Private Tour

Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus.

Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history.

This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis may be used. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Meet up with guide on foot at a designated meeting point

Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses

Private Vehicle

You cannot combine multiple tour groups.

Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

What To Expect

Nakasendo Magome-juku

While Magome and Tsumago served the same purposes for old-time travelers, the city has been preserved and restored in a very different way than Tsumago, with a broad stone walkway lined with trees and many traditional houses and craft shops. Another difference is that it is on a slope, which leads to some beautiful views of the surrounding valley, and is home to several small museums that showcase the history of the town, the artists that lived there and their way of living. I would recommend grabbing a drink or something to eat at the restaurants on top of the village and enjoy the views over the valley, or at the lower part to mix with the very interesting locals.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Nakasendo Tsumagojuku

Tsumago is almost flat but also a very charming village that takes you back to the old Japan. The town was one of the first historical preservation projects in all Japan (if not the first) and it recreates the ambience with its unpaved streets and concealed cables. It keeps many of the traditional houses, like the original inn (the Honjin) that welcomed the merchants that traveled the Nakasendo, and the secondary inn (Wakihonjin), the old notice board used to publish the decrees from the Shogun, the Buddhist temple (built during the XVI Century)… But you’ll find it even more charming on it’s best enjoyed at night, when they lit up their lanterns and everything becomes quiet but, maybe, a drum beating.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

Reviews

5.00

20 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excellent hike from Tsumago to Magome
B6946WHsamuela,
Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Hiroshi expertly guided us along the 8km trail from Tsumago to Magome. It is largely up hill doing the walk this way round. A large part of the trip was shaded by trees in the woods so it was not too hot. We stopped for a look at a traditional Inn and museum in Tsumago, where Hiroshi shared his knowledge and gave us some historic background. The scenery of the Kiso river and valley was wonderful. The arrangement of the meeting point was straightforward and Hiroshi arranged a taxi for us back to our hotel.
Nakasendo day hike
844roryb,
Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing walk along an ancient route between 2 post towns, with stunning scenery. My guide, Yoshi, was an excellent host with a wealth of knowledge on the history and food of Japan and the area. He recommended a really traditional restaurant for lunch, which served tasty local food. Yoshi's expertise is highly recommended! I cannot thank him enough for making it an enjoyable hike. Arigato gozaimasu Yoshi.
Highly recommend a guide
Diana F,
Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This area does not have as many foreign travelers as Nagano therefore a guide is recommend to get the most of hiking in this area. Yoshi was very professional and knowledgeable. We are very glad to have him as a guide. Without his assistance I fear we have been lost and not have easily gotten from place to place. Or have done what all other tourists have done: take the bus to Magome and hiked back instead of going from Magome to Tsumago. Our trek was not crowded and we were able to see amazing views with waterfalls. Definitely worth coming. And definitely worth hiring a guide.
Wonderful walking tour from Tsumago to Magome
Departure293027,
Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Exploring the two post villages with my guide Hiroshi, is the most memorable part of my Japan travels. The walk from Tsumago to Magome on the Nakasendo trail was beautiful and Hiroshi will explain the history of the area making it an immersive day of Japanese history while exploring the natural setting. It’s nice to be in a place where there are less people and a break from city life. He will accommodate the activity to your interest. I will definitely come back to the area for more walking exploration and highly recommend Hiroshi as a guide.
Great tips from Ryota!
IreneLim63,
Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ryota was our guide on this Nakasendo trail. He was very responsive, right from the start when the booking was made. He was clear with his instruction on where to meet. He also checked beforehand on what we wanted to see and do on this walk. 5 star for the follow up. Megomejuku to Tsumagojuku was beautiful. We could imagine the olden days when the procession from Kyoto to Edo took place… On the ride back after the walk, Ryota readily shared with us on what are the other interesting places/ areas to explore in Japan. We found out so many interesting locations from him which we would otherwise not know. The hidden gem recommendations were indeed a bonus for us. Thank you Ryota. We had a great time today.
Enjoyable outing
E1399NXmichaeld,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The hike was great and Yoshi was very knowledgeable of the cultural and historical significance. The food was terrific. Yoshi kept us informed as he created the itinerary.
Highly Recommend !
Tammy R,
Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My son and I recently hiked the Nakasendo Trail and while it’s a journey that can certainly be done independently, having Yoshi as our guide truly transformed the experience into something unforgettable. From the very first moment, Yoshi brought warmth, wisdom, and a deep knowledge of the history and culture of the trail. He didn’t just guide us along the path he brought the ancient road to life, sharing stories of samurai and insights into rural Japanese life that we would have completely missed on our own. Yoshi was kind, knowledgeable, and made the hike both fun and meaningful. My son and I walked away not only with great memories but also a much deeper appreciation for this special part of Japan. Thank you, Yoshi, for making this such an enriching and memorable experience. We will recommended you to everyone considering the Nakasendo Trail!
Fantastic tour
Melissa R,
Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
If we could give more stars we would. Our guide Yoshi was superb and gave us a great insight to the history of the area. We loved the beauty of the area and would love to do it again.
Magical winter trip
MagicBall,
Jan 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thank you to Elvis (Hideki san) for such a wonderful engaging tour! We had a good chat on any topics to allow us to learn more about Japan. His care and attention was upmost, even ensuring we got into the train safely for our return trip before leaving. Hideki san made this walking trip worthwhile! Only advice for winter travelers, there is a lot of snow and while it is very magical when it snows, it can be a bit hard to walk as it can be slippery.
A nice Historical trail.
remuslim,
Dec 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Matt provided us with the historical information of about this trail. You can relate if you watch the Series Shogun. We had a great time. Everything was well organised.