• Nakasendo Magome-juku - While Magome and Tsumago served the same purposes for old-time travelers, the city has been preserved and restored in a very different way than Tsumago, with a broad stone walkway lined with trees and many traditional houses and craft shops.

Another difference is that it is on a slope, which leads to some beautiful views of the surrounding valley, and is home to several small museums that showcase the history of the town, the artists that lived there and their way of living.

I would recommend grabbing a drink or something to eat at the restaurants on top of the village and enjoy the views over the valley, or at the lower part to mix with the very interesting locals.

• Nakasendo Tsumagojuku - Tsumago is almost flat but also a very charming village that takes you back to the old Japan. The town was one of the first historical preservation projects in all Japan (if not the first) and it recreates the ambience with its unpaved streets and concealed cables.

It keeps many of the traditional houses, like the original inn (the Honjin) that welcomed the merchants that traveled the Nakasendo, and the secondary inn (Wakihonjin), the old notice board used to publish the decrees from the Shogun, the Buddhist temple (built during the XVI Century)…

But you’ll find it even more charming on it’s best enjoyed at night, when they lit up their lanterns and everything becomes quiet but, maybe, a drum beating.

• Meet up with guide on foot at a designated meeting point
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private Vehicle
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

This value-packed journey, led by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide, offers a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns! Travelers can move between Magome and Tsumago via an infrequent direct bus.

Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period that connected Tokyo with Kyoto, passing through the Kiso Valley. During that era, travelers walked along the highway, pausing at “post towns” for rest. Some of these post towns have been meticulously preserved, providing tourists today with a glimpse of what Japan was like centuries ago. With stunning forests, charming villages, and rich traditions, this tour is highly recommended for anyone interested in Japanese nature and history.

This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included, but public transportation or local taxis may be utilized. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide once a reservation is confirmed. Please ensure you have Japanese Yen available for your transportation expenses.

• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
• This is not a hiking course. This tour will use local busses. Please book Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide if you wish to hike the trail. Please be aware that hiking is not available with us from December until the end of February due to icy conditions.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.