Exploring Japan’s 4 Most Beautiful Historic Post Towns — Tsumago, Magome, Narai, Ouchi | JapanTravel

Exploring Japan’s 4 Most Beautiful Historic Post Towns — Tsumago, Magome, Narai, Ouchi | JapanTravel

When traveling in Japan, many people visit large cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. However, the true essence of Japan can often be found away from the cities. In the past, people traveled on foot. Post towns were created as resting places for travelers. They offered lodging, meals, trade, and human connection. Even now, some towns preserve the atmosphere of those days. Stone-paved streets, wooden houses, quiet mountain landscapes. It feels like stepping back in time. This video introduces four popular post towns. Tsumago-juku, Magome-juku, Narai-juku, and Ouchi-juku. Each has its own scenery and culture. Let us set out on a journey to feel Japan’s history and nature. Feel Japan offers travel ideas in Japan. Follow us and be inspired to discover the unknown wonders of Japan. If you like this video, give us a thumbs up. Your comments are also welcome. Tsumago-juku lies deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. It was the first post town in Japan to begin historic preservation. Power lines were removed from sight, leaving the town as it once looked. There are strict rules about the colors, shapes, and decorations of buildings. Even new buildings must follow traditional styles. Thanks to this, the entire town maintains a strong sense of history. The sound of the river, lanterns hanging under the eaves, time flowing slowly. Walking through the streets, you can sense the lives of people long ago. Some inns have been operating since the old days. Staying there lets you experience the quiet mornings and evenings. The specialty here is soba noodles, a familiar Japanese dish. Many shops serve soba made from local harvests. Another local favorite is oyaki. Oyaki is dough filled with ingredients and steamed. Fillings include vegetables or sweet red bean paste. Magome-juku spreads along a mountain slope. Traditional wooden houses stand on both sides of the stone-paved road. Magome-juku suffered two major fires in the past, which destroyed many buildings. Most of the current structures are reconstructions. Because of this, preservation rules are not as strict as in Tsumago-juku, and the town has developed as a tourist spot. It is a place where modern elements coexist gracefully with tradition. As you climb the slope, the view opens up, revealing distant mountains. On clear days, the sky, the mountains, and the townscape form a beautiful harmony. The specialty here is chestnuts. Sweets made with chestnuts are popular, as well as chestnut rice. Gohei mochi is another favorite. It is made by mashing rice, shaping it on skewers, coating it with miso or soy sauce, and grilling. Of course, you can also find excellent soba shops. Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku are neighboring towns separated by mountains. They are connected by the old Nakasendo road, which travelers once walked. Today, this hiking route is famous worldwide as the “Samurai Trail,” attracting many international visitors. The distance is about 8 kilometers, taking around two to three hours. Along the way, you will see streams, bamboo groves, and terraced rice fields. Spring with fresh greenery and autumn with colorful leaves are the best seasons. The path is well maintained, with signs along the way, so it is easy to follow. There are teahouses and rest stops, making it a pleasant hike. Narai-juku is known as the longest post town in Japan. It stretches for one full kilometer. Because of its size, it is often described as having a thousand houses. In reality, there are about four hundred. The town is also notable for its temples, with five of different Buddhist sects. Woodcraft has flourished here since old times, and many shops sell lacquerware and crafts. Fresh spring water flows from the mountains, and six communal water basins are still in use today. For tourists, a great advantage is that the town is only a one-minute walk from the nearest station. At the edge of town, the old road continues toward the next village. Though smaller than the Samurai Trail, some visitors still enjoy hiking here. The specialty food is, once again, soba noodles. Soba has been valued since long ago as a nutritious food. Because it is easy to grow, many rural areas across Japan made soba their specialty. Ouchi-juku is set deep in the mountains. With limited transportation access, it retains a rustic village atmosphere. A wide street runs through the town, lined with houses on both sides, and water channels flow alongside. In spring, flowers bloom. In winter, snow covers the village. Each season brings unique beauty. The most distinctive feature is its thatched-roof houses. These thick roofs, made of layers of straw, were once common in snowy regions. Today, they are rare and precious. The specialty here is soba noodles. But in a unique twist, they are eaten using a leek instead of chopsticks. It is a memorable cultural experience. There are also many other local dishes. If you have room, be sure to try them. Each of these post towns preserves the beauty of old Japan and the lives of its people. They offer not just sightseeing, but an experience that transcends time. Walk through them, feel them, and take with you an unforgettable journey. Thank you for watching the video until the end. Please subscribe to this channel, give us a thumbs up, and leave a comment. Various links are listed in the overview. We welcome your recommendations and requests in the comments and on the social media.

Step back in time as we explore four of Japan’s most beautiful historic post towns — Tsumago, Magome, Narai, and Ouchi.
Discover the timeless scenery, culture, and traditions that still live on in these historic streets, offering a unique journey into Japan’s past.

Tsumago-juku
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XALK7u8ptmiWUKMZ9
Magome-juku
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aunDzoecZwbRc2dq9
Narai-juku
https://maps.app.goo.gl/M71jvAYKE7mJ3xaK6
Ouchi-juku
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AudnJajmCYndKetM8

A Village Bathed in Red – FUKIYA FURUSATO VILLAGE

The Charm of HIDA TAKAYAMA – Japan’s Iconic Historic Townscape

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00:00 Opening
03:47 Tsumago-juku
08:08 Magome-juku
13:52 Samurai Trail
17:35 Narai-juku
21:58 Ouchi-juku
24:45 Ending