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The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.

Experience the History and Scenic Landscapes of Nakatsugawa’s Magome Post Town

Magome was once the prosperous 43rd post along the historic Nakasendo Road which connected Kyoto and Tokyo. With the invention of locomotive travel across Japan, much of the once vital post town began to fall out of use. However, thanks to the efforts of passionate local citizens, many towns have been preserved. Post Towns like Magome, Nakatsugawa, and Tsumago have been brought back to their Edo period grandeur. Magome’s unique hillside positioning provides vistors with an astounding view of the Nakatsugawa landscape.

The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.

5 stops you should make while exploring Magome: My Recommendations

  1.  First on the list is Hillbilly Coffee. Although I’m admittedly not a huge coffee drinker, this very unique and conveniently located coffee shop will provide you with the caffeine you need to explore all of Magome. The HillBilly Coffee Company is located just before my next recommendation. (http://hillbilly-coffee-company.business.site/)
  2. The photogenic Magome Waterwheel! A perfect location to take a group photo, selfie, or just a very nice looking photo of a waterwheel. I was told that normally this would be a functioning waterwheel but, on the day I visited Magome was frozen in place.
  3. Toson Memorial Museum– A museum dedicated to the poet Shimazaki Toson. The museum was originally the site of Magome inn but the Inn was destroyed in a fire. It was then reconstructed in its original style to be used as a museum.
  4. Near the end of the main street you’ll find a very unique soba restaurant, Keiseian (恵盛庵), which is open from 11:30 to 2:30.
  5. Finally, at the end of your trek to the top of Magome Hill, you will be rewarded with an astounding view of Magome and the Mt. Ena mountain range.

The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.

The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.

The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.

There’s always something to see or do in Magome

In addition to my recommendations, there are also a number of shops selling souvenirs. Restaurants and food stalls also provide a taste of the local delicacies. And, as with any other place in Japan, whenever there is food it is undoubtedly delicious. There’s also a lot of natural scenery to enjoy around Magome which is made even better by the numerous historical buildings. There is definitely something to please every travelers’ tastes in Magome. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture or history, Nakatsugawa’s Magome Post Town is the perfect place to go!

The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.

This is the Perfect Time to Visit Ochiai Trail

Another location worth checking out while you’re in the Nakatsugawa area would be the old Ochiai. Today the trail exists as a beautifully preserved stone path. Its a single trail winding through a lush green forest. All along the stone path you are surrounded by tall trees and green plant life. The abundance of nature along Ochiai makes it an excellent place to visit in spring as well as fall, when the autumn colors fill the landscape.

The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.

The Magome Post town in Nakatsugawa city, Japan.

How to get to Magome Post Town

Arriving at Magome is very easy. There is a bus from JR Nakatsugawa Station to Magome for 560 yen.

(While you’re at Naktsugawa Station, I also recommend checking out Nakatsugawa Post Town!)

There is also a parking lot for travelers who have access to a car in Japan.

Magome is also the start of a very beautiful hiking trail that leads to Tsumago Post Town. If you have time, Tsumago is another excellent place to visit!

In addition, Nakatsugawa is a JR station,  so travelers with a JR PASS should definitely add Nakatsugawa, Magome, and Tsumago Posts to their travel itineraries!

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Emiliano DeSantiago

Emiliano DeSantiago

I live in Japan and have a thing for photography. Follow to see cool Japanese stuff through here! https://www.instagram.com/edawg.in.japan/

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