The stone path climbs out of Magome between wooden inns, then the houses stop and the cedar forest closes in. Every so often a bell hangs beside the trail. You ring it, and the sound carries a long way into the trees.
The Magome to Tsumago walk follows a surviving section of the Nakasendō, an Edo-period highway that once linked Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. The trail lies in the Kiso Valley, roughly 1.5 hours or more from Nagoya by train and bus, depending on connections.
At a glance
Where: Magome (Gifu) to Tsumago (Nagano), Kiso Valley
When: Best April to November; the trail is walkable year-round, but snow and ice can make winter walking slippery. Fall color in late October and early November
Time needed: About 2.5–3 hours walking, depending on pace and conditions; one night in a post town makes it a two-day trip
Getting there: Nagoya → Nakatsugawa by JR limited express Shinano (about 50 min) → bus to Magome (about 30 min). From Tsumago, bus to Nagiso Station (about 10 min). Times are approximate; check current timetables
Cost: The walk is free. A seasonal luggage service runs between the Magome and Tsumago tourist information centers from March 20 to November 30, 2026
Booking: Book post-town inns well ahead, especially for autumn weekends
An eight-kilometre stretch of an Edo highway
The Nakasendō ran about 534 kilometers from Edo to Kyoto through 69 post towns, taking an inland route through the mountains. Most of it now lies under modern roads.
The best-preserved walkable stretch is roughly 8 kilometers between Magome and Tsumago. It climbs to Magome Pass at about 800 meters, then descends through forest and small hamlets.
You'll sometimes see "11 kilometers" quoted. Don't rely on it when planning bus connections; overestimating the distance is the easiest way to misjudge your timing. Many walkers start in Magome, since most of the route after the pass is downhill. The reverse works too, and bus timetables at each end often decide it.
Bells, borders and a town that chose to stay
Bear bells hang along the forest section. Ring them as you pass so wildlife knows you're coming, but follow local bear advisories; the bells along the trail are a supplementary way to alert wildlife, not a guarantee of safety.
Magome is in Gifu and Tsumago in Nagano. Tsumago's preservation movement began in 1968. In 1971, residents adopted a charter pledging not to sell, rent or destroy historic properties, and in 1976 the town was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Dinner at a family-run minshuku (small guesthouse) is usually river fish, mountain vegetables and soba, eaten on tatami as the valley goes quiet. Many minshuku have only a few rooms, and stays often include dinner and breakfast; check when booking.
Know before you go
Distance: About 8 km, about 2.5–3 hours, depending on pace and conditions.
No onsen: Inn baths are shared ofuro (heated baths), not hot springs. For mineral springs, plan a separate stop at a hot-spring town elsewhere in Nagano, such as Nozawa Onsen or Shibu Onsen, both a long way from the Kiso Valley.
Ring the bear bells: Black bears live in the Kiso mountains. Follow local bear advisories; the bells along the trail are a supplementary way to alert wildlife, not a guarantee of safety.
Luggage forwarding: A seasonal luggage service runs between the Magome and Tsumago tourist information centers from March 20 to November 30, 2026. Drop-off is 8:30–11:30 a.m., with collection from 1 to 5 p.m. Outside reception hours, a special run may be available; confirm in advance.
Bus fallback: A local bus links Magome, Tsumago and Nagiso Station, but it runs only a few times a day. If you might need to stop walking early, check the latest timetable before you set out.
Footwear: Footwear matters more than fitness. Wet stone sections are slippery, and sneakers with worn soles are especially prone to slipping. Wear shoes with good grip.
Two prefectures: Magome is in Gifu and Tsumago in Nagano, so check that any regional rail pass or bus timetable you rely on covers both ends.
FAQ
Q: How long is the Magome to Tsumago walk?
About 8 kilometers, taking about 2.5–3 hours, depending on pace and conditions. The Magome to Tsumago walk climbs to Magome Pass at about 800 meters, then descends. No permit or guide is needed.
Q: Which direction should I walk, Magome or Tsumago first?
Many walkers start in Magome because the climb to Magome Pass is shorter, followed by a longer descent toward Tsumago. The reverse route works too.
Q: Are Magome and Tsumago hot-spring towns?
No. Inns in Magome and Tsumago have shared ofuro baths of heated water, not onsen.
Q: Can I send my luggage between Magome and Tsumago?
Yes, from March 20 to November 30, 2026. A seasonal luggage service runs between the Magome and Tsumago tourist information centers. Drop-off is 8:30–11:30 a.m., with collection from 1 to 5 p.m. Outside reception hours, a special run may be available; confirm in advance.
Q: How do I get to Magome from Nagoya?
Take the JR limited express Shinano from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa, about 50 minutes, then a bus to Magome, about 30 minutes. Check current timetables.
Q: Is the Nakasendō walk suitable for kids or older walkers?
It can suit children and casual walkers comfortable on uneven ground. For a shorter walk, check whether a bus or private vehicle can take you to Magome Pass, so you only walk the downhill stretch toward Tsumago. A local bus between Magome, Tsumago and Nagiso Station is another option, though it runs only a few times a day.
Q: Do I need to book Magome or Tsumago accommodation in advance?
Yes, especially for autumn weekends. Post-town minshuku in Magome and Tsumago are small family-run guesthouses, many with only a few rooms, and popular dates can book up early. Stays often include dinner and breakfast. Some inns still take bookings by phone or through the town's reservation office rather than online, so plan early.
Q: What's the easiest way to plan a Nakasendō walk?
Book the inn, luggage and transfers together. Post-town inns have few rooms and some book by phone in Japanese. We can reserve the inn for you and arrange luggage forwarding and a private transfer from Nagoya.
By late afternoon the day walkers have gone and Tsumago's lanterns come on. The road outside your inn is the same road travelers walked 300 years ago, and tonight it belongs to you.
