Located in Nagiso Town in southern Nagano, Tsumago Juku is the 42nd of 69 post towns on the Nakasendo, a road running from Tokyo to Kyoto. With hundreds of thousands, if not millions of samurai walking the ancient road, the town was full of inns and shops to deal with their demands. Almost all of the ancient towns of Japan have burned down, or simply been renovated and modernized out of existence. However, the Tera-sh*ta region of Tsumago Juku is has gone around 230 years without a fire, and modernization left Tsumago behind as the area was so poor and decaying that the building themselves were left to rot. In the 1960s a preservation movement was born as the locals realized the precious history that stood beneath their feet. The preservation of Tsumago Juku was the first of its kind in Japan and became the model by which other ancient towns preserve themselves. What is amazing is that Tsumago’s downfall became its salvation and shows us that some of truest beauty can be found in the heart of despair. And that every dog will have its day.
11 Things to do in Tsumago Juku
Tsumago Juku is a beautiful town full of ancient buildings. Outside of shopping and a couple of museums, there might not seem to be any activities on hand. But, if you know where to look, you might be surprised. Feel free to look at our 1/2 day activities from Tsumago Juku page for deeper insights.
Hike to Magome - The most popular hike of the Nakasendo is between Magome and Tsumago. Check out our guided tour to have a local, professional knowledgeable, wilderness first aid trained guide accompany you and bring the place to life through stories.
Hike to Nojiri - One of the most beautiful hikes on the Nakasendo is this hike between Tsumago and Nojiri on an ancient sub-route called the Yogawa-Michi. The route is longer at 19km and is known to be home to asiatic black bears. Guided tours are recommended.
Wakihonjin Museum - 600 JPY. In the middle of the town sits this incredible museum. The Wakihonjin was the second most important inn in the town, where the second most important guests would stay. These days a wonderful crew of dedicated ladies care for the place and deliver tours for all who enter in English and Japanese, really bringing the place to life!
Honjin Museum - For a tiny bit more money, you can buy a combined wakihonjin and honjin ticket. This is a reconstruction of the most important inn in the town.
Kotokuji Temple - A temple with squeaky floorboards called uguisu-bari, or nightingale floorboards. They were not there by mistake, they were supposed to alert those inside of any dangerous intuder.
Woodworking - For other, more hands-on activities, you have to leave Tsumago Juku. A quick bus ride will take you to a town full of woodturning artisans. In Japanese this is an artform known as rokuro-zaiku. You can try it for yourself and learn all about it. Check out this page to learn more.
Cooking Experience - Making Soba Noodles and Gohei-mochi - A local cooperative store near Nagiso Station offers soba and other cooking experiences. A very local affair! Check out this page to learn more.
Making Washi - In winter, a small hamlet inside Nagiso Town called Tadachi, makes its very own washi paper. You can join and make your own by contacting the local tourism association. Check out this page to learn more.
Atera Gorge - In the hot summers, nothing beats a swim in the river after a day out hiking. This gorge is absolutely beautiful and only a 20 minute drive from Tsumago.
Tsumago Castle Ruins - For those wanting more walking close by, an extra 10 minutes walking on the Nakasendo and you will see signs to Tsumago castle ruins. Climb to the top for great views over the town.
Kakizore Gorge - Again about 20 minutes from Tsumago by car is this gorgeous river and gorge with huge waterfalls to look at. A local small ryokan allows day trippers to use the onsen for a small fee.
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