Aug 19, 2013 - 1 min read

Kiso Valley's Magome-juku

Historic post town along the famous Nakasendo

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

The 'entrance' to Magome-juku

The locals work hard to keep Magome beautiful.

Magome lies on a steep slope.

An old waterwheel

Looking down toward the slope you have just climbed

Beside the main street, water gutters lined with beautiful flowers.

Shimazaki Toson Memorial Museum

The path is lined with shops, restaurants, and ryokan

There are many bilingual signposts to help you find your way.

Seasonal flowers always add to the attraction of Magome

For travelers visiting Japan, and for everyone living here, the Kiso Valley should not be missed. A famous ancient 'highway', the Nakasendo, runs through the valley. It is lined with juku, or post towns, that were once rest stops for travelers. Magome-juku is the crown jewel among the post towns that remain. Located on a steep, stone-paved slope, visitors cannot help being transported back in time. Be sure to also visit Tsumago-juku, which runs a close second to the beauty of Magome. Walking there, from Magome, is one of Japan's loveliest and most rewarding hikes.

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Sandra Isaka

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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