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Magome-juku

Magome-juku

Magone-juku is a historic post town – known as ‘juku’ or ‘shukubamachi’ –  that once serviced a 70km trade route through the Kiso Valley, part of the greater 500km ‘Nakasendo Road’ that connected Kyoto and Edo – now called Tokyo. As one of five official highways between Kyoto and Edo, the road was busy with government officials, merchants and pilgrims, typically forced by the shogunate to move on foot.  As a result, post towns developed along the road to service the needs of travelers.

kiso-magome-nakasendo

The town center has been extensively restored including a broad stone walkway and ban on vehicles entering during the day. Magome is spread along a steeply ascending road, lined with guesthouses, restaurants and cafes, museum, and traditional craft stores – one of the most charming towns along the Nakasendo Trail. For detailed information regarding the trail, please refer to our ‘Walk the Nakasendo Trail’ page.  Walking the trail from Magome-juku to nearby Tsumago-juku – approximately 7.5km and between 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace – is a highlight of any visit to Central Japan.

kiso-nakasendo

For accommodation listings in or nearby Magome, see our ‘Magome, Tsumago & Kiso-Fukushima Area’ hotel page. We also recommend considering to stay to the north of Magome, in the more centrally and conveniently located area around Kiso-Fukushima – pictured below.

kiso-kisofukushima

It has the greatest variety of accommodation in the Kiso Valley and as a stop on all Limited Express Shinano services running between Nagano, Matsumoto and Nagoya, it is the most convenient point from where to explore the region including the nearby Kiso Ontake Mountain Range. For accommodation listings in the area, see our ‘Kiso-Fukushima & Narai Area’ hotel page.

Want to join a trek on the Nakasendo Trail?


Based in Central Japan and operating much of the year, we offer a highly entertaining group-tour of the Nakasendo that is sure to please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and include a visit to the towns of Magome and Tsumago as well as an 8km hike on the Nakasendo itself through beautiful forest. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.

Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Nakasendo trail and Kiso Valley area, as well as other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going. 

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!

Got a question about visiting the Nakasendo Trail? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!

INFO

Accessible all times of year

From Nakatsugawa Station, take the bus directly to Magome - approximately 30 minutes. Hiking between Magome and nearby Tsumago along the historic trail - 7.5km - takes between 2 to 3 hours (depending on your pace).

Access

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INFO

Accessible all times of year

From Nakatsugawa Station, take the bus directly to Magome - approximately 30 minutes. Hiking between Magome and nearby Tsumago along the historic trail - 7.5km - takes between 2 to 3 hours (depending on your pace).

Access