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Backstreet Walking Tour in Nakatsugawa-juku

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Backstreet Walking Tour in Nakatsugawa-juku

Get a glimpse of local life wandering along the backstreets of a charming post town

Nakatsugawa City

A hidden gem of Gifu Prefecture, Nakatsugawa-juku was one of the 69 post towns along the Nakasendo, an important road also known as the Samurai Trail constructed over 400 years ago, which connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto.

Nakatsugawa-juku flourished as a merchant town during the Edo period (1603-1868) and the old townscape still retains its traditional charm. Many houses feature an architectural element called udatsu, which is designed to prevent fires from spreading and stands as a symbol of wealth.

Join a walking tour through the narrow backstreets of Nakatsugawa-juku to experience its history and culture. During the 2-3-hour walk, the guide will take you to exciting places unexplored by tourists, such as a historical building that was used as an inn in Edo period and the oldest small stone bridge in Nakatsugawa-juku. The program also includes a stop at a famous Japanese confectionery shop to eat kuri kinton, a traditional sweet made with chestnuts, as well as a visit to a local sake brewery.

Nostalgic townscape of cobblestone streets and traditional houses in Magome-juku

Travel back in time as you wander the quaint backstreets and take in the sights and sounds of local life. Remember, residents still live here, so please keep quiet during the tour. It is recommended to visit Nakatsugawa-juku before going hiking on the Magome-Tsumago Trail along the former Nakasendo. If you would like to join the tour, please make a reservation through the website.