Tsumago
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Facts & Figures
Tsumago is like Narai and Magome an old post town along the Nakasendo Route. It is a very popular tourist destination and also known as the best preserved post town in Japan. When you walk through the streets of Tsumago, you feel like being back in the Edo period 300 years ago. A hiking tour from Tsumago to Magome is my must-do recommendation on your Japan trip.
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Since 2004 I travel nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favourite country.
History
Tsumago was the 42nd station out of 69 stations along the Nakasendo Route (534 km). The route connected Kyoto with Edo (Tokyo city) when the Tokugawa shoguns ruled Japan (1603-1867). In 1976 the Japanese government declared this town as a nationally-designated architectural preservation site.
Location
Tsumago belongs to the town Nagiso and is located within the Nagano Prefecture.
How to get to Tsumago?
- 2,5hrs from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Shiojiri Station by JR Azusa Line and
- 1hr from Shiojiri Station to Nagiso Station by JR Chuo Line (Limited Express) and
- 9min from Nagiso Station to Tsumago by local bus
- 1hr from Nagoya to Nagiso Station by JR Chuo Line (Limited Express) and
- 9min from Nagiso Station to Tsumago by local bus
Sightseeing spots
Top:
Rekishi Shiryokan - local history museum about Kiso and the Nakasendo Route
Tsumago Honjin - former inn where in the old times the daimyo (the powerful territorial lord) spent the night, enjoy the exhibition inside
Waki-honjin - former rest stop for helpers of the daimyo, reconstructed in 1877, serves now as a museum
Kotoku Temple - a Buddhist temple from 1500
Kisoji-kan - visit the outside onsen (rotenburo) with great mountain views, 10min by bus from Tsumago's car park No 1
Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)
July
Wachino Shrine Festival (23rd till 24th)
A portable shrine will be carried by local people through the town.
August
Fire Festival (fourth Saturday)
The festival is held near the ruins of Tsumago Castle. Enjoy the Kiso dance performances.
November
Bunka Bunsei Fuzoku Emaki Gyoretsu Parade (23rd)
Local people wearing costumes from the late Edo-period (Bunka-Bunsei 19th century) during this big parade.
Where to stay near Tsumago?
My 100 Best Moments in Japan
I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
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Books about Japan
Reading books is a great source of inspiration for me. Check out my recommended list of books about the fascinating country Japan.
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