Remote Feudal-era Village Where Time Stands Still
Located on the old Nakasendo merchant trail and bordering with Gifu Prefecture in the Kiso Valley, the tiny town of Tsumago remains one of Japan's most untouched villages. Visit to experience the beautiful Kiso Valley and get a taste of Japan's feudal past. The village was the 46th station on the Nakasendo Trail, an Edo period (1603-1867) trade route connecting Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo).
While Japan's castles and temples exalt the elite of the past, Tsumago-juku's main street of humble wooden houses imparts insight into life at a more local level. Lined with shops, restaurants, and inns, be sure to catch Rekishi Shiryokan, a historical museum with good English signage with exhibits introducing the town and Kiso Valley. Not far outside of Tsumago-juku, you'll come across a pair of picturesque waterfalls, Otake and Medaki. Hidden along the trail are a variety of hidden historical signposts that add to the old-time atmosphere.
Tsumago is small enough to explore in half a day. One particularly pleasant option is to take a scenic hike on the Nakasendo to the beautifully preserved nearby post town of Magome. The three-hour, nine-kilometer journey takes you through gorgeous landscapes of cypress forests and idyllic farming communities.
It's worth spending a weekend or a night at one of Tsumago's local inns to fully appreciate the atmosphere once the crowds clear out. Stroll among the old buildings with their glowing lanterns and feel as though you've slipped back in time
While Japan's castles and temples exalt the elite of the past, Tsumago-juku's main street of humble wooden houses imparts insight into life at a more local level. Lined with shops, restaurants, and inns, be sure to catch Rekishi Shiryokan, a historical museum with good English signage with exhibits introducing the town and Kiso Valley. Not far outside of Tsumago-juku, you'll come across a pair of picturesque waterfalls, Otake and Medaki. Hidden along the trail are a variety of hidden historical signposts that add to the old-time atmosphere.
Tsumago is small enough to explore in half a day. One particularly pleasant option is to take a scenic hike on the Nakasendo to the beautifully preserved nearby post town of Magome. The three-hour, nine-kilometer journey takes you through gorgeous landscapes of cypress forests and idyllic farming communities.
It's worth spending a weekend or a night at one of Tsumago's local inns to fully appreciate the atmosphere once the crowds clear out. Stroll among the old buildings with their glowing lanterns and feel as though you've slipped back in time
