Complete Guide to the NAKASENDO TRAIL: Magome to Tsumago ποΈ Day Trip from Nagoya, Japan
Hiking the popular section of the Nakasendo Way, from Magome to Tsumago, as a day trip from Nagoya (1 hour on the train).
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The Nakasendo Trail is an old route between Tokyo and Kyoto. It goes through the Japanese countryside, with picturesque old post towns along the way. Hiking the whole trail takes several days, so we just did the most popular section between Magome and Tsumago, as a day trip from Nagoya (also do-able from Matsumoto). It’s a fairly easy hike, through beautiful scenery, and feels like an adventure. It’s about 8km long and took us 3 hours. You start and finish at gorgeous historic villages, where there are restaurants and cafes. We had soba noodles at Mikazukian in Magome-juku. It’s so picturesque, and a great alternative to Kyoto if you want to see traditional Japan, and go somewhere a little off the beaten track. Unfortunately when I was there it rained all day, but it was still do-able even on a rainy day – just wear waterproof shoes! There are lots more tips in the video, including how to get there on the train from Nagoya Station to Nakatsugawa, and how to get back from Nagiso Station.
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00:00 How to get there
01:49 Bus to Magome
02:38 Arriving in Magome
04:37 Soba noodles lunch
06:08 Magome juku
08:59 Nakasendo Trail
15:35 Tsumago
18:35 Review
21:23 How to get back to Nagoya
#japan #japantravel #nakasendo
26 Comments
Yay! Adventure time! Great video.
Nice guide Amy I enjoyed it πππ―π΅
Even in the rain it still looked beautiful. Japan is incredible for storage options compared to the UK. Wow we were in Japan at the same time. I remember that rainy day. The Monday (my birthday) and Wednesday were beautiful that week. I am adding this location to my bucket list.
I wonder how busy it would be on a weekday outside of the tourist seasons. Writing it down for my trip next year where I'll throw in a few nights in Nagoya for a change. I wish more tourists would go out of the 3 big cities and really explore the country. Even when I stayed in Kyoto last year, I did my best to stay clear from the tourist hotspots because I don't really enjoy it that way. Something like this on the other hand looks really relaxing to do.
Thanks for the video. The nature was beautiful. Of course it would be better without the rain and with open shops but still a very nice trip. π
Ah now I'm kinda miffed our group leader let us be dropped off at the top of Magome rather than the bottom. I didn't get to collect all those cool stamps + the village looks so beautiful there. Can't believe I missed that! On the other hand I did have a pretty nice chat with the taxi driver. I was trying my best Japanese (mostly thank you google translate) which the taxi driver really appreciated. The people from my group who were in the same taxi didn't understand what I was saying which was pretty funny. Gave the taxi driver some Belgian chocolates as a thank you which he also really liked. (we obviously payed him too).
About the bears, the taxi driver did tell me to ring the bells on the path (which was fun to do) as there could be quite a few. We didn't see any though.
Near Tsumago the path ran by a little graveyard and as we had just caught the tail end of the Sakura season the cherry blossoms were being blown over it like snow. That was such a magical moment. I really loved the Nakasendo. Definitely one of the best things on my first Japan trip π
Also, that big Tsumago stamp failed miserably for me too xD Which is funny as you seem to have gotten the same stampbook as me (I think? The one with the pictograms on the front with "Watashi no eki-stampu noto")
(I typed this comment in pieces while watching through the video, that's why it's not very structured)
We were there last sept. Stayed 2 nights in Magome and walked from Magome to Tsumago. The weather was amazing. Such a great experience. We stayed in a Ryokan in Magome called Tajimaya. Wonderful Ryokan. The food was delicious π€©
I understand that the rain poses challenges and risks (slipping and higher chance of blisters for example) But I honestly do hope its raining when I do this trail. The smell of the rain and the trees~ The sound of the rushing water~ I'd love to experience it.
The Nakasendo is a location/activity I would recommend for any time of year. Naraijuku is beautiful in winter. My sister and I did Magome to Tsumago on November 5, 2023. It was both sunny and slightly overcast with thunderstorms and heavy rain predicted. The start out of Magome – uphill – was very hot with the sun beating down, but the rest of the walk through the forest and along the river was very pleasant. Fall leaves were half and half along the route. We were wearing t-shirts and hiking pants with warmer cover in our daypack JIC. There had been landslides, so part of the route was detoured. Definitely start early in the day if you can. We also got into Tsumago as everything was closing π, so it's on our to be revisited list. There was a beautiful sunset as we waited for the bus back to Magome where we parked our rental car. Thanks for this peaceful and atmospheric look at a favorite. π
We're planning to this the first week of November as a day trip from Kyoto. Hoping to get to Magome by 10:30am and hopefully to Tsumago by 3pm. I hope that's early enough for a few snack places to be open at least, but i have heard there's an awesome katsu curry place across from Nagiso station worst case scenario.
Magome looks absolutely stunning! Are there any other villages/towns like this closer to Tokyo?
Such a beautiful scenic place.
Thanks for this video. Inspired me for my next trip – hope I get better weather.
My last comment was about audio quality. You have WAY more than made up for my complaints. You're good at this job!
Thanks for being cool.
One idea; you're really good at this so I'm not telling you what to do; but I'd love to hear that rain by itself. Hard to explain why, but I doubt I'm the only one
Inaka + cats = sugoi
Amazing video! Iβve been watching so many of your videos for my trip in October. Do you have a video discussing what Japanese meals are naturally vegetarian and which have sneaky fish/meat products?
Magic!, Love IT!!!!!! I am 100% placing this in my 2027 itinerary. Something that i only feel safe talking about here, i also love the stamps π. What is the actual risk of bears? Ill have to keep the kids close. I am eagerly anticipating the alpine route video/s .
I know when a video posts doesnβt always align with when it was shot. Can you please tell me when this was filmed to help me know that is what the trail looks like at a certain time of year? Seems like rainy season so was this the middle of June?
Definitely going to looking into Magome and the Nakasendo trail section that you did cos it looks absolutely gorgeous! Another one to add to the list! Ps love the dango necklace!
I hiked this portion of the Nakasendo last year with a guide and it was one of the most beautiful places Iβve ever been. Staying overnight in Magome and watching the sunset was amazing.
I (an old Japanese) walked that road twice when I was young. At the time, there was a campaign called "Discover Japan," and suddenly, manyγJapanese young people visited this road and town, which had previously been little known, surprising the locals. In recent years, the majority of visitors are foreigners, and the locals must be feeling a second surprise.
So much great information. Thank you for sharing this! ππ€©
I really enjoyed that trail. I'm going back to hike it again. Thanks Amy. Very sorry I can't order more of your merch. Hopefully after trump, we can get back to a better life. Safe travels and thanks much!
My friend gave me that Kyoto whiskey with embroidered label. Wasnβt great π
Looks like a lovely day trip from Nagoya. Did you do a day trip to Shirakawago too?
Curry soba sounds delicious.