2025 Kiso District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

#hospitality Staying at Hanaya Ryokan is a journey into the heart of traditional Japanese hospitality. Known for its warm atmosphere and attentive service, Hanaya offers a classic ryokan experience that includes tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and serene Japanese gardens. Dining at Hanaya Ryokan is a highlight, with meals featuring seasonal ingredients arranged in beautiful kaiseki-style presentations. Every detail, from the meticulously prepared food to the cozy ambiance, reflects the essence of Japanese omotenashi, or heartfelt hospitality. #100waysoftravel #japantrip #japan #tsumagojuku #japantravel

#hikingtrails Magome Pass, part of the ancient Nakasendo Trail, is one of Japan’s most famous and scenic hiking routes. The trail connects the post towns of Magome and Tsumago, offering hikers a chance to walk through history while enjoying breathtaking views of the Japanese countryside. The path is well-preserved, with cobblestone streets, traditional wooden buildings, and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, quaint villages, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a relatively easy hike, about 8 kilometers long, making it perfect for both seasoned hikers and beginners. Tips for Visiting: Start Early: Begin your hike early to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The trail is mostly paved but can be uneven in spots, so good walking shoes are essential. Don’t Rush: Take your time to explore the towns of Magome and Tsumago at either end of the trail. #JapanHiking #ExploreJapan #TravelJapan #100waysoftravel

#JapanTravel Located in the Kiso Valley of Nagano Prefecture, Tsumago-juku is one of the best-preserved stops on the historic Nakasendo Trail. This ancient station that linked Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) will take you back in time to the Edo period. What makes Tsumago-juku unique is its efforts to preserve its historical character. Here, you will find cobblestone streets and traditional wooden houses that have been meticulously restored to their original appearance centuries ago. The absence of modern signs or conspicuous electrical cables further enhances the authentic atmosphere of the place. Walking through the quiet streets, you can admire traditional houses that have been transformed into small museums, local hotels (ryokan), and shops selling local crafts. Many of these houses offer a glimpse into everyday life in ancient times, making you feel as if you are living in the heart of Japanese history. Tsumago-juku is not just a tourist destination, but a place where you can experience Japanese history and culture vividly, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area and travel between traditional stations. An ideal place for those looking for peace, beauty, and history in the heart of Japan. 🚶♂️🌸

#QuintessaCampaign Halfway up Kibio Pass, I saw a sign for "Kiso Koma Kogen Tennensui" (Kiso Kogen Natural Water), so I thought, "I have to go!" and started climbing the mountain, but it was quite far. Just as I finally arrived and cheered "Adrian" like in a certain boxing movie, a rain shower started. Plan your trip accordingly. At times like this, it's good to have the initiative to hitchhike. . It's refreshing for both body and mind. Please go. Take the bus from Kiso Fukushima Station and get off at Oharakami (the last stop). It's about 2km on foot. It's a public road, but ring a bear bell or use a bear bell app while walking.

#QuintessaCampaign If you take the bus from Kiso Fukushima Station to the Kaida Kogen Line, you can meet the Kiso horses. These rare native horses have existed since the Genpei War, and their numbers plummeted to 30, but have now recovered to 150. They are cute, unlike Western horses. Please come and try horse riding to preserve the breed. The bus stop is "Kiso Uma no Sato Iriguchi." It costs 200 yen!

#QuintessaCampaign If you walk a little further from Hatatake Hachimangu Shrine, you will arrive at Asahi Falls. It is a beautiful waterfall that will make you lose track of time as you gaze at it. The water around here is so clear you will be amazed. There are also "pebbles".

#QuintessaCampaign After relaxing and clearing your mind at Uwabuchi, walk for a while and you will arrive at the shrine where Yoshinaka is said to have had his coming-of-age ceremony and raised the flag to raise his army. (If you don't know the way along the way, ask an old lady who works in a field and she will show you.) The large zelkova tree that is said to have been planted by Yoshinaka tells the story of the history. The place name "Hiyoshi" is said to be taken from Yoshinaka, the Asahi Shogun.

Kiso Fukushima Station is a major station on the Chuo Main Line (Chuo West Line) where express trains also stop. The surrounding area was once a post town on the old Nakasendo road, which connected Tokyo to Kyoto. From the Edo period to the Meiji period, many members of the imperial family and government officials stayed here on their way. In the background, you can see the Northern Alps and the Hida Mountains, with their rugged 3,000m-class mountains. The souvenir shop in front of the station sells unusual items unique to Nagano Prefecture. Kyoho grape-flavored Pocky and apple-flavored Pretzels ✨Grapes and apples are both Nagano specialties, after all 😂 #Free Spot #Hot Spring #Amazing Views #Gourmet Trip #Trip to Enjoy Spring

Kaida Plateau, Nagano Prefecture Kaida Plateau in Nagano Prefecture is located at the foot of Mount Kiso-Ontake, which is 3067m above sea level, and is a plateau located at an altitude of 1000m to 1500m. Even in midsummer, the average temperature is about 18 degrees, making it a cool place, so it is recommended as a summer resort. There are horses, so you can enjoy a horseback riding experience. Address: Kaida Plateau, Kiso-machi, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture #A secret summer resort #Summer trip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Tsumagojuku is an old post town built on the Nakasendo road, on the border between Gifu and Nagano prefectures, where Edo merchants and travelers once passed. Tsumagojuku, which flourished as a key transportation hub connecting Edo and Kyoto, has been designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings as a valuable Japanese heritage site. It still conveys the streetscape of a 400-year-old early modern post town that began in the Edo period. The retro streetscape and natural scenery that blend with the original Japanese scenery, as if you had traveled back in time, are popular with foreigners, especially hiking along the old Nakasendo road from Magome to Tsumagojuku is a big hit. It's popular, and foreigners are now flocking to this remote mountain area Admission to Tsumago-juku itself is free Parking is paid Tsumago-juku's inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops generally close at 5pm, so there are few people around in the evenings, making it a quiet place For that reason, it's recommended to take your time and look around the town 📍Tsumago-juku Location: Agatsuma, Minami Kiso-machi, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture Admission to the area is free For parking, use the nearby paid municipal parking lot Access: About 30 minutes by car from Nakatsugawa IC towards Kiso Fukushima, about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Minami Kiso Station, or 40 minutes on foot #Nagano Prefecture #Breathtaking Views #Nagano Prefecture #Historical Architecture

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip 🕰️Business Hours: 9:00-17:00 Souvenir shops are usually open from 10:00, and restaurants are usually open from 11:00-15:00. [Access] 🏯From Nagoya JR Nagoya Station → (Chuo Main Line, 90 minutes) → Minami Kiso Station (Transfer at Nakatsugawa Station) → Community bus "Magome Line" or "Hojin Line", 10 minutes 💰~¥2000 (one way) ⚠️IC cards cannot be used at Minami Kiso Station! 　　Only cash on the bus! [Recommended spots] 1. Wakihonjin Okutani The mansion that served as Wakihonjin for generations. 💠Important Cultural Property 2. Terashita Street The first spot to be developed. There are many spots you can stop by for free! 3. Notice Board/Waterwheel The large roof of the notice board and the waterwheel are hidden photo spots! [Recommended Gourmet] 1. Kojitsu Coffee Lots of stylish sweet drinks💓 The only cafe in Tsumago-juku. Recommended as a stopover spot! 2. Fujiotsu It used to be an inn. You can enjoy soba and meat while looking at the elegant garden and the magnificent view from the window. 💕Recommended menu: Hoba miso and steak set🥩

Walking along the stone-paved slope of Magome-juku, the sound of trickling water fills the air, emanating from the rhythmic motion of an ancient waterwheel. This is one of the 69 post towns of the Nakasendo, a must-visit stop for travelers during the Edo period. As a modern-day traveler, I find myself lost amidst the aroma of tea and the charm of old houses. Wooden structures and the enticing scent of handmade snacks from shop signs transport me back three centuries. Crossing over the mountain to Tsumago-juku, the atmosphere becomes even more tranquil. Here, underground wiring preserves the pure, traditional scenery. Whether it's the old station "Honjin" or the Tail Bridge spanning the Ran River, the refined and restrained culture of the post town remains intact. Separated by 8 kilometers, walking between these two towns allows one to experience the changing mindset of a traveler, embodying the essence of "journey." 📍Location Check-in: Magome-juku, Tsumago-juku (border of Gifu Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture) 🎒Suggestion: Hike a section of the Nakasendo trail to personally experience the Edo-era travel atmosphere.

Stepping into Tsumago-juku in Nagano Prefecture is like pressing the pause button in time. This is one of the best-preserved post towns on the Nakasendo Road, allowing me to find a quiet and culturally profound travel corner in the hustle and bustle of modern times. 🏘️ Strolling in the old streets and architectural vocabulary Walking in the old streets paved with stone slabs, small bridges, tatami roofs and old tea shops are arranged in order. Every wooden lattice window and every wooden step quietly tells the footprints of past travelers. Stopping in front of Kotoku-ji Temple, listening to the birds singing and the wind blowing through the bamboo shoots, the feeling of "time flows but people do not change" is like traveling back to the post station scenery of the Edo period. ⛩️ Historical landmarks not to be missed Tsumago-juku Main Camp: This was once a place where daimyo and officials stayed. The restored interior space allows me to be in the painting and feel the identity and humble courtesy of the year. Omata Bridge: The wooden bridge across the clear Lanchuan River is not only the entrance for travelers to stay, but also witnesses countless sunrises and nights. Standing on the bridge, I forgot to breathe several times, just because the scenery in front of me was too beautiful. 📍 Locations to check in: Tsumagojuku Old Street, Honjin, Omata Bridge, #Tsumagojuku #Nakasendo #Edo Style #Ancient Road Tour #Historical Buildings #Omata Bridge #Honjin Visit #Literary Travel #Slate Old Street #Slow Travel Strategy #May Good Places 2025

If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of city life and yearn for a serene journey with a touch of historical charm, a short trip along the Nakasendo Trail from Nagoya is definitely worth considering. This time, I chose to visit two well-preserved Edo-period post towns—Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku—where stepping in feels like entering a time machine. Tsumago-juku, located in Nagano Prefecture, features streets lined with century-old wooden townhouses. Notable spots like Honjin, Kotokuji Temple, and Omatobashi Bridge are worth a stop. Heading south, you can either take a shuttle or hike to Magome-juku in Gifu Prefecture. Magome is a classic stone-paved slope town, filled with old houses converted into tea shops, souvenir stores, and local cuisine restaurants. It also offers rest spots like the Nakasendo Museum and the Watermill House. The 8-kilometer hiking trail between the two towns passes through bamboo groves and mountain landscapes, offering a dual experience of physical and spiritual rejuvenation. Walking along this historic path once traveled by ancestors, while watching the clouds shift over the mountains and listening to the babbling streams, is a profound historical experience. 📍 Must-Visit Spots: ✓ Tsumago-juku (Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture) ✓ Magome-juku (Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture) Transportation Tips: Take the JR train from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa Station, then transfer to a bus to reach both post towns.

#myfavoriteroute the Nakasendo Trail is an ancient path that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. Unlike the busy modern cities, this trail winds through quiet mountains, cedar forests, and beautifully preserved post towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time feels like it has stopped. Walking the Nakasendo is like stepping into a living postcard: wooden inns, stone paths, tea houses. The walk from Magome to Tsumago takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. #travel #nakasendo #japantravel #japan_vacation #ruraljapan

From Nagoya, you can walk the Nakasendo route in one day. It's easy even for an unprepared tourist, the main thing is to know where it's easiest to start from. We were with a 3-year-old child and walked the route from Magome to Tsumago. It's in this order that the route is easiest to walk, since most of the route is downhill. And now a little more detail. 📌The most convenient and fastest way to get from Nagoya Station to Magome-juku is: 1. 🚇Train from Nagoya station to Nakatsugawa station, fast train - 50 minutes, slow - 75 minutes and twice cheaper. 2. 🚍from Nakatsugawa Station to Magome-juku by bus - The bus runs frequently, after exiting Nakatsugawa station, turn left and you will see the stop, payment on the bus is in cash. 📌And here you are already in one of the post towns - Magome-juku. Along the way there are many different cafes, souvenir shops, etc. you will never be hungry along the route! approximately in the middle of the way you will come across a hut where you can rest a little, drink tea (it's free) and continue on your way. 📌 Wear comfortable shoes and take enough cash for souvenirs and food) 📌 After walking the entire route, which is about 8 kilometers, you will find yourself in the second post town - Tsumago-juku, it is also beautiful, there are enough souvenir shops and places to eat. Spend enough time here! 📝 interesting observation - Magome-juku is in Gifu prefecture, and Tsumago-juku is in Nagano prefecture, so you will visit two prefectures and hike between them!) 📌 From Tsumago-juku, it is more convenient to take a bus to Nagiso Station and return to Nagoya from there. 🚍The bus stop is easy to find following the signs in the village. #japantrip #magomejuku #tsumagojuku #nakasendo #nakasendotrailfromnagoya #nagoyatrip

Rain was forecast for the next day, but it was sunny today, so I went to Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest to ride the trolley! The tickets are made of wood and are cute! You can take them home as a souvenir! ✨ And the trolley takes 25 minutes one way!! It seems that you can ride it one way and walk back, but it seems that it takes about an hour if you walk💦 I like riding vehicles, so I took the trolley on the way back too! 🚃 It runs along the river and is very comfortable!! People walking along the way wave at you!!

The Tadachinotaki Group, located on the border between Nagano and Gifu prefectures, is a spot rich in nature with a series of waterfalls of various sizes🌿✨. In particular, the trekking route, where beautifully named waterfalls such as "Tenkawa Falls" and "Shiraito Falls" appear one after another, is a luxurious time to experience the art of nature⛰️. In early spring, plum blossoms begin to bloom around the entrance to the waterfall and on parts of the mountain path, and you are enveloped in a faint sweet scent along with the sound of pure water🌸. The pale pink color, which is different from the fresh green leaves, combined with the spray of the waterfall makes you feel the arrival of spring. It is perfect for an adult nature trip, where you can be soothed by the tranquility and sound of water! 📍Basic information (check the website for the latest information) ✴︎Address: Tadachi, Minami Kiso-machi, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture ✴︎Access: 30 minutes walk from JR Tadachi Station to the trailhead (approximately 1 hour one way from the trailhead to the waterfall) ✴︎Fee: 200 yen entrance fee (environmental improvement contribution) ✴︎Opening hours: Free to stroll (beware of snowfall in winter) 🌟Travel TIPS ・Traveling shoes are best, as they are less slippery than sneakers! ・The best time to see the plum blossoms is mid- to late March! Adjust the timing of your visit. ・There are few cafes around Tadachi Station, so it's a good idea to bring a packed lunch and snacks with you. With the arrival of spring, let's go and feel the gentle contrast between the waterfall and the plum blossoms♪ #Spring 0 yen trip #Domestic travel

If you want to experience a time-travel drama in Japan, you must come to Tsumago-juku! This is one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan. Walking in is like falling into the Edo period and transforming into an ancient traveler in a second. In February, you may encounter old streets covered with snow in Tsumago-juku, and the wooden townhouses create a very lively atmosphere! 🏯 Itinerary: A day trip through Edo 📍 10:00 - Arrive at Tsumago-juku ➡️ Address: Agatsuma, Minamigiso-cho, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture Take the train from Nagoya or Matsumoto to Minamigiso Station, then take a bus for 10 minutes! The scenery along the way is so beautiful that I have already entered the "travel mode". 📍 11:00 - Stroll in the Machinami Preservation Area ➡️ The streets here are very well preserved, with no messy wires or modern shops, only Japanese-style wooden townhouses and old-style shops. It really feels like going back 300 years. Just walk around and take some photos, they will all be super retro check-in photos! 📍 12:30 - Lunch: Gohei Mochi & Dengaku ➡️ Recommend "Tsumago Teahouse", you must eat Gohei Mochi here! It’s baked until crispy and fragrant, and brushed with rich miso sauce. It’s super warm to eat in winter! Pair it with a bowl of hot soba noodles and you’ll be satisfied! 📍 14:00 - Tsumago-juku Main Camp & Hatago Experience ➡️ The place where samurai and travelers stayed overnight in the past has now become a museum. You can also visit the rooms and kitchens of the old times. It has a great atmosphere! If you want a deeper experience, there are traditional inns where you can stay for a night. Walking on the old streets at night with paper lanterns lit, you will feel like a real Edo traveler! 📍 15:30 - Walk along the "Nakasendo" to Magome-juku (this is an optional challenge!!) ➡️ This ancient road is about 8 kilometers long, with super beautiful forest trails and old tea houses along the way. The snowy scenery in winter is particularly dreamy! It's very comfortable to walk, but remember to wear non-slip shoes to avoid becoming an "Edo-era skier"😂 📍 17:00 - Return & bring some souvenirs ➡️ It is recommended to bring "Kiso lacquerware" home. The lacquerware craftsmanship here is super famous, and there are also handmade wood carvings, which are great as souvenirs or gifts! 🏡 Why is it recommended to come in winter? ❄️ Snow scene x Edo street = dreamy sense of time and space In winter, Tsumago-juku may be covered with snow, and the whole scene looks like the Edo town in Japanese dramas, the atmosphere is 100 points! 🔥 Warm food heals the soul In cold weather, grilled gohei pancakes and hot soba noodles will make you feel extremely happy! 🚶 Fewer crowds, more immersive experience Compared to the tourist crowds during the cherry blossom season and red leaf season, February is more leisurely and you can quietly experience the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient post station. 📌 Reminder ✅ Anti-slip shoes are a must! The road surface may be icy in winter, making it more challenging to walk😂 ✅ Check the bus schedule. There are not many buses, so remember to check the timetable in advance for the return trip to avoid being "kidnapped by the Edo period"! ✅ Book a traditional hotel in advance If you want to experience staying in an Edo-style hotel, be sure to make a reservation in advance. It is super popular in winter! Coming to Tsumago-juku is not just a trip, but a "walk through time and space"! Here, the hustle and bustle of modern times disappears in an instant, leaving only the tranquility and beauty of the Edo period. Come be an Edo traveler for a day this winter! ⛩️✨ #2 Good Places to Go in 2025

#japantrip Lovely hike. Depending on fitness/ desire for a challenge pick your route. Magome to Tsumago is an easier walk than the other way around with 2km uphill followed by 6km downhill. If you have time I recommend continuing on to Nagiso. The town itself is nothing special but the route is also beautiful with more bamboo and some dramatic views. Be aware some rest points and toilets are not open December to February. Although the free tea house was and the host was very friendly.

#2024TravelWish Komagatake no Yūshōhi is a special landmark in Japan that symbolizes the fusion of nature and history. Sunset monuments are usually stone monuments erected to commemorate or mark some important events or people, and this monument is particularly located at Komagatake, a place with magnificent natural scenery. The Komatake Sunset Monument is not only a historical witness, but also a great place to enjoy the natural beauty. From here, visitors can enjoy the mountain scenery of Komagatake, which is particularly charming at sunset, when the mountains look particularly magnificent. Visitors who visit this landmark can not only feel the history and culture of Japan, but also enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. This is an ideal location for photography enthusiasts, history buffs and nature lovers. In short, Komagatake Sunset Monument is a place full of historical significance and beautiful scenery. It is a great place to experience the charm of Japan's fusion of nature and history.

Address - Nagano JR station Ambiance/Facilities - authentic with handmade soba Highlights - 100% handmade and freshly made in most authentic way Avg. Price per Person - JPY1000-1500 Rating - 4.5/5

#NaganoTrip I went to Kiso Fukushima Town, Nagano Prefecture in the summer. Compared to Osaka, the altitude is higher, so it was cool, the air was clear, and I was soothed by nature. There was a mountain path nearby, and after about 30 minutes of climbing, there was a mysterious waterfall. There were bear bells set up along the way, so I was nervous that a bear might come out💦 The waterfall was spectacular✨ #Nagano #trip2022 #Spectacular #Mountain Climbing

#QuintessaCampaign Ahh, like the flow of a river♪ The Kiso River is incredibly clear. The river fish are delicious too. There are houses along the river called "Cliff Houses," They say they were built in the mountains because there was no land, but is that true? The water in Nagano and Gifu is really clear. I hope the hearts of people all over the world are like that too.

#QuintessaCampaign What I felt clearly after coming to Kisoji was the "culture of giving way to travelers." When getting on and off trains and buses, travelers are clearly given priority. Sometimes they even say something. Old ladies and older men... I don't know if this is an old Nakasendo culture, but it's very polite.

If you take the bus from Kiso Fukushima Station to the bus stop called "Oharakami," you will find the wonderful hostel "Ryojian." I don't know how old it is, but it is a hostel built like a traditional old house, and the shared areas have a nostalgic and luxurious feel to them. It's a great value for money place to stay as a base for your trip, to refresh your life, or as a mountain lodge to spend some time in the mountains while working remotely! The air is fresh!!!

From Matsumoto, go via Shiojiri to Kiso Fukushima Station. (On the way, you will also pass Narai Station in Narai-juku) A checkpoint town on the Nakasendo road, lined with charming buildings. It is also the place where Kiso Yoshinaka, one of the 13 Shoguns of the Kamakura Shogunate, raised his army. Kiso Yoshinaka is famous for his "Fire Ox Strategy" at the Battle of Kurikara Pass.