Tsumago & Magome Post Towns

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 highways connecting Edo and Kyoto, featuring 69 post towns. The section between Tsumago and Magome in particular preserves Edo-period atmosphere and has become an enormously popular trekking route among international hikers.

The most important of the five major highways connecting Edo and Kyoto along the Pacific coast. Made world-famous by Hiroshige's 'Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido,' its 53 post towns still preserve historical traces. It also served as the blueprint for the modern Tokaido Shinkansen route.

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.

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.