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Tsumago

1-Day Kisoji, Nakasendo Trail Tour: Tsumago & Magome Post Towns (Meet at Nakatsugawa Station)

Discover the historical allure of Tsumago and Magome on a day tour that takes you through time-honored post towns and along the scenic Nakasendo Trail. With a professional guide, uncover Japan's rich past, enjoy traditional cuisine, and embrace the tranquility of these preserved gems.

Language
English, Japanese
Location
Tsumago
Rating
Duration
1 day

Discover the charm of Tsumago and Magome, two historic post towns, on a day tour that transports you 400 years back to Japan's past. With a professional English-speaking guide, you'll explore these preserved towns, learn about their history, and savor local culinary delights. The tour includes a peaceful walk along a segment of the Nakasendo Trail, once used by samurai, offering a unique glimpse into Japan's heritage.

This experience, easily accessible from Tokyo or Osaka, invites you to step away from modern life and immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese atmosphere. Enjoy the simplicity of rural Japan and taste authentic regional dishes while exploring one of the country's first preservation districts. It's an ideal outing for Japan Rail Pass holders looking for a blend of history, culture, and gastronomy in a single, memorable day.

Tour Highlights:

  • Visit historic Tsumago and Magome

  • English-speaking licensed guide

  • Historical insights and local food tasting

  • Walk on the Nakasendo Trail

  • Immerse in rural Japan's ambiance

  • Suitable for Japan Rail Pass holders

What’s Covered

  • Tour transportation costs

  • Nagisomachi Museum entry (Waki Honjin Okuya)

  • Fee for National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter

What’s Extra

  • Travel costs to meeting spot

  • Lunch expenses

  • Any personal purchases

Tour Itinerary

Meeting and Departure

Time: 10:15 - 10:45

Your tour starts at Nakatsugawa Station, where you'll meet your guide, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, who will be holding a placard. Together, you'll board a route bus, setting the stage for the day's adventure.

Magome Sightseeing

Time: 11:10 - 12:30

Explore the enchanting town of Magome, perched on a slope and adorned with a stone-paved road lined with historic buildings. Discover the town's iconic waterwheel, traditional houses, and historical markers. After wandering through Magome, you'll head to the starting point of the Nakasendo Trail for your next adventure.

Nakasendo Trail Walk

Time: 12:30 - 14:30

Journey along the 3.3-kilometer stretch of the Nakasendo Trail, connecting Magome and Tsumago. This tranquil walk through valleys and past ancient cedar trees offers a peaceful immersion into Japan's natural and historical landscape.

Tsumago Sightseeing

Time: 14:30 - 15:30

Next, visit Tsumago, a town that has meticulously preserved its historical ambiance, making you feel as though you've stepped back in time. Explore the Nagisomachi Museum (Waki Honjin Okuya) to gain insights into the town's past. After your exploration, a taxi will transport you to JR Nagiso Station, concluding the sightseeing portion of your tour.

Conclusion at JR Nagiso Station

Time: 15:45

Your tour concludes upon arrival at JR Nagiso Station, where you'll depart with memories of a day well spent exploring the rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty of Japan.

Essentials to Know Before Booking

  • Minimum booking: 1 person; tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants.

  • Present your reservation confirmation at reception.

  • Tour may be canceled if minimum participation is not met 7 days prior.

  • Booking deadline is 8 days before the tour.

  • No bookings allowed for groups of only two children.

  • No refunds for non-entry to facilities or unused tickets due to operational changes.

  • Tour includes an English-speaking licensed guide.

  • Send large luggage to your hotel in advance; suitable walking attire recommended.

Meeting Point: 

Attendees must reach JR Nakatsugawa Station and gather in front of the ticket gate independently to meet the guide and commence the tour.

Related Read: Pilgrimage Routes and Spiritual Treks in Japan

incontournable à refaire absolument!
Nous voulions absolument faire la marche de Magome à Tsumago, mais pour trouver un lieu d'hébergement pour 5, avec des sites locales genre "Abritel" (mais tout en japonais!) et imaginer comment faire avec nos sacs à dos, rien n'était simple! Journée un peu speed : nous sommes arrivés à Magome en transport public vers 11h30. Se dépêcher de monter au centre déposer les sacs au service postal (envoi directement à Tsumago), car ils ferment à 12h! Elle nous dit que nous devons impérativement être à Tsumago pour 15h30, car ils ferment! On voulait de cette journée tranquille et profiter de marcher et on s'est retrouvé un peu coincé avec ce timing pour nos sacs! Nous sommes une famille avec 3 enfants (15 ans, 2x10 ans), nous sommes arrivés sans souci en 2- 3h à Tsumago (env. 40 min montée, le reste que de la descente) : Peu de pauses et on aurait voulu prendre beaucoup plus de temps pour flâner. A Tsumago, récupérer les sacs et nouveau stress pour se rendre à l'hôtel Kisoji! Nous avons pris un bus par mégarde et nous nous sommes retrouvés à Magome (les distances sont proches!) où tout fermait. Une dame nous a gentiment commander un taxi au téléphone. Cette marche a été pour nous un incontournable, les villages très beau, les paysages, les odeurs, ces cloches "anti-ours" très amusant, tout est splendide! Si nous revenons au Japon, on refera cette étape. Par contre, je laisse les sacs à Magome. L'idéal est de dormir à Magome. L'hôtel Kisoji est bien aussi (Onsen)
Eva D
January 8, 2020

Itinerary

Nakatsugawa Station (Scheduled at 10:15)
2 Chome-1 Ōtamachi, Nakatsugawa, Gifu

Your tour starts at Nakatsugawa Station, where you'll meet your guide, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, who will be holding a placard. Together, you'll board a route bus.

2
Magome (Est. 11:10)
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

Explore the town, perched on a slope and adorned with a stone-paved road lined with historic buildings. Discover the town's iconic waterwheel, traditional houses, and historical markers.

3
Nakasendo Trail Walk (Est. 12:30)
Duration: 2 hours

Journey along the 3.3-kilometer stretch of the Nakasendo Trail, connecting Magome and Tsumago. This tranquil walk through valleys and past ancient cedar trees.

4
Tsumago (Est. 14:30)
Duration: 1 hour

A town that has meticulously preserved its historical ambiance, making you feel as though you've stepped back in time. Explore the Nagisomachi Museum to gain insights into the town's past.

JR Nagiso Station (Est. 15:45)
Yomikaki, Nagiso, Nagano

Your tour concludes upon arrival at JR Nagiso Station, where you'll depart with memories of a day well spent exploring the rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty of Japan.

Frequently asked questions