Tsumago

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  • Tsumago Town Along The Nakasendo Route

  • Tsumago Old Post Town Along The Nakasendo Route

  • Tsumago Old Post Town Along The Nakasendo Route

  • Shop In Tsumago An Old Post Town

  • Tsumago Water Mill

  • Tsumago Old Post Town Along The Nakasendo Route

  • Notice Board In Tsumago Old Post Town

  • Tsumago Old Post Town Along The Nakasendo Route

  • Tsumago Wakihonjin

  • Shop In Tsumago An Old Post Town

  • Shop In Tsumago An Old Post Town

  • Tsumago Old Post Town Along The Nakasendo Route

  • Tsumago Old Post Town Along The Nakasendo Route

  • Tsumago Old Post Town Along The Nakasendo Route

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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. Japan Rail Pass Buy now and Save >
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

Map of Japan

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?

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