Day Trip
Magome to Tsumago Nakasendo Trail
This itinerary is designed for guests staying at Samurai Hotel Narai-so who would like to walk the historic Nakasendo Trail from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku and return to Narai Station by 4:56 PM.
← Back to Day TripNakasendo Trail map — Nagiso Station to Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku (click to enlarge)
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8:20 AM
Depart Samurai Hotel Narai-so
Leave the hotel and walk to Narai Station. Please allow enough time to reach the station comfortably before the train departure.
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8:44 AM
Depart Narai Station
Take the JR Chūō Line train toward Nakatsugawa. The train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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Around 10:28 AM
Arrive at Nakatsugawa Station
After arriving at Nakatsugawa Station, exit the station and proceed to the bus stop for Magome.
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Around 10:45 AM
Bus from Nakatsugawa Station to Magome
Take the Kitaena Kotsu bus from Nakatsugawa Station to Magome. The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes.
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Around 11:10 AM
Arrive at Magome
After arriving in Magome, you will have a short amount of time to explore the historic post town. We recommend using this time to:
- Visit the restroom
- Purchase drinks or snacks
- Prepare for the hike
- Take a short walk through Magome-juku
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11:30 AM
Start the Nakasendo Trail from Magome
Begin walking the historic Nakasendo Trail from Magome-juku toward Tsumago-juku. The walking route is approximately 8 km and normally takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The main route is Magome-juku → Magome Pass → Ichikokutochi Tateba Chaya → Otaki and Metaki Waterfalls → O-Tsumago → Tsumago-juku.
Walking from Magome to Tsumago is generally easier than walking in the opposite direction because, after reaching Magome Pass, most of the route gradually descends toward Tsumago. The trail includes forest paths, old stone-paved sections, small villages, mountain scenery, and several historic sites.
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Around 2:00–2:30 PM
Arrive at Tsumago-juku
Arrive at Tsumago, one of the best-preserved post towns on the old Nakasendo highway. You will have approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore the town, depending on your walking speed. You may use this time to:
- Walk through the historic townscape
- Visit local shops
- Have a drink or light snack
- Use the restroom
- Take photographs
Please make sure to leave enough time to reach the bus stop before departure.
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3:26 PM
Depart Tsumago by local bus
Take the Nagiso Town local bus from Tsumago to Nagiso Station.
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Around 3:35 PM
Arrive at Nagiso Station
After arriving at Nagiso Station, you will have approximately 25 minutes before the limited express train departs.
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4:00 PM
Depart Nagiso Station
Take the Limited Express Shinano No. 17 toward Nagano.
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4:25 PM
Arrive at Kiso-Fukushima Station
Get off at Kiso-Fukushima Station and transfer to the local JR Chūō Line train.
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4:34 PM
Depart Kiso-Fukushima Station
Take the local train toward Matsumoto.
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4:56 PM
Arrive at Narai Station
Arrive back at Narai Station. From Narai Station, walk back through Narai-juku to Samurai Hotel Narai-so. Depending on your walking pace, you should arrive back at the hotel shortly after 5:00 PM.
Magome-juku (click to enlarge)
Tsumago-juku (click to enlarge)
Important notes
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for mountain and forest trails.
- We recommend carrying water, especially during warmer months.
- The trail can become slippery after rain, particularly around the forest and stone-paved sections.
- Please keep an eye on the time while walking so that you can reach Tsumago in time for the 3:26 PM bus.
- Train and bus schedules may change, so we recommend checking the latest timetable before departure.
- If you would like, we can also assist you with information about the route and transportation before you leave the hotel.