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WHAT TO SEE IN MAGOME
NAKASENDO:
If you want to put yourself in the shoes of the samurai or travelers who once moved on foot from one village to another, you can walk a stretch of the ancient Nakasendo, starting from Magome and heading north to Tsumago, another ancient “post station” of Japan. The route can also be done in the opposite direction, from Tsumago to Magome. I recommend opting for the first (Magome-Tsumago) as trekking in this direction is much easier. Today, the Kiso Valley is the only place where you can still walk on this road and the route is absolutely not demanding: in total the trail is 8km so it takes about 2/3 hours to complete at a pleasant pace. It is said that there are bears in the forest. Along the way you will find bells that you should ring to keep them away from the trail. I think it’s more of a fun gimmick to liven up the walk. I didn’t see a single trace of bears...
Halfway you will find a tea house where the friendly owner will offer you tea for free to refresh yourself (remember to leave a small donation as a sign of thanks). You can also admire the waterfalls called Otaki and Metaki (Man and Woman) Falls. At the end of the route you will arrive in Tsumago, a charming village in traditional style. Take a tour of the town and have a look at the little shops. To return to Magome you can take the bus which will bring you back to the starting village in about 15 minutes.
MAGOME:
Besides walking the route on foot, the town of Magome is beautiful to visit as it has been preserved in excellent condition over the centuries, with traditional wooden houses, some of which are very old, and inns nestled among small tree-lined streets free from vehicle traffic and electric cables: all this creates a charming atmosphere that allows you to see what Japan was like in the past. At the entrance to Magome you will also be able to see a wooden watchtower and a reproduction of a “kosatuba”, that is, a notice for visitors to the town which during the Tokugawa shogunate period was posted to indicate the laws in force and the rules to be respected.
© 2025 Susy Travel all rights reserved