Nakasendo Trail Hiking Experience: From Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku

For those who want to enjoy a nature walk during their trip to Japan, the Nakasendō is a perfect choice. This ancient road once connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto, and parts of it still remain today, allowing travelers to walk in the footsteps of history.

Among its many sections, the 8km route from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku is especially recommended. Stone-paved paths, cedar-lined avenues, and the gentle sound of a babbling stream—all dating back to the Edo period—soothe travelers along the way. At Magome Pass, you can truly feel Japan's timeless landscape and the breath of history.

Drawing on our own experience walking the Magome Pass section of the Nakasendō, this article shares highlights, recommended spots, and plenty of practical information.

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Magome Pass is one of the Nakasendō routes connecting Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku. The trail is about 8km long and takes roughly 3 hours to walk. The path is well-maintained, making it a beginner-friendly hiking course that can easily be walked in sneakers.

• Distance: approx. 8km

• Duration: approx. 3 hours (including breaks and sightseeing)

• Difficulty: Beginner (well-maintained path)

• Elevation change: mostly downhill from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku, making it physically easy

• Admission fee: Free

• Last start time: There are no streetlights along the way, so it's best to start by 2:00 PM.

• To Magome-juku: about 25 minutes by bus from JR Nakatsugawa Station

• From Tsumago-juku: about 8km to JR Nagiso Station (by bus or on foot)

For directions from JR Nakatsugawa Station to Magome-juku, please see the article below.

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One thing that stood out on this Nakasendo walk was how well-maintained the trail is. Most of it is paved with stone or asphalt, with only a few unpaved dirt sections. You'll cross a road at several points, but clear signage makes it easy to stay on track.

You can hike in relatively light clothing. Since the route doesn't pass through rugged forest terrain, many visitors from overseas were seen walking in short sleeves and shorts.

Since this is a hike, we recommend bringing something to drink. Japanese summers are hot, so a towel to wipe off sweat is also a good idea.

• Water or other drinks for hydration (at least 500ml)

• Rain gear (in case of sudden weather changes)

• A towel (for wiping off sweat)

One especially convenient service for the Magome Pass hike is **the Visitor Center's luggage delivery service**. It transports heavy items like suitcases and souvenirs from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku, letting you enjoy the hike hands-free.

Luggage Delivery Service:

• Fee: Approximately 1,000 yen per item

• Drop-off hours: 9:00 AM–11:30 AM

• Pick-up location: Tsumago-juku Visitor Center

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For the Nakasendo hike, we strongly recommend walking **from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku**. The reverse direction (Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku) is mostly uphill and quite physically demanding, so it isn't recommended.

• Mostly downhill: An overall descent of about 200m in elevation makes it physically easier

• Enjoy changing scenery: Views shift from highlands down into a valley

• Convenient transport: Easy access from Tsumago-juku to Nagiso Station

The hike begins in earnest at Magome-juku. Climbing the stone-paved slope, we first took in the beautiful townscape of Magome-juku. There's plenty to see: charming water wheels scattered throughout the town, picturesque stone-paved slopes that recall the Edo period, and souvenir shops selling gohei-mochi (grilled rice cakes on skewers) and local crafts.

Once you pass through Magome-juku, the real Nakasendo hike begins. From here, paved roads and the old trail alternate, so simply follow the signposts. The signage is excellent, so there's no need to worry about getting lost.

About 15 minutes after leaving Magome-juku, you'll reach Suisha-zuka (Water Wheel Monument), built in memory of a family who died in a flood caused by heavy rain roughly 120 years ago. The sound of clear, cool water soothes tired legs, making this both a great rest stop and a wonderful photo spot along the hike.

A short while after leaving Magome-juku, you'll enter a beautiful stretch of stone-paved path — arguably the highlight of the Nakasendo hike. The route is a distinctive mix of paved and unpaved sections, alternating between asphalt, stone paving, and dirt paths, so it never feels monotonous.

Along the way, there was also a shrine.

As you walk the Nakasendo, you'll find **bear bells** installed at key points along the trail. This is a crucial safety measure designed to alert bears to human presence and prevent sudden encounters. Be sure to ring one whenever you come across it.

About Bear Bells:

• Purpose: Alert bears to human presence

• How to use: Ring it whenever you spot one

• Effect: Prevents encounters with bears

• Locations: Installed at key points throughout forested sections

About Bears:

Bears do live in Japan. They usually avoid humans, but a sudden encounter can be dangerous, so it's important to make noise to announce your presence. We rang the bear bells ourselves several times during our hike. The sound of the bells is all part of the charm of walking the Nakasendo.

After continuing through the forest and crossing a road for a while, you'll arrive at Ichikokutochi Tateba-jaya (Ichikokutochi Rest House). This has long served as an important resting place for travelers walking the Nakasendo.

Even today, they **offer free tea** (donations are welcome). Inside the atmospheric building, lightly smoked by the hearth's irori fire, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time to the Edo period.

The **biggest highlight** of the Nakasendo hike is, without question, **Odaki and Medaki Falls**.

Once you pass Ichikokutochi Tateba-jaya, the trail heads back into the mountains. It's well maintained, though, making it an ideal spot for forest bathing.

Continue on, and you'll soon come to Odaki and Medaki Falls, the biggest highlight of Magome Pass.

Odaki and Medaki are two waterfalls flowing side by side, each with its own distinct character. Odaki cascades down in a powerful, straight drop, embodying masculine strength, while Medaki flows in a graceful, delicate stream that reflects feminine beauty.

Once you pass Odaki and Medaki Falls, the Magome Pass hike is nearly complete, with Tsumago-juku just ahead. Houses gradually begin to appear along the road, along with rice paddies.

After about three hours of walking the Nakasendo trail, we arrived in Tsumago-juku. This impeccably preserved post town has buried its power lines and unified its signage, giving visitors a genuine sense of living history. Rows of beautiful wooden buildings—many still inhabited today—retain the look and feel of the Edo period.

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