Nagoya Off-the-Beaten-Path Itinerary: Nakasendo Trail [Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku]

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.