[2025 Kiso District Attraction] Travel Guide for 妻籠宿 寺下の町並み (Updated Jul)

#JapanTravel Located in the Kiso Valley of Nagano Prefecture, Tsumago-juku is one of the best-preserved stops on the historic Nakasendo Trail. This ancient station that linked Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) will take you back in time to the Edo period. What makes Tsumago-juku unique is its efforts to preserve its historical character. Here, you will find cobblestone streets and traditional wooden houses that have been meticulously restored to their original appearance centuries ago. The absence of modern signs or conspicuous electrical cables further enhances the authentic atmosphere of the place. Walking through the quiet streets, you can admire traditional houses that have been transformed into small museums, local hotels (ryokan), and shops selling local crafts. Many of these houses offer a glimpse into everyday life in ancient times, making you feel as if you are living in the heart of Japanese history. Tsumago-juku is not just a tourist destination, but a place where you can experience Japanese history and culture vividly, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area and travel between traditional stations. An ideal place for those looking for peace, beauty, and history in the heart of Japan. 🚶♂️🌸

Walking along the stone-paved slope of Magome-juku, the sound of trickling water fills the air, emanating from the rhythmic motion of an ancient waterwheel. This is one of the 69 post towns of the Nakasendo, a must-visit stop for travelers during the Edo period. As a modern-day traveler, I find myself lost amidst the aroma of tea and the charm of old houses. Wooden structures and the enticing scent of handmade snacks from shop signs transport me back three centuries. Crossing over the mountain to Tsumago-juku, the atmosphere becomes even more tranquil. Here, underground wiring preserves the pure, traditional scenery. Whether it's the old station "Honjin" or the Tail Bridge spanning the Ran River, the refined and restrained culture of the post town remains intact. Separated by 8 kilometers, walking between these two towns allows one to experience the changing mindset of a traveler, embodying the essence of "journey." 📍Location Check-in: Magome-juku, Tsumago-juku (border of Gifu Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture) 🎒Suggestion: Hike a section of the Nakasendo trail to personally experience the Edo-era travel atmosphere.

Stepping into Tsumago-juku in Nagano Prefecture is like pressing the pause button in time. This is one of the best-preserved post towns on the Nakasendo Road, allowing me to find a quiet and culturally profound travel corner in the hustle and bustle of modern times. 🏘️ Strolling in the old streets and architectural vocabulary Walking in the old streets paved with stone slabs, small bridges, tatami roofs and old tea shops are arranged in order. Every wooden lattice window and every wooden step quietly tells the footprints of past travelers. Stopping in front of Kotoku-ji Temple, listening to the birds singing and the wind blowing through the bamboo shoots, the feeling of "time flows but people do not change" is like traveling back to the post station scenery of the Edo period. ⛩️ Historical landmarks not to be missed Tsumago-juku Main Camp: This was once a place where daimyo and officials stayed. The restored interior space allows me to be in the painting and feel the identity and humble courtesy of the year. Omata Bridge: The wooden bridge across the clear Lanchuan River is not only the entrance for travelers to stay, but also witnesses countless sunrises and nights. Standing on the bridge, I forgot to breathe several times, just because the scenery in front of me was too beautiful. 📍 Locations to check in: Tsumagojuku Old Street, Honjin, Omata Bridge, #Tsumagojuku #Nakasendo #Edo Style #Ancient Road Tour #Historical Buildings #Omata Bridge #Honjin Visit #Literary Travel #Slate Old Street #Slow Travel Strategy #May Good Places 2025

If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of city life and yearn for a serene journey with a touch of historical charm, a short trip along the Nakasendo Trail from Nagoya is definitely worth considering. This time, I chose to visit two well-preserved Edo-period post towns—Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku—where stepping in feels like entering a time machine. Tsumago-juku, located in Nagano Prefecture, features streets lined with century-old wooden townhouses. Notable spots like Honjin, Kotokuji Temple, and Omatobashi Bridge are worth a stop. Heading south, you can either take a shuttle or hike to Magome-juku in Gifu Prefecture. Magome is a classic stone-paved slope town, filled with old houses converted into tea shops, souvenir stores, and local cuisine restaurants. It also offers rest spots like the Nakasendo Museum and the Watermill House. The 8-kilometer hiking trail between the two towns passes through bamboo groves and mountain landscapes, offering a dual experience of physical and spiritual rejuvenation. Walking along this historic path once traveled by ancestors, while watching the clouds shift over the mountains and listening to the babbling streams, is a profound historical experience. 📍 Must-Visit Spots: ✓ Tsumago-juku (Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture) ✓ Magome-juku (Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture) Transportation Tips: Take the JR train from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa Station, then transfer to a bus to reach both post towns.