Before highways and the train system, one way people traveled from Kyoto to Edo (modern day Tokyo) was via the Nakasendo; a road that went through the center of Japan. Over 100 years later, you can still walk the Nakasendo. A popular hike is on a section between Nakatsugawa-juku in modern day Nakatsugawa City and the mountain top village of Magome. This 3 hour hike includes a preserved section of the cobblestone road.
- 1 min read
Walking The Nakasendo
Nakatsugawa-juku to Magome-juku

By Justin Dart
Community writer

Signs indicating the district and directions to the next district. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

The 390-year old Hazama Sake Brewing company at the entrance to Nakatsugawa-juku. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

Down a small road around the back of Hazama sake brewery. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

The Shirogiya has photos of locations along the Nakasendo in Nakatsugawa-juku. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

Kawakamiya Wagashi sells chestnut based Japanese sweets, a speciality of Nakatsugawa. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

The Ogha Sake Brewing company also sells alcohol from around Japan and the world. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

Udatsu Houses of Shitamachi in Nakatsugawa-juku. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

The Nakasendo History Musuem offers images, hanga and text from the Edo period. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

Display of Nakatsugawa-juku in Nishi Shin Machi. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

Wooden maps showing the old city line the Nakasendo in Nakatsugawa. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

A hiker on the Cobble stone section of the Nakasendo between Ochiai and Magome (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

Cobble stone section of the Nakasendo 90-minutes walk from Nakatsugawa station. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)

The waterwheel in Magome, a symbol of this mountain side community. (Photo: Justin W. Dart)
Explore nearby
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
2
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
3
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
4
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
5
INDEN-YA: An Over 400-year-old Crafts Business
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
6
Takaharu: Where Legends, Culture, and Nature Coexist
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
7
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
8
Kamenoi Hotel Nikko Yunishigawa: An All-Inclusive Resort
Tochigi - Sponsored -
9
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
10
Famous Gyukatsu Restaurant Opening in Arashiyama
Kyoto
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
9
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa