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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.
Sixty-nine post-towns were established here. 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.
Even the trail itself is 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
Tsumago and Magome are located along the JR Chuo Main line between Nagoya and Shiojiri stations. To get to Magome, it is 55 minutes from JR Nagoya Station by limited express train, then take a local bus.
