation #ruraljapan

If you want to experience a time-travel drama in Japan, you must come to Tsumago-juku! This is one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan. Walking in is like falling into the Edo period and transforming into an ancient traveler in a second. In February, you may encounter old streets covered with snow in Tsumago-juku, and the wooden townhouses create a very lively atmosphere! 🏯 Itinerary: A day trip through Edo 📍 10:00 - Arrive at Tsumago-juku ➡️ Address: Agatsuma, Minamigiso-cho, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture Take the train from Nagoya or Matsumoto to Minamigiso Station, then take a bus for 10 minutes! The scenery along the way is so beautiful that I have already entered the "travel mode". 📍 11:00 - Stroll in the Machinami Preservation Area ➡️ The streets here are very well preserved, with no messy wires or modern shops, only Japanese-style wooden townhouses and old-style shops. It really feels like going back 300 years. Just walk around and take some photos, they will all be super retro check-in photos! 📍 12:30 - Lunch: Gohei Mochi & Dengaku ➡️ Recommend "Tsumago Teahouse", you must eat Gohei Mochi here! It’s baked until crispy and fragrant, and brushed with rich miso sauce. It’s super warm to eat in winter! Pair it with a bowl of hot soba noodles and you’ll be satisfied! 📍 14:00 - Tsumago-juku Main Camp & Hatago Experience ➡️ The place where samurai and travelers stayed overnight in the past has now become a museum. You can also visit the rooms and kitchens of the old times. It has a great atmosphere! If you want a deeper experience, there are traditional inns where you can stay for a night. Walking on the old streets at night with paper lanterns lit, you will feel like a real Edo traveler! 📍 15:30 - Walk along the "Nakasendo" to Magome-juku (this is an optional challenge!!) ➡️ This ancient road is about 8 kilometers long, with super beautiful forest trails and old tea houses along the way. The snowy scenery in winter is particularly dreamy! It's very comfortable to walk, but remember to wear non-slip shoes to avoid becoming an "Edo-era skier"😂 📍 17:00 - Return & bring some souvenirs ➡️ It is recommended to bring "Kiso lacquerware" home. The lacquerware craftsmanship here is super famous, and there are also handmade wood carvings, which are great as souvenirs or gifts! 🏡 Why is it recommended to come in winter? ❄️ Snow scene x Edo street = dreamy sense of time and space In winter, Tsumago-juku may be covered with snow, and the whole scene looks like the Edo town in Japanese dramas, the atmosphere is 100 points! 🔥 Warm food heals the soul In cold weather, grilled gohei pancakes and hot soba noodles will make you feel extremely happy! 🚶 Fewer crowds, more immersive experience Compared to the tourist crowds during the cherry blossom season and red leaf season, February is more leisurely and you can quietly experience the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient post station. 📌 Reminder ✅ Anti-slip shoes are a must! The road surface may be icy in winter, making it more challenging to walk😂 ✅ Check the bus schedule. There are not many buses, so remember to check the timetable in advance for the return trip to avoid being "kidnapped by the Edo period"! ✅ Book a traditional hotel in advance If you want to experience staying in an Edo-style hotel, be sure to make a reservation in advance. It is super popular in winter! Coming to Tsumago-juku is not just a trip, but a "walk through time and space"! Here, the hustle and bustle of modern times disappears in an instant, leaving only the tranquility and beauty of the Edo period. Come be an Edo traveler for a day this winter! ⛩️✨ #2 Good Places to Go in 2025