Walk Only the Most Beautiful and Historic Sections of the Samurai Trail(Nakatsugawa to Tsumago)
This course includes walking only the most attractive sections of the Samurai Trail, with the rest of the route covered by bus. It is perfect for those who prefer an easier walk or for large groups wishing to enjoy the Nakasendo Trail comfortably.
Table of Contents
Route

1Bus to Magome
Take the bus from bus stop No. 3 at Nakatsugawa Station and head for Magome.25-minute bus ride.

2Walk to the Nakasendo Trail Start
Get off the bus at Magome and walk uphill to the start of the Nakasendo Trail.
brightness_alertThere are no places to eat or drink along the Nakasendo Trail. If you don’t have any drinks, buy some here.

3Waterwheels in Magome-juku
There are many highlights in Magome-juku. This waterwheel is one of them.

4Shimazaki Tōson Memorial Museum
This is a museum dedicated to Shimazaki Tōson, who is famous as a poet who helped pioneer modern Japanese poetry and as a novelist representing naturalist literature.

5Bus stop Jinba(陣場)
You can take the bus from Jinba Bus Stop, located at the top of Magome-juku. As the buses run very infrequently, please be sure to check the timetable.

6Bus stop Magome-toge(馬籠峠)
In about 7 minutes, you will arrive at Magome Pass. You will start walking from here.

7Nature walk
You can walk along an old mountain path where you can hear the gentle sound of a small stream and experience the traditional landscape of old Japan.

8Pass Ichikokutochi Chaya
About 15 minutes after you start walking, there is a rest area in a traditional house with an irori hearth.

9Arrive at Tsumago-juku
From the teahouse, walk for about one hour through nature, and the goal is here at Tsumago-juku. Please enjoy the historic streets and the traditional scenery of Japan.

10Arrive at Nagiso Station
From the Tsumago-juku bus stop, it takes about 10 minutes to reach Nagiso Station.
Required Time
Approximately 3 hours
Cost
1100 yen one way
Bus Stop Locations
・Nakatsugawa Station Bus Stop
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WNfFFE1GpFZRXaNu6?g_st=ipc
Bus Timetable
・Magome Bus Stop
How to Return to the Starting Point

To return to Nakatsugawa Station, the most common route is to walk from Tsumago-juku to Minami Kiso Station (a 20-minute walk) and then take the train back to Nakatsugawa Station.
There is also a bus route back from Tsumago, but be aware that buses stop running after 5:00 PM.