Walk the ancient Nakasendo — the historic postal road that once connected Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto. The preserved post towns of Tsumago and Magome remain remarkably unchanged since the Edo period, connected by a scenic mountain trail through cedar forest, rice terraces, and waterfalls.
You'll explore Tsumago's wooden inns and lantern-lit streets, enjoy a local lunch, then walk the historic trail over the pass to Magome, a hillside post town with sweeping mountain views. A rare, unhurried step back into old Japan.
- Tsumago-juku — one of Japan's best-preserved Edo-period post towns
- Scenic forest walking trail between Tsumago and Magome
- Magome-juku — a hillside post town with mountain views
- Local lunch in Tsumago
- Private door-to-door vehicle from your hotel in Nagoya
- English or Chinese speaking guide
Tour Price
per group
+ Expressway tolls, fuel & parking (approx. ¥15,000)
Lunch not included
What to Expect
Your Day, Step by Step
Pickup at Your Hotel in Nagoya
Your guide picks you up at your hotel. The drive to Tsumago takes approximately 1.5 hours by expressway.
Tsumago-juku — Explore the Post Town
Wander the preserved Edo-period streets of Tsumago, lined with wooden inns, shops, and lanterns. No overhead wires or vending machines are allowed here — the town has protected its historic look for decades.
Lunch in Tsumago
Enjoy lunch at your own pace at a local restaurant in Tsumago before setting out on the trail.
Hike the Nakasendo Trail to Magome
Walk the historic mountain pass connecting Tsumago and Magome — passing through cedar forest, rice terraces, and waterfalls. Once in Magome, explore the hillside post town and its sweeping mountain views.
Departure for Nagoya
Head back to Nagoya after a full day on the historic postal road.
Arrive Back at Your Hotel in Nagoya
Approximate return time. Actual times may vary depending on traffic and the pace of the day.
Magome's sloped stone street, along the historic postal road
What's Covered
Included & Not Included
Private Vehicle
Door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your Nagoya hotel. Comfortable Toyota Alphard for up to 7 guests.
English or Chinese Guide
Your guide accompanies you throughout the day, sharing the history of the Nakasendo and its post towns in English or Chinese.
Guided Trail Walk
The historic mountain trail between Tsumago and Magome, walked at a comfortable, unhurried pace with your guide.
Not Included
Expressway tolls · Fuel & parking (approx. ¥15,000) · Lunch & drinks
In the Moment
A day that looks like this.
Tsumago-juku — The Old Post Town
Tsumago-juku — the trail begins here
Tsumago's main street, framed by an old weeping cherry tree
Wooden inns and shopfronts, unchanged since the Edo period
Traditional straw hats and baskets, still made and sold locally
Lunch in Tsumago
A hearty local lunch before the trail — Shinano beef, rice, and miso soup
Gohei-mochi — grilled rice cakes on a stick, a Kiso Valley specialty
The Nakasendo Trail
One of several waterfalls along the pass between the two towns
A lookout point over the surrounding mountains
Rice fields and mountain villages seen from the trail
A quiet stretch of road along the old postal route
Magome-juku — The Hillside Post Town
Magome's sloped stone street, with sweeping mountain views
Taking in the view down Magome's main street
The stone marker at Magome-juku — the historic post road's waypoint
Koi-iwa (Carp Rock) — a local legend tied to this large boulder
Magome — Shops & Snacks
A traditional teahouse with its own working water wheel
Local snacks along Magome's main street
One of Magome's beautifully kept traditional shopfronts
Handwoven straw hats and baskets, made in the local style
Good to Know
Practical Information
Group Size
Up to 7 guests. The price is per group.
Meeting Point
Your hotel lobby in the Nagoya area. Pickup from Nagoya Station area can also be arranged. Please confirm your hotel at booking.
Fitness Level
The trail between Tsumago and Magome covers roughly 8km, mostly downhill or gently graded, and takes about 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Cancellation
Please see our cancellation policy for full details.