When you walk out of Magome and over the hump, itll take about 2-3 hours of walking through the woods (try not to worry too much about the bear signs) to reach Tsumago, the next place Im covered in my Nakasendo travel guide. More Tour Finder Clear filters Sort By Magome to Tsumago: Nakasendo Trail Day Hike [2023] - ASocialNomad Discover this 6.6-km point-to-point trail near Nakatsugawa Shi, Gifu. As you walk down from Magome-toge, you will see bells mounted on posts. The Nakasendo Trail links Kyoto and Edo via the mountains. Because of the restrictions by the shogunate, travelers had to make their trips on foot. Below you can see a . There will be a chance to stop at La Province Caf as you head towards Hosokute and your accommodation for the evening. When you first enter Tsumago, a large water wheel will greet you. For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my, Check Kyoto accommodation availability on, Need tips on where to stay? However, some travelers start the trail at its end: In eastern towns like Narai and Kiso-Fukushima, which are accessible by train from Shiojiri, Matsumoto and Nagano. Nakasendo: Magome - Tsumago. You might want to stroll through the streets after dinner wearing a traditional yukata gown provided by your accommodation. Photos (508) Directions. Hiking this trail is the perfect activity for those who are looking for a unique Japanese experience outside of the touristy Kyoto/Tokyo scene. The trail is very attractive above Magome, as it winds through small farms and rural houses. Heres everything you need to know about Japans most picturesque old postal road. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and lodges in Magome. Nakasendo | Travel Japan (Japan National Tourism Organization) Narai, in addition to being the most visually appealing Nakasendo town, is also home to one of its most celebrated artistic traditions, namely hirasawa lacquerware. Today is a much shorter day, with gentle and undulating walking. You can walk the most popular section, Magome to Tsumago, as a daytrip from Kyoto. In the following route description, we will assume that you are traveling with a Japan Rail Pass. In fact, I recommend it. Between Matsumoto and Takayama.. But my first tea ceremony., He smiled widely. If you miss these, your best bet is to catch the next local train south to Nakatsugawa, and then switch to another train there that will take you onward to Nagoya. The mountain is also an active volcano, and Japan's second highest at that. Planning a trip to Japan, or just dreaming of one? Dianne Williamson, Newport (VIC) November 2019. A guide to Japan's ancient Nakasendo Trail - Wired For Adventure You can do it in as little as an hour if you rush or it can take half a day if you stop to eat, take pictures and relax. How to Best Enjoy The Nakasendo Trail - SNOW MONKEY RESORTS Need help planning your next trip to Japan? Privacy Policy and You can also use this article to walk from Tsumago - Magome. From taking a ferry for amazing city views to getting your fill of quality coffee, here are Seattle's top things to do. There are signs pointing to the start of the route to Tsumago (often written as Tsumagojuku or Tsumago-juku). This hilly path ventures through waterfalls, forests, seasonal flowers, and creeks. From Nagoya, catch any Kodama or Hikari shinkansen heading west to Kyoto and Osaka. Water wheels and small shops line the cobblestone street. I like to start slow, devoting one day to get between Magome and Tsumago, and then another day between Tsumago and Nojiri or Kiso-Fukushima. Stay in the forest on this very scenic section through woodland and lush green countryside, walking on some of the original stoned paving known as ishidatami. The walking was great a mixture of villages, forest, mountains. After leaving Tsumago, there is a long uphill section followed by a gradual downhill to Magome. You will soon come to your first road crossing, where you cross rural route #7. The most popular section of the route is the 7.7km section that links Magome and Tsumago, two of the juku (rest stations) along the route. This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one. Christopher Humphreys, Brunswick (VIC) September 2019. There are plenty of stores around if you need supplies. Continuing on your way through the mountains you will come across the well-preserved post town called Okute before then travelling along the ridge tops and descending into Ena. The employees are extremely friendly and share lots of great information! Along with the Kozenji-Temple, which houses the valleys most famous temple and the largest stone garden in Japan, the Yamamura Residence and the Fukushima Checkpoint are really worth a visit. And I very quickly came across one. NatureAddicts on Instagram: "Did you know that you can walk the same Kamikochi, the traveler replied, when I asked her the name of the place in the pictures she was flipping through on her Windows phone, the only one Ive seen outside of House of Cards. This map shows the main train stations, important points and some of the accommodations on this section of the trail. Today you can find an array of traditional shops, the iconic stone path leading you though the town and incredible views of Mount Ena. the ones whose stings leave scars like bullet holes. Thats the beautiful thing about the Nakasendo for me: Its delightful no matter how you experience ityou dont need to suffer to see the beauty of it. If you feel like exploring a little further, you may like to take a bus to Mt Ontake, one of Japans most sacred mountains. Take The Next Step Speak With A Tour Expert 1.800.941.8010 Reserve This Tour Request A Call Email An Expert Share This Trip: You Might Also Like New Zealand: Alpine & Coastal Hiking For a two-day, one-night trip, I recommend starting at Nagiso station. Go Hiking in Nakatsugawa on the Historic Nakasendo Trail - VOYAPON One superstition Im particularly fond of, my disdain for religion notwithstanding, is the oft-cited fact that your entire body regenerates every seven yearsevery single cell. The Shinano Express Train in Nagoya sodaigomi. And the solitude of it, the excitement and anxiety and fear and longing that all expand outward without any walls to contain them and without love to cool their heat. You will then walk over the Magome Pass (800m) and slowly descend through peaceful woodland. We had the best experience and everything was thought of well in advance from accommodation to our Guide, Ukky. While it goes through a small bamboo forest and gives you a nice view of Tsumago, I think its okay to skip. Japans Nakasendo Way or Central Mountain Route was one of five major routes established by the Shogunate (Military Dictator) during the Edo period (16031868). First, get to Kyoto Station and board a Hikari or Kodama shinkansen in the direction of Nagoya and Tokyo (you cannot board the fastest Nozomi shinkansen with a rail pass). The original way used to go through the golf course; nowadays you will follow the boundary of the course and again you will be walking on traditional stone paths. Over just a few days you'll discover rural mountain passes, peaceful forests, historic post towns, and the best of rural Japan on foot. Non-existent, or at least in the background, as was the case in the splendid graveyard I happened upon while traipsing through Takayama. The second thing I want to share with you relates to Nakasendo trail accommodation. The gently rolling path of the Nakasendo Trail Welcome to Japan! There will be some steep slopes today before Ochiai and then you will be walking on an old cobblestoned way. I felt disappointed in myself for being so ungrateful after all the amazing experiences Ive had, for acting like the spoiled child I was in Kindergarten, when Taylor Dayne still got played on the radio, when the idea that I might one day have a dog of my own was as foreign to me as the possibility that I might one day travel the world. The Nakasendo Trail, or Road through the central mountains, has been an important traverse for centuries Nagano Tourism, Discover Edo Period Japan on the Nakasendo Trail. View Walk. This is the true beginning of your Nakasendo Way walk. Below you can see a relatively comprehensive list of ones as of November 2021. This was one of the five centrally controlled highways of the Edo Period (1603-1868) in a time when travelling was done on foot or by horse. (This is my trusty Manfrotto Compact Action tripod that Ive taken on all my trips). From Nagoya my itinerary was as follows: Because the trail is hilly and has several cobblestone sections, you wont want to lug around suitcases and bulky bags. The Nakasendo trail starts in Magome, its westernmost town, which is access by bus from Nakatsugawa railway station, itself only a short journey from Nagoya. Nakasendo Way Self-Guided - World Expeditions Explore world-class ancient ruins, bathe in island sunsets and enjoy incredible food here are the best things to do in Greece. Not long after leaving Tateba-jaya, you will come to a sign that points off to Odaki and Medaki Falls (Male and Female Falls). The waters are mighty tempting on a hot summer day, but beware of fast currents, especially with children. Today is free for you to explore the town of Kiso-Fukushima. You will catch glimpses of rivers and creeks as you descend toward Tsumago. Is Hiking the Nakasendo Worth It? - Japan Starts Here Oku Japan is the only tour operator with a branch on the Nakasendo Trail, operating out of a traditional kominka home with more than 100 years of history. Though the weather was less than optimal, (ie. Enjoy a stress-free hiking or cycling trip on the Nakasendo Trail with Oku Japan, and learn more about Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. I guess this has something to do with Shintoism, I smiled and walked closer to it. The Nakasendo is very easy to access. As you'll know if you've tried searching on your own, this can be hard to book in advance. One of the highlights during this section of the journey is the Male (Odaki) and Woman (Medaki) waterfalls which sit almost side by side. Looking to visit the heady Swiss Alps? I cant believe youve got a heart of stone, I sighed, as I turned my back on the scene that just wasnt splendid enough for me. The rainbow of neon lights that lined the roads leading back to my hotel was like a technicolor lullaby that stopped short of putting me to bed, but made me comatose enough to shrug off the Nigerian hustlers who tried to lure me into hostess clubs along the way. In the more built-up areas the path itself is asphalt, while at its wildest it becomes unformed grit winding between alpine conifers. Photos (471) Directions. The second thing I want to share with you relates to Nakasendo trail accommodation. Send us an enquiry & well give you a call. For sections in between these two extremes, the path is clad in whats known as ishidatami a traditional style of stone paving. Nakansendo Trail: Travel guide and Itinerary - Japan Rail Pass Side note: The bathrooms in Tsumago are so nice! Our unique RAW Travel walking app has been designed to help you navigate easily on the Nakasendo Way, as this is a route with not much English signage. Much of the time you will be walking through fields and rural villages and enjoying gentle inclines that can be taken at a comfortable pace. The descent takes you along narrow mountain paths until you emerge at the outskirts of Narai, a lovely post town and the wealthiest of the post towns along the trail. It also has a unique audio feature that can tell you about places and points of interest as you approach them on the trail. Im glad you can finally experience this tradition.. Time required: the entire hike takes around 2.5 to 3 hours (not including time spent exploring the post towns). Everything went to plan. I cant believe it. If every cell in my body has regenerated since the last time I saw her, I thought as I walked past the Shirohije shrine, the Hotel Nikko towering behind it, then why can I still feel her in all of them? This is really fantastic and detailed overview of the hike. Follow these up and away from the main road. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. I stayed overnight at an amazing place called Guest House Motomiya. Ukky, our local contact, was so helpful and responsive. It's like a trip to Japan every week, right in your inbox! The pass is on the border of Gifu and Nagano prefectures. It is roughly 8km long and takes approximately three hours to complete at a leisurely pace. I couldnt sleep past 4 a.m. the morning I departed for Takayama, and it was pissing rain and no more than 10C outside, but as I walked into Circle K to purchase my convenience store breakfast, the Star Wars theme was playing. It can be very hot and humid in summer. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the lush and tranquil scenery, while history buffs will enjoy seeing the preserved post towns (think wooden buildings, no power lines, no cars). It is one of the most scenic sections of the walk. The best time to hike the Nakasendo is during the spring months of April and May, or in the fall around November. The woman whod invited me inside for tea, a Kanazawa native, had said Nomura Samurai House was her favorite building in the city, but to me, it felt like Shinjuku station at rush hour. Going on Nakasendo gives tourists an opportunity to trace the history of Japan while enjoying . Buses for Magome leave from stand #3, which is clearly marked. As I walked toward the garden, however, and managed to see an orange koi swim by in spite of how many tourists I saw reflected in the pond, I had a revelation: The Japanese have perfectly reconciled their past with their present. I certainly couldnt control Tokyo, or even the way I moved through it. Takuhaibin is a very popular and convenient service for sending parcels, luggage, and other goods door to door nationwide. I was nearly to Takayama when news of the attacks in Paris began to dominate my social media. I felt charmed as I spotted the first bell along the path just outside the village of Magome, in the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Enjoy your first traditional Japanese breakfast and prepare for an exciting day following in the footsteps of the Samurai. Nakasendo Trail Walks - Walking The Nakasendo Trail - Hiking - OnlyLuxe Walk from post-town to post-town over 2 days on the storied Nakasendo. The Nakasendo trail is the old mountain route that connects Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603-1867). Whether youre planning to walk the Nakasendo after Covid-19, or were just curious about why so many people are drawn to this part of Japan, I hope you navigate away from my website feeling enlightened. The best train for this itinerary is the Shinano #16, which departs Nagiso at 3.54pm and arrives in Nagoya at 5.01pm. As Ive traveled through Japan on this particular trip, which began in a coffin-like hotel room in Tokyo with the ghost of Penny, and will end in a few hours when I pass through security at Toyama Airport, Ive realized how important it is for me to learn how to do this in my own life. This is where you catch the bus to Nagiso, where you can catch a train back to Nagoya and on to Kyoto. This network of five routes was officially . Please readfull disclosurefor more information. It truly is a reminder of how the post towns were in the Edo period (16031868). Here's what you can't miss in Madrid. Along the way, there were 69 post towns. Both the Torii Pass, as well as the general contours of the land (but not so much the trail, which is poorly maintained) are dramatic and wild. Just as you enter Tsumago, theres a bridge with a nice running river below it. my first trip along the ancient trading route, Nakasendo: How to Get There and Where to Stay, Other FAQ About Walking the Nakasendo Trail. To reach the other end, at Narai, ride a westbound JR Chuo Line train from Matsumoto. What to do on Miyajima Overnight Stay and Day Trip Guide! You will pass through towns and villages and parts of the city, across rice paddies and fields and even through home gardens, talking to the locals along the way and taking in the Japanese culture. I mean, Penny sure seemed real the other night. According to said window it was still pitch dark outside, the bright lights of Shinjuku notwithstanding. Just then, I noticed Penny standing just to the right of the door on the porch, looking exactly how she had the last time Id seen her. And perhaps also the urge to break out into Michael Jacksons Thriller.. Two of the most well-known and beautifully preserved post towns can be found here. You can relax now its all downhill from here! Before heading out I spent a few nights in Nagoya. This route is the perfect length for a one-night, two-day trip, and can even be solo-hiked! Mosquito repellant (in the summer), good walking/ hiking shoes, and water are also a must! At 1197m, the Torii Pass is a great vantage point for views of Mount Ontake on a clear day. You cant always control the light, I consoled myself, when daybreak consisted of nothing more than black lightening into grey, and dragged my ass out of bed toward the nearest Mr. Donut. You can walk the most popular section, Magome to Tsumago, as a daytrip from Kyoto. I returned to Shinjuku feeling far more exhausted than I shouldve, given the short time and expanse of my jaunt. The trail is extremely well marked, but for good measure, bring a backup map (Google Maps worked for me). A little more than halfway to Tsumago you can take a detour to see the Tsumago Castle Ruins. This was one of the four security checkpoints during the Edo period and thus flourished as a political and economic centre in the Kiso Valley. Unlike the more coastal Tokkaido route, the Nakasendo wound its way up into the hills and through the Kiso Valley. Unless you suffer from physical, mental or emotional conditions that make it difficult or impossible for you to travel independently, the Nakasendo is more than easy enough to navigate on your ownmost of it is literally paved. Indeed, the real question most people have pertains to whether the Nakasendo is better than other comparable walks and hikes, such as the Kumano Kodo and Shikoku Junrei pilgrimage. Nakasendo self-guided walking 5 days. Since Magome and Tsumago are quiet towns that close early, make sure to have your lodging plans squared away before heading out. The 533km of trail is jam-packed with Japanese traditional culture, architecture, shops and ambiance. As you get closer to Tsumago, the trail descends steeply down some sections paved with stones. As you hike the country trails and quiet rural roads, youll be greeted with the most well-preserved post towns, affording you the incredible highlights of the Nakasendo. Indeed, after personally doing quite a long trek the first time I visited, Ive since come to appreciate shorter and more purposeful trips to various towns, with Narai arguably being my favorite at this point. Despite the fact that this section is about 170km northeast of Kyoto in the mountains of Gifu and Nagano Prefectures, you can actually do this as a long day trip from Kyoto if you use the shinkansen and the Shinano Express trains and plan carefully. Make sure to go before hitting the road! Nakasendo Trail - Let's Hike The Old Route of Japan They smell wonderfully of wood and are clean and spacious. Whether it is by foot or on bike, spending time in this region is incredibly enriching, providing you with ample opportunities to enjoy a variety of highlights of Nagano and Gifu, ranging from breathtaking nature and rewarding trails, to local delicacies and hundreds of years worth of fascinating history. The town closes early so make sure you arrive with lodging and food plans prearranged! There is information on how and where to catch trains you need and there are important reminders, safety information, videos and emergency contact information for your route. Heres what he thinks every visitor needs to know. And its by design: Many minshuku guest houses, from Magome to Tsumago to Kiso-fukushima, are only bookable by phone, and often only in Japanese. Tsumago, in Nagano Prefecture, was the first town to be a designated Important Preservation District of Traditional Buildings, ensuring the preservation of the areas buildings and businesses. Walking the Historic Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days | kimkim Along the way, you will stop by Tsumago and Magome, two of the most well-preserved post towns on the trail. In the forest you will be walking on a track that can be wet or uneven underfoot. Lonely Planet writer Bradley Mayhew recently returned from trekking to Everest Base Camp. Note, the Nakasendo Route on this map is only approximate: do not rely on this map for route finding. Of course, we recommend slowing down a bit and spending one night on the trail, in either Magome or Tsumago (see below for accommodation recommendations). Nakasendo Highlights 6 days. From the early 1600s until the late 1800s, the Nakasendo Highway was an important trade route connecting Japan's capital Kyoto to Edo-period Tokyo. Japan's Nakasendo Way - or Central Mountain Route - was one of five major routes established by the Shogunate (Military Dictator) during the Edo period (1603-1868). Once back in town, if you havent already discovered the free public footbath on the banks of the Kiso River, we definitely recommend a visit; the steaming, natural hot spring water is wonderfully soothing for tired legs and will help you feel refreshed and ready for tomorrows walk over the Torii Pass. Victoria, Australia, Send us an enquiry and our team will give you a call, DAY 5: TSUMAGO TO KISO-FUKUSHIMA (17KM WALKING; 30KM TRAIN TRAVEL), DAY 7: KISO-FUKUSHIMA TO NARAI (8KM WALKING; 14KM TRAIN), Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima and Narai, Explore Kyoto, the cultural and historical heart of the country, Discover old and new Tokyo with a private, guided tour, Visit Shimosuwa, the only hot springs district, Walk the historical Nakasendo Way through the Kiso Valley, Food, Wine, & Walking: Mornington Peninsula, VIC, Mornington Peninsula Walk 4 day Highlights, VIC, Mornington Peninsula 5 day full circuit, VIC, Mornington Peninsula Walk 6 day full Circuit, VIC, Queen Charlotte & Abel Tasman Self-Guided, Visit the post towns of Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima, Narai, Following in the footsteps of the Tokugawa Shogun and the Samurai during the Edo period (16031868), 7 nights in traditional Japanese guesthouses/inns (ryokan), RAW Travels exclusive interactive navigationapp, Lunches on all days (we have recommended places to eat), Fully guided walk with our qualified Japanese guide, Dive into the colourful history of the Shogun/Samurai, Visit 16 of the original post towns from the Nobi plain land to deep in the Kisoji valley, Trek in a group of like-minded travellers, Visit Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso Fukushima and Narai, Understand the feudal history with our local guide, Learn the feudal history of the Nakasendo Way with our local guide, Togakushi, visit shrines, walk amongst giant cedar trees, Nagano, home to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japans most important, A short hike offering a great introduction to walking in Japan, Walk on ishidatami (stone paving) dating back over 400 years, Understand the history of the Nakasendo Way with our local guide. In modern times, the Nakasendo has become a way for locals and international visitors alike to transport themselves to the Edo Period, enjoying a combination of the trails rewarding hikes ranging from less strenuous walks to more challenging terrain, interspersed with charming post towns preserved to this day. I hope to try the Kumano Kodo next! Post towns like Tsumago were responsible for providing security for travelers (daimyos and aristocrats), so special right-angled roads inside the town were created to thwart attacks from potential burglars and rebels. Best season: April through November. Delivery is usually the next day, and the cost is reasonable. Traildino grading EW, Easy walk, nature trail. Walk Japan's pioneering walking tour of Japan, the Nakasendo Way provides a unique, intimate experience of Japan and its people. The last leg of the journey is from Magome to Nakatsugawa Station. We list specific train times here, but they might change by the time you read this, so check times at a JR station before setting out (a day in advance, so you arent rushing). After exploring Tsumago, and perhaps eating lunch in one of the restaurants, walk out to the main road (route #7) and find the bus stop. My girlfriend and I booked the Nakasendo Way tour of 8 days, 7 nights absolutely awesome! Hike over ancient stone trails: authentic Japanese Ryokans, dinners and breakfasts: includes the Kiso Valley section: peaceful Japanese rural landscape: cedar forest and waterfalls. Visit all three Grand Shrines of pilgrimage on the Kumano Kodo: Hongu, Shingu, and Nachi with 3 days of hiking on this UNESCO World Heritage route. Boarding the shinkansen at Kyoto image Chris Rowthorn, Nakatsugawa Tourist Information Office image Chris Rowthorn, Nakatsugawa Bus Stop 3 for Magome image Chris Rowthorn, Magome Trail Sign image Chris Rowthorn, Trail Heading Out of Magome image Chris Rowthorn, Trail Sign Above Magome image Chris Rowthorn, Puzzling Trail Sign image Chris Rowthorn, Trail Above Magome image Chris Rowthorn, Entering Nagano Prefecture image Chris Rowthorn, Magome-toge Pass Sign image Chris Rowthorn, Distance Signs at Magome-toge Pass image Chris Rowthorn, Trail Below Magome-toge Pass image Chris Rowthorn, Bridge Above Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Tateba-jaya Tea House Sign image Chris Rowthorn, Tateba-jaya Interior image Chris Rowthorn, River Above Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Sign for Odaki and Medaki Falls image Chris Rowthorn, Descending Toward Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Hamlet Above Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Descending Steeply to Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Just Above Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Bridge Into Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, River at Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Main Road in Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Two Roads in Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Shrine in Tsumago image Chris Rowthorn, Hiking in the Japan Alps: Kamikochi to Mt Yari-ga-Take via the Daikiretto Traverse, The Kumano Kodo Walking Trail: A Guide with Maps, Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto), Kyoto Walking Tour 1: Nanzen-ji Temple to Yoshida-jinja Shrine, Kyoto Walking Tour 2: Tofuku-ji Temple to Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto Walking Tour 3: Classic Southern Higashiyama, A Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures, Kyoto Itineraries for Families with Children, Kyoto One-Day Off-the-Beaten-Track Cherry Blossom Itinerary, The Most Romantic Hotels and Ryokan in Kyoto. Nakasendo Trail | Regions | Oku Japan Magome (Horse & Basket) is number 43 of the 69 post towns along the way to Edo (Tokyo). And, if you want to something a bit less touristy, consider the Kumano-kodo, down in southern Kansai. The app has many great features; it shows the location of each nights accommodation, and weather forecasts localised for each of your overnight stops. The video shows the beautiful Kiso Valley and some of the cultural attractions of the Post towns that comprise the route of the Nakasendo Way. Find out more in our comprehensive destination guide its bursting with inspiration, travel essentials, practical information and more! Magome-Tsumago Trail (Old Nakasendo) - Kiso Valley Travel The trail is an excellent way to experience the unique history and culture of the region. Instead of the bus, I recommend walking the 3.5km route to Tsumago. 444 likes, 1 comments - NatureAddicts (@thenatureaddicts) on Instagram: "Did you know that you can walk the same path where samurai walked? Print/PDF map. Feel free to drop by for a cup of tea when you pass through! Nakasendo Way - Self Guided Walks - Auswalk
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