3 Towns Along the Nakasendo to Walk in the Footsteps of Samurai

A Historic Route Through the Heart of Feudal Japan 

The Nakasendō, stretching 534 kilometers, once connected Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo) through the Japanese Alps. At the time, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan, playing a central role in the country’s culture and political life, while Edo was its vibrant, fast-growing counterpart: the beating heart of a new era taking shape. This route thus linked the two great capitals of the era, facilitating both political and cultural exchange. 

During the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1868), a vast network of roads was developed to consolidate power and maintain control over the country. Among the official “Five Routes” (Gokaidō) that structured travel and communication during the Edo period, the Nakasendō held a key role. While travellers could rest and resupply at the many Post Stations along the way, their journey was also punctuated by Check Stations: official outposts where the authorities kept a close eye on who and what was moving through the country. 

Also known as the Kiso Kaidō, the route held deep historical and cultural significance. Even today, locals often refer to it as the Kisoji. Unlike the coastal Tōkaidō route, the Nakasendō passed through the mountainous interior, making it less vulnerable to storms... but more physically demanding.

The road was dotted with 69 stations, or shukuba, where travellers could rest, eat, and spend the night. These stops formed a vital administrative network that supported travel regulation and control. Feudal lords (daimyō) were even required to travel along this route to fulfill their mandatory service in Edo: a policy known as sankin-kōtai, designed to reinforce the shogun’s authority. 

Today, several of these stations remain beautifully preserved, offering travellers the rare chance to step into the past and experience Japan’s Edo period. 

The Kiso Valley: Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage Along the Nakasendō 

In the heart of the Japanese Alps, the Kiso Valley unfolds in all its natural grandeur and timeless charm, offering travellers a journey through both nature and history. Winding through Gifu and Nagano Prefectures, the Nakasendō passes right through this valley, home to some of Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved post towns. 

Each stop along the route — Magome, Tsumago and all the other untouched villages on the road — is a treasure trove of traditional architecture. Wooden houses, stone-paved paths worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, carefully tended gardens, and lantern-lit alleyways combine to create a unique atmosphere where the spirit of feudal Japan still lingers. 

Travellers who walk these historic paths are rewarded with breathtaking scenery: majestic mountains, deep forests, crystal-clear rivers, and misty valleys that come alive in the early morning light. 

The Kiso Valley is more than just a landscape of rare natural beauty - it is a place where centuries of culture and history echo through forested mountains, preserved post towns, and timeworn paths once treaded by samurai, merchants, and poets alike. 

Traditional crafts such as Kiso lacquerware and pottery are still practiced in local workshops and markets, where visitors can also sample the region’s authentic flavors: mountain fruits, fresh vegetables, and river fish prepared according to recipes passed down through generations. 

Walking through the Kiso Valley offers a full immersion into the soul of Japan — a journey where nature and history intertwine. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply a traveller seeking authenticity, every stretch of the trail reveals its own share of wonder. Between Magome and Tsumago, the stone-paved path becomes a thread linking people, eras, and landscapes — an unforgettable experience. 

Preserved Gems: 3 Must-See Post Towns 

Magome-juku: The Poetic Gateway to the Nakasendō 

Tucked into the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Magome is often the first stop for modern-day travellers exploring the Nakasendō. Its name literally means “horse basket” — a nod to the past, when horses had to be carried through the steeper, more treacherous sections of the trail. 

The village has been lovingly restored and feels like a scene from a painting: a gently sloping stone path lined with traditional wooden houses, waterwheels, and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Make sure to bring your camera, the village is a real photographer’s paradise!

Our experts also recommend you visit the local craft shops to bring original and authentic gifts home, whether it’s ceramics, lacquerware or sake! And for a quick rest and refuel, stop by Cafe Kappe known for its stunning views over the valley, or one of the many noodle shops dotted around town.

Insider tip: For just a few hundred yen, you can also stop by a roadside stall and try a warm gohei-mochi — a grilled rice cake coated in a sweet walnut miso glaze, a beloved local specialty that perfectly complements the spirit of the trail. 

After a good meal or snack, you’ll be able to explore the cultural side of Magome. Check out the Wakihonjin Museum and the Fujimura Memorial located 1 minute from each other on Old Nakasendo Street! During the Edo period, Magome-juku’s secondary inn for high-ranking travellers was known as Yawataya and played a key role in the post town. Although the original building was lost in a major fire in 1895, the Magome Wakihonjin Historical Museum now features a reconstruction of its upper tier. The museum showcases period household items and furnishings, offering insight into the unique culture and lodging system of the Kisoji region during the Edo era.

Beloved local writer Shimazaki Tōson was born in the town’s honjin (also mostly destroyed in the 1895 fire) and has now a museum dedicated to his life and work: Fujimura Memorial. There, you can see the ruins of the original honjin and buy translations of his novels as a souvenir. 

Behind Fujimura Memorial begins the spiritual exploration of Magome as you can get to Eishoji temple, the Shimazaki family’s temple dated from 1558, where the writer and his wife and daughters were led to rest. There, you can either spend the night or simply taste the Buddhist vegetarian temple cuisine (Shojin Ryori). 

With no visible power lines or signs of modern life, in Magome time seems to stand still. In the evening, when most day visitors have gone, the atmosphere becomes especially peaceful and deeply authentic. 

Tsumago-juku: The Authentic Jewel of the Nakasendō 

Roughly 8 kilometers from Magome, Tsumago is considered one of the best-preserved historical villages in all of Japan. Thanks to a remarkable community-led preservation effort, the town was carefully restored in the early 1970s under strict guidelines: no advertising, no visible modern construction, and no overhead power lines. The result is nothing short of stunning. 

Each year, countless visitors come to experience the authenticity and quiet charm of Tsumago. The village offers a rare glimpse into daily life during the Edo period. You’ll find a honjin (an inn for government officials from the end of the Edo period generally located in post stations). Today’s visitors to Tsumago-juku can step inside both the former honjin and the waki-honjin - the main and secondary inns. While the original honjin was lost and reconstructed in 1995, the waki-honjin has stood the test of time. Its remarkably preserved structure was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2001. 

Other points of interests in Tsumago-juku include: 

The Nagiso Museum of History to explore the region’s history. The museum is comprised of three sites: this history museum, Tsumago Post Town Honjin, and Wakihonjin Okuya. You can visit all of them if you purchase an all-in-one ticket. 

The small Kabuto Kannon Shrine dedicated to Minamoto no Yoshinaka. This temple is believed to date back to the 12th century, when Yoshinaka, the lord of Kiso, enshrined an image of Kannon - the bodhisattva of compassion - inside his helmet as an offering for victory before heading into battle during the Genpei War, a major civil conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans from 1180 to 1185. The current temple dates from the Edo period and was restored in 1998. 

The ruins of Tsumago Castle, built as a defensive structure. Today you can still see the old defenses, including karabori (ditches), kuruwa (outer walled areas), obikuruwa (narrow defensive walls), and earth mounds. And the site also provides a fantastic viewpoint on the valley.

Rurisan Kōtoku-ji Temple, founded in 1500 known, it is known for its nightingale floors and weeping cherry tree which makes for a great photo opportunity! You’ll easily spot it with its white façade and stone base, plus it rises one storey above the nearby buildings.

Whether you're hiking or simply visiting for the day, Tsumago is accessible to travellers of all ages and experience levels - a cultural treasure that welcomes everyone.

Narai-juku: “The Town of a Thousand Houses” 

Farther north in Nagano Prefecture lies Narai-juku, once the most prosperous of the Nakasendō’s 69 post towns. The village has preserved a remarkable one-kilometer main street lined with multi-story merchant houses, temples, public wells, and ryokan (traditional inns) still in operation today. 

Temples and shrines such as Shizume Shrine offer peaceful spaces for reflection and underscore the spiritual significance of Narai along the old road. 

The town is also known for its rich artisanal heritage, particularly Kiso lacquerware and finely carved wooden crafts. Every year, traditional festivals bring Narai to life — including the Ochasubo Dōchū in early June, a colourful reenactment honouring the Edo era. In winter, the village turns into a fairytale scene, especially on February 3rd, when some 1,500 ice candles light up the streets. In spring and autumn, the surrounding hills burst into colour — from delicate pink blossoms to fiery reds and gold.

You can also visit the Nakamura Residence, built in the early 19th century and its splendid garden to get an idea of how Narai merchants lived in the past.

For history enthusiasts, near the Shizume Shrine, the Narakawa Folklore Museum offers a fascinating collection of objects from traditional life in the region, including furniture, farming tools, wooden utensils or local paintings. Also don’t miss the Notice Boards of Narai which list the regulations from the shogunate authorities to the villagers. They are known as the kosatsuba. And obviously: we recommend you try the local soba noodle! 

The town of Narai is also blessed with crystal-clear spring water, a prized ingredient used by local breweries to craft some of Japan’s finest sake. After a long day of hiking, why not treat yourself to a tasting flight at a local sake bar such as Sagyobar? The welcoming staff will be delighted to share the secrets behind what makes their regional sake so distinctive. 

Hiking Between Magome and Tsumago: A Journey Out of Time 

The Magome–Tsumago section is perhaps the most popular stretch of the Nakasendō, combining accessibility, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Most hikers begin in Magome, a symbolic gateway to this scenic stage. The trail spans about 8 kilometers, winding through forests, streams, wooden bridges, and small roadside shrines. It takes about 3 hours to hike. Each segment of the path reveals its own unique charm, with several picturesque detours inviting exploration between the villages. 

Along the way, you’ll find signposts sharing the history of the Nakasendō, benches inviting quiet reflection... and, in a quirky touch: bear bells dotting the forest to ward off curious wildlife. It’s not uncommon to find yourself completely alone, surrounded by silence, with only the rustle of leaves and the whisper of the breeze for company. 

The hike can be done in either direction, but walking from Magome to Tsumago is slightly easier, as the path descends gently overall. Reaching Tsumago feels like a milestone — a natural moment to pause, reflect, and plan the next part of your journey. For added convenience, luggage forwarding services are available, and local buses make it easy to return to your starting point without retracing your steps. 

Why the Nakasendō Still Captivates Modern Travellers 

In an age of high-speed trains and hyper-connected cities, the Nakasendō offers a different rhythm — a slower, more mindful way to travel. Every step tells a story, and each village is a window into another time. 

Hiking this trail means immersing yourself in a world apart, far from the noise of modern life, a return to stillness, simplicity, and harmony with nature. 

There are multiple ways to experience the Nakasendō, with various routes connecting different towns, allowing travellers to tailor their journey to their time, pace, and interests. 

People come here to: 

• Experience rural and traditional Japan 

• Hike through nature without technical difficulty 

• Connect with locals in authentic, meaningful ways 

• Discover open-air history at every turn 

• Admire the rich variety of landscapes — mountains, forests, valleys, and rice fields line the path 

It’s also a perfect option for those who have already explored Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka and are seeking a deeper, more personal side of Japan — a journey off the beaten track, into the heart of the country. 

Planning Your Trip: Practical Tips 

How to Get There 

From Japan’s major cities — Kyoto and Tokyo — it’s easy to organize your journey to the Nakasendō. 

From Tokyo:
Take the shinkansen to Nagoya, then a JR Shinano limited express train from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa Station (about 50 minutes), and a short bus ride to Magome, one of the most popular starting points for the hike. 

From Kyoto or Osaka:
Travel by train to Nagoya, then follow the same route. 

Traditional itineraries often trace a path between Kyoto and Tokyo, allowing travellers to discover the Nakasendō’s historic villages nestled between the two former capitals. 

Our travel consultants will be happy to help you find the most suitable route as part of your tailor-made journey — don’t hesitate to mention it during your online consultation! 

Best Time to Visit 

• Spring (April–May): Blossoming landscapes and mild temperatures 

• Autumn (October–November): Brilliant red and gold foliage, romantic atmosphere, and pleasant weather 

• Winter (January–February): Snow-covered scenery and a magical ambiance — though temperatures often drop below freezing 

• Summer (July–August): Relatively cooler than the lowlands, but be mindful of the rainy season in July 

What to Bring 

• Comfortable walking shoes 

• Layered clothing suited to the season 

• Water, snacks… and of course, a camera! 

More Than a Journey: A Walk Within 

The Nakasendō doesn’t just connect places — it connects eras, emotions, and cultures. It’s a path paved with stone, yes, but also with memory, reflection, and reconnection. 

Walking the Nakasendō allows you to fully absorb the quiet soul of this historic route. Step by step, you’ll discover a Japan that is slow, subtle, and profound — a Japan that reveals itself only to those who take the time to truly listen. 

Ready to Go Further? 

Discover our tailor-made itineraries featuring the Nakasendō — where nature, tradition, and time-honoured heritage come together: 

Japan Heritage - Follow the footsteps of samurais through the ancient Gokaido roads. From Tokyo, visit quiet villages, and end your trip in Kyoto, experiencing Japan's essence. 

Samurai Adventure - Step back and relive a 500-year journey into Japan’s feudal history. An adventure for travellers passionate about culture and majestic history. 

Our travel experts are here to help you design a trip that’s just right for you. Get in touch to start planning your adventure! 

Ryokō wo tanoshinde kudasai — Enjoy your trip!