Explore Tsumago-juku: A Historic Post Town in the Kiso Valley - Japan Travel Sights

Nestled in the mountains of the Kiso Valley, Tsumago-juku is a beautifully preserved post town that offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and culture.

Located in Nagiso Town, Nagano Prefecture, this charming town is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the traditional beauty of Japan across all four seasons.

What is Tsumago-juku?

Tsumago-juku is the 42nd post town along the Nakasendo route, which connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto during the Edo period. By the 1800s, Tsumago-juku had become a bustling hub at the crossroads of the Nakasendo and Iida highways. According to an 1843 record, the town had 31 inns and a population of about 418 people.

While many historic buildings across Japan were lost due to modernization, Tsumago-juku has been carefully preserved, becoming one of the first areas to be designated as a Nationally Important Preservation District in 1976.

Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, with notable sites such as the Kumagai Residence, Kousatsuba (Notice Board), Tsumago Honjin (main inn), Wakihonjin Okuya (secondary inn), and the Tsumago Historical Museum still standing.

Access: Several bus routes are available from JR Nakatsugawa Station, making Tsumago-juku easily accessible.

Stroll Through the “Terashita District”

The Terashita district was the first area to undergo conservation efforts, making it one of the most historically significant parts of Tsumago-juku.

Walking through the streets of Terashita, visitors are transported back to the Edo period, with traditional buildings lining the roads. The houses feature distinctive architecture, such as protruding beams and lattice windows, reminiscent of old inns from centuries past.

Here, you can admire the townscape both from a macro perspective and up close, where the intricate details of the homes reveal the craftsmanship and creativity of the era.

Location: Tsumago-juku
Address: 2159-2 Azuma, Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture
Official Site: Tsumago Information

Visit the Wakihonjin Okuya (Secondary Inn)

Designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2001, the Wakihonjin Okuya is a historic building that once served as a secondary inn and merchants’ residence.

The current structure was built in 1877 using a substantial amount of forbidden cypress wood, which gives the building its distinctive appearance. This inn was also the home of “Yū,” the first love of the famous author Toson Shimazaki.

Today, Wakihonjin Okuya operates as a museum, displaying various historical artifacts, including tools used in daily life and items received from the Imperial family.

Location: 2187-1 Azuma, Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture
Official Site: Wakihonjin Okuya

Discover the Tsumago Honjin (Main Inn)

After the introduction of the post station system, the Shimazaki family was appointed to manage the Tsumago Honjin.

This responsibility continued until the Meiji period. Although the original building was demolished in the late 19th century, it was reconstructed in 1995 using detailed historical drawings.

The Tsumago Honjin, along with Wakihonjin Okuya and the Tsumago Historical Museum, now forms a museum complex that visitors can explore with a single admission ticket.

Location: 4701 Azuma, Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture
Official Site: Tsumago Honjin

Explore the Historic Kami-Sagaya

Kami-Sagaya, built in the mid-18th century, is one of the oldest buildings in Tsumago-juku. It was originally a “kichinyado,” a low-cost inn that offered basic accommodations for travelers.

The building has been carefully restored, retaining as much original wood as possible. Registered as a tangible cultural property by Nagiso Town, Kami-Sagaya offers a unique glimpse into the everyday life of ordinary people during the Edo period.

Location: 803-4 Azuma, Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture
Official Site: Kami-Sagaya

Take a Hike to Tsumago Castle Ruins

Located over 500 meters above sea level, the Tsumago Castle ruins are the remnants of a fortress built during the Muromachi period. The castle played a key role during the “Battle of Tsumago Castle” in 1584, one of the battles in the larger conflict between Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Though the castle no longer stands, the site remains well-preserved, with the earthworks, trenches, and terraced walls still visible. The area is now a hiking trail, offering visitors a chance to explore the historical landscape.

Location: 218-7 Azuma, Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture

Walk to the Neighboring Magome-juku

After exploring Tsumago-juku, consider taking a scenic walk to the neighboring post town of Magome-juku. Located about 9 kilometers away, the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours on foot.

Magome-juku is the 43rd post town on the Nakasendo route and, like Tsumago, it retains much of its Edo-period charm.

The town is known for its stone-paved streets, water wheels, and historical buildings, making it a delightful complement to a visit to Tsumago-juku.

Magome-juku also offers a variety of local delicacies, including Mitarashi dango (sweet rice dumplings), kuri-kowameshi (chestnut rice), and soba noodles, perfect for a delicious break during your walk.

Location: 4300-1 Magome, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture
Official Site: Magome Information

Conclusion

Tsumago-juku is a destination that allows you to fully immerse yourself in Japan’s rich history and natural beauty.

Whether you’re walking through the preserved streets, exploring historical buildings, or taking a hike to ancient castle ruins, you’ll find that Tsumago-juku offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Visiting in different seasons will also give you a different perspective on the town, from cherry blossoms in spring to the tranquil snow-covered rooftops in winter