Magome-juku — Attraction in Nakatsugawa

The Nakasendo is one of the five Edo-period highways, known as the Gokaido五街道, which connected Edo (modern Tokyo) with Kyoto and other regions. These ancient routes played distinct yet pivotal roles in uniting Japan’s political, economic, and cultural hearts during a time of peace and controlled society. Travelers such as government officials, samurai, and merchants traversed these highways, fostering the growth of vibrant post towns along their paths. Shops in these towns provided lodging, food, and entertainment, including theaters, tea houses, geisha performances, and bathhouses.

The Nakasendo and its sister highways flourished during the Edo period in the 17th century. However, their significance began to wane in the late 19th century with the advent of railways and modern road systems.

Among the Nakasendo's many segments, the most well-preserved section lies between the post towns of Magome and Tsumago. The name "Magome-juku" (馬籠宿) translates to "horse basket" or "horse enclosure," reflecting the steep terrain where travelers often left their horses behind. "Tsumago-juku" (妻籠宿) means "wife basket" or "wife enclosure," symbolizing the town’s role as a place of comfort and hospitality. This 8 km trail, which takes about 2–3 hours to traverse on foot, boasts traditional wooden architecture, wooden waterwheels, seasonal flowers along cobblestone lanes, and rice paddy fields. Centuries-old tea houses dot the route, inviting travelers to rest and absorb the stories of duty, travel, and human connection whispered by every stone and preserved building. The scenic beauty of tranquil forest paths, rustic bridges, and charming rest stops makes this segment a timeless cultural corridor that captivates modern explorers. Experience the magic where ancient past and nature intertwine...

Once upon a time, when the common Japanese had to travel, he/she traveled on foot. As a result, there were many small hamlets along the major routes called "shukubamachi" (宿場町, literally "inn location town"). Magome-juku was one such place along the Kisoji (木曽路 Kiso road which is a part of the longer Nakasendo (中山道）) where many of the original buildings have been maintained, and many of those are still in use as inns, gift shops, etc. This is one of four "shukubamachi" along the Kiso Kaido that has been designated a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site where the buildings are being preserved. What makes Magome-juku different from most other "shukubamachi" is its location on a mountain slope. Most others are located in a valley, near a waterway. This makes Magome-juku unique and provides some fantastic vistas. I first visited this site about 20 years ago. At that time, not even many Japanese knew of it, so it was very quiet throughout the day. However, with the coming of the Internet came tourists from everywhere. This is not necessarily a bad thing, of course, because it provides the town with the income to maintain itself. However, I did find it slightly disappointing. So, for the best experience, I suggest you visit at the earliest possible hour and enjoy the serenity that this...

Famous post town along the Nakasendo road.

ℹ️ Great information center with friendly staff and brochures. Get a stamp for your souvenir book, too!

🥟 Great food stalls, including regional specialties. 🌰 Chestnuts are huge in this area, so try the chestnut soft serve. Also try the stuffed buns (called Oyaki) that are a specialty.

🛍️ Lots of souvenir shopping. Magome-juku is different from some other postal towns (like Nakatsugawa) in that it's purely running on tourism. So, great place for souvenirs (go somewhere else if you want to see locals!)

🚍 You can take a bus from Nakatsugawa, stop is at the train station .

🚶‍♀️If you want a really fun adventure, walk from Nakatsugawa! (And put your bag in a coin locker at the station) It's about 2 hours along the Nakasendo, is well signposted.

🚻 Many well-marked, clean toilets

🥾 If you're hiking the Nakasendo, I can't recommend it enough! Although the Magome to Tsumago portion is the famous part, there's so much more to it!

❗ I've created a public list for recommended Nakasendo spots,...