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
-
1Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
2I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
3Golden Route to West Japan: Hiroshima & Fukuoka
Hiroshima - Sponsored -
4Explore Ako, Tatsuno, and Himeji with Ease From Kamenoi Hotel Ako
Hyogo - Sponsored -
5Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
6Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring Towns
Hyogo - Sponsored -
7Photogenic Miyazaki: Relaxation and Discovery
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
8Wintertime Magic in Otaru, Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
924-Hour Yaro Ramen in Shibuya Revolutionizes Noodles With an All New Type of Ramen Taking Over Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
10Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
6Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
8Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
10Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba