For anyone interested in Japanese history, a visit to the Kiso Valley, and especially the post towns of Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku, is highly recommended. For those with time, the 8 kilometer hike between the two towns is a must. Start at Magome (elevation 600m) and make your way past farmland, forests and even waterfalls on your journey to Tsumago (420m). To commemorate the journey, pick up a 'Starting Point Ticket' at the Tourist Information Center (TIC) and show it at the other end's TIC for a cypress 'Certificate of Completion'—a nice memento of the visit.
- 1 min read
Magome to Tsumago
Walk the Kiso Valley's ancient Nakasendo

By Sandra Isaka
Community writer

This man welcomes those who walk along the ancient trail.

Leaving Magome, the view behind.

The path heads into the forest.

Walk past farms and homes along the route.

A rest stop for weary travelers

Along the path are two waterfalls, this is O-taki (male waterfall).

Me-taki, (Female waterfall)

The trail meanders past lovely rice fields.

Stone Buddhist statues help you find your way.

Heading downhill into Tsumago
Join the discussion

Anonymous
8 years ago
I want advice how to plan to travel for Magome to Tsumago trail and can we do as day trip from Kyoto please.
Unfortunately, Magome & Tsumago are over 230 kilometers from Kyoto, with no direct train access, so it is impossible to do a day trip there. I do recommend a visit, however, as the area is one of Japan's finest. For advice, check out other articles on this website as they can provide a lot of the information you need. Hope you are able to travel there!
2 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
Explore Ako, Tatsuno, and Himeji with Ease From Kamenoi Hotel Ako
Hyogo - Sponsored -
2
Wintertime Magic in Otaru, Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
3
Hokkaido Tops Japan's Prefectural Attractiveness Rankings
Planning -
4
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
5
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
6
24-Hour Yaro Ramen in Shibuya Revolutionizes Noodles With an All New Type of Ramen Taking Over Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
7
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
8
Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
9
Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring Towns
Hyogo - Sponsored -
10
Hotel NORD Otaru, Your Front-Row Seat to Otaru’s Canal District
Hokkaido - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
6
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
9
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
10
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo