From $350
Private Nakasendo Hiking Tours
10 Things to do in Magome Juku
Ochiai Ishidatami Cobblestones
Medataki Water between Magome and Tsumago
Tsumago Juku
Sign to Tsumago
Suwa Shrine
Kofukuji Temple
View of Mount Ena
Magome Straw Horse
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.
10 Things to do in Magome Juku
Hike to Tsumago - The most popular hike of the Nakasendo is between Magome and Tsumago. Check out our guided tour to have a local, professional knowledgeable, wilderness first aid trained guide accompany you and bring the place to life through stories.
Hike to Nakatsugawa - The route between Magome and Nakatsugawa goes through a gorgeous cross-section of regular Japanese life. From rice fields, forests, temples and shrine, to the suburbs and small city life. The highlight of the hike has to be Ochiai cobblestone path. A guided tour can be found here.
Suwa Shrine - Just 10 minutes walk from Magome on the way to Nakatsugawa is this beautiful Shrine of the Suwa sect of Shintoism. It has a very beautiful entranceway.
Climb Mount Ena and the Tosando - Gorgeous views of Mount Ena (2,191m) can be enjoyed from Jinbaue Viewpoint at the top of Magome Juku. Hiking tours of the ancient Tosando (the oldest official road in Japan) which pass near to the summit are available.
Buy a Straw Horse - Back in the Edo period, straw horses were the famous lucky item available in Magome. They sold extremely well and villagers once lined the street making and selling them at the same time. Now only one old lady still keeps the tradition alive.
Check out Ochiai Juku - The small post town of Ochiai is very quiet with almost no tourism. It sits 4 km from Magome, halfway between Magome and Nakatsugawa. If it is open, the honjin museum is truly stunning and a lovely cafe and some interesting shops can be found. This is part of the Magome to Nakatsugawa guided tour.
Ochiai Cobblestone Path - About 30 minutes walk on the Nakasendo is this stunning section of original ishidatami cobblestones. Well worth it!
Zen Meditation & Temple Stay - Inside Magome one temple offers accommodation. On request, for staying guests, zazen meditation experiences are offered if the head monk is available. Prior booking is necessary. Please contact us for more info.
Calligraphy - In the post town of Ochia, which sits half way between Magome and Nakatsugawa, Kofukuji Temple offers calligraphy lessons for a small fee if booked in advance. Two other temples offer matcha tea ceremony and zen mediation. Please contact the Nakatsugawa tourism office for bookings.
Shimazaki Toson Museum - 500 JPY. In the former honjin (noble’s inn) now sits a museum to the famous novelist Shimazaki Toson.