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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Walk the Historic Nakasendo Trail
Take a trip into Japan's past along the mountain path that connected Tokyo and Kyoto
Nagano Tourism Organization
Considered the longest and most difficult of the Edo Period’s five major highways, the Nakasendo crossed the precipitous mountains of central Japan to connect the former capital of Kyoto to the new capital of Edo (Tokyo).
Sixty-nine post-towns were established along the Nakasendo. These one-road stations of wooden inns and shops served government officials, samurai, and traders on their travels. You can see some of these post towns just as they looked during their hey-day, notably Narai-juku, Tsumago-juku, and Magome-juku.
The original trail is even well-preserved in certain areas. Walk between Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku to experience part of the Nakasendo for yourself, then leisurely take in the ancient townscape of its post towns. As you walk down their lantern-lit streets of wooden inns, you’ll feel yourself slipping back in time to the Edo Period (1603 – 1868).
How to get there
To get to Tsumago, take a 1-hour ride from JR Nagoya Station by limited express train to Nagiso Station, then board a local bus or taxi.
To get to Magome, take a 55-minute ride from JR Nagoya Station by limited express train, then board a local bus.
2196, Tsumago, Nagiso-machi, Kiso-gun, Nagano-ken
