Kiso Valley Pilgrimage Route

The Nakasendo served as a pilgrimage route to Kyoto during the Edo period, featuring 69 post towns that formed unique pilgrimage cultures tied to local beliefs. Today it is re-evaluated as a hiking course and historical exploration route. Regional characteristics like the Kiso and Mino sections preserve distinct pilgrimage cultures.

The most scenic section of the Nakasendo route through Kiso Valley, Nagano Prefecture. Eleven post towns remain, preserving Edo-period landscapes. The mountain pass between Tsumago and Magome stations holds particular historical significance and attracts pilgrims as a hiking route. Designated as a national important cultural property for its well-preserved historic townscapes.

Historic post towns on the Nakasendo road preserving Edo-period atmosphere in the Kiso Valley. Tsumago, Japan's first town to undertake streetscape preservation, and Magome with its beautiful stone-paved slopes are connected by a hiking route popular with international tourists.

A Nakasendo post town in Nagiso, Nagano Prefecture. The site of Japan's first townscape preservation movement, perfectly maintaining Edo-period atmosphere. The approximately 8km hiking course to neighboring Magome-juku is enormously popular with international trekkers, becoming a sacred destination for walking Japan's old roads.

One of the five major Edo-period highways, connecting Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto over approximately 540 kilometers. Now developed as a 1,020-kilometer hiking course, with preserved post towns, particularly Tsumago and Magome in Nagano Prefecture. Attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually, it is an important tourism route offering authentic Edo-period culture and landscapes.

The Nakasendo route connecting Edo and Kyoto served not only pilgrims but merchants and travelers. Included pilgrimages to Suwa faith sites in Shinshu and numerous shrines/temples in Mino Province. Historic post towns like Tsumago and Magome remain, allowing experience of Edo-period travel culture. Many still walk this route today, exemplifying the historical relationship between pilgrimage and travel in Japan.

Sixty-seven post towns flourished along the Nakasendo during the Edo period, connecting Edo and Kyoto. Historic settlements like Tsumago and Magome preserve traditional architecture and stone-paved streets. Once bustling with daimyo processions and pilgrims, the route is experiencing revival as a pilgrimage and heritage tourism destination.