Walking along Nakasendo trail of medieval Japan! Hiking from Magome to Tsumago!!
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 25 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 8 years.
For the people who are interested in and planning trip to Japan ,
I show you hidden local information which you have never seen and heard of through books and ordinary site!
You will find unexpected fun through my articles!
Nakasendo( medieval highway)
Nakasendo, one of the five highways developed in the Edo period (1603-1867).
It’s connected Edo’s ( old name of Tokyo)Nihonbashi bridge with Kyoto’s Sanjo Ohashi bridge via an inland route.
It was 540 km long and had 69 inn towns.
This highway was left behind by development and still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period.
Trail from Magome to Tsumago
The trail between Magome and Tsumago is 8 km long, and is a hiking course that allows visitors to enjoy the nature of the Japanese mountains.
The streets are as they were in the medieval age.
And the nature along the way is as it was in the past.
Magome
In Magome , streets are made of steep hills lined on both sides with stone pavement.
There are restaurants, cafes, stores, and the popular Japanese author Shimazaki Toson Memorial Museum.
The observatory at the top offers the best view of Mt. Ena and the distant scenery of Ena.
Tsumago
Tsumago was the first town in Japan to be designated as a preservation area in 1976.
The residents themselves took the initiative to preserve the streetscape.
Even today, the streetscape of the Edo period continues for 800m, starting with the Terashita district, the first area to be preserved.
There are restaurants, cafes, stores, and ryokan (Japanese-style inns), and the area offers the greatest variety of sightsz
Also there is a main lodge used by feudal lords( samurai )in the past.
Hike from Magome to Tsumago
This time, I hiked 8 km from Magome to Tsumago.
Magome is 300 m higher than Tsumago , so it is easier to walk from Magome to Tsumago.
However, there is a gradual climb from Magome to Magome Pass, 1/3 of the entire route.
The entire 2/3 of the way from Magome Pass to Tsumago is downhill.
It’s easier.
My timeline is below.
9:45Departure from Magome
10:25Magome Pass(40min.)
11:28Tsumago(63min.)
I enjoyed the quiet and beautiful scenery of Nakasendo trail!
Why don’t you try next chance?
You will feel you’re back in time!
I’m Nobu , one heart enjoy together!!!