Nakasendo: Magome - Tsumago
The Nakasendo between Magome and Tsumago - a stone-paved historic highway through the Kiso Valley
The route
The line through Kiso Valley, Japan - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Year-round
Humid summers; snow in winter
Open year-round; snow/ice in winter; a luggage-forwarding service between the towns. Confirm.
On the trail
A restored Edo-era post road between two preserved post towns
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Accessible to most walkers and families; not fully wheelchair accessible - confirm
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Walk either direction; the bear-bell tradition
Getting there & staying
Magome to Tsumago (Nakatsugawa)
Buses and luggage forwarding between the post towns
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Magome / Nakatsugawa; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
No permit; luggage forwarding between Magome and Tsumago
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Ice in winter; otherwise gentle
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.