From $350
Private Nakasendo Hiking Tours
Located on the rural outskirts of Nakatsugawa City, Magome Juku is the 43rd Post Town from Tokyo in the Nakasendo. It is the one of the smallest and is located on a steep slope which is rare for a post town. The atmosphere of Magome Juku is quite different from that of the neighboring post town, Tsumago Juku. In general, Magome has a slightly more relaxed atmosphere and take on preservation. The town burned down in 1895 and 1915 and so the buildings are still very old, but not quite as old as elsewhere. The views over the rice fields and countryside are truly stunning making it one of the most calming places to be in Japan. Commonly, meals are included with accommodation, which is great because there are not many places open for dinner nearby. However, there is a kaiseki-ryori, course restaurant called Haginoya in Magome which makes no-meals an option. Prior reservation is necessary so plan ahead!
Where to Stay in Magome Juku?
Unlike neighboring Tsumago Juku, accommodation in Magome Juku is generally more easily available on English-language booking sites such as Booking.com and Airbnb. However, demand vastly outstrips supply and they tend to get fully booked very quickly. Really Rural Japan is a local eco-tourism operation. We offer private hiking tours of the Nakasendo. We are privy to some lesser known secrets, and even when things might seem full, we may be able to help. Feel free to contact us, we offer our guided customers free booking support.
Where to Stay in Magome Juku
Motomiya (本三屋) - A few hundred meters outside the centre of Magome, located among the rice fields and the quiet is this beautiful guest house with two meals included for about ¥11,000 per person.
Tajimaya (但馬屋) - In the centre of the post town is this wonderful old Japanese-style guesthouse serving two meals as standard for about the same price.
Guesthouse Yanagiya - This opened in 2023 and serves only one group at a time in a private, self-catered apartment style accommodation right in the centre of the ancient town. Meals are not included but the owner is communicative and helps to book dinners for his guests.
Book Yanagiya Now on Booking.com
Guesthouse Nedoko (ねどこ) - This centrally located guesthouse is a more modern take on post-town accommodation. Simple and stylish. The beds are cheap at about ¥6,000-7,000 per person per night for a small private room. Meals are not available so reservations are recommended. Nedoko communicate and help to book your dinner, so you are never going to go hungry.
Magome Chaya (馬籠茶屋) - An affordable guesthouse in ancient buildings in the centre of Magome post town with both dormitories and private rooms. Dinners and breakfasts are available but must be reserved.
Manpukuan-Eishoji Temple (万福庵永昌寺) - This temple offers also offers accommodation. It is a real piece of living history in Magome. This temple is featured in Shimazaki Toson’s novel, Before the Dawn and the author himself has his grave there. The married couple that run the place offer Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and will try to meet further dietary requirements of the guests. You can try zazen seated meditation here too. This inn is not easy to book on English sites. So feel free to get in touch.
Shinchaya Ryokan (新茶屋旅館) - This gorgeous ryokan, built on the location of a former tea house, is located on the hike between Nakatsugawa and Magome about 2km and 45 mins from Magome Juku. It’s a grand old country house that grows its own rice and vegetables.
Hotel Hanasarasa (ホテル花更紗) - An affordable large onsen ryokan style hotel nearby to Magome. Located about 5 minutes by car or taxi from Magome and 40 minutes on foot (but not on particularly pedestrian friendly roads). There is one shuttle a day from Magome and several shuttles from Nakatsugawa Station.
