Chayazaka is about a five-minute walk from The RYOKAN O, at the eastern entrance to the old post town of Nakatsugawa. Let’s take a look at the scenery and history you can find here. Travellers once passed this way on their journeys to Edo, now Tokyo, or Kyoto. These days, with a high school nearby, it’s also a route to school.

There are several hills between Nakatsugawa-juku, Ochiai-juku and Magome-juku, the old post towns along the Nakasendo. Chayazaka is the first. It’s a steep start!

By the way, the writing on the road says “Stop”.

Right next to it is ONIGIRI STAND NICO, a newly opened shop selling onigiri rice balls.

A little further on, you’ll reach the kosatsuba, a place where official notices were displayed.

In the Edo period, the shogunate and regional lords posted laws and prohibitions on wooden boards at places like this. Think of it as the town hall notices or community noticeboard of its day. The kosatsuba you see now is a reconstruction. The notices include ones issued in 1711, as well as later additions.

So what did they say?

Here are the kinds of notices people would have read.

Oyako Kyodai Kosatsu — family and everyday conduct

Don’t shelter criminals or suspicious people; report them if you find them. It also tells people to live in harmony with their parents, siblings and spouses.

Dokuyaku Nisegusuri-uri Kosatsu — poisons and fake medicines

A notice prohibiting the sale of poisons and fake medicines.

Hitsuke Midashi Kosatsu — reporting arson

Instructions for reporting arsonists, with rewards for doing so. Arson was a particularly serious crime in the Edo period!

Kirishitan Kosatsu — the ban on Christianity

A notice banning Christianity, reflecting the shogunate’s religious policy.

Jinba Kanme Kosatsu — rules for transport

Official rules concerning the transport of goods and the use of horses.

Toto Goso Kinshi Kosatsu — the ban on collective protests

A notice prohibiting collective petitions and disturbances.

Nanigoto ni Yorazu Kosatsu — a warning against extravagance

Among its rules is a warning against extravagance and wasting money.

Some of these sound rather severe, but others still feel familiar today.

The Edo period was also a time when Christianity was banned and Japan tightly restricted its contact with the outside world.

Looking at these notices while people from all over the world walk past today feels a little strange, doesn’t it?

There are steps beside the kosatsuba, and you can continue along the Nakasendo here. This stretch is quite steep too. Cars also use the road, so take care.

There’s a sign like this too! The lettering has quite a distinctive old-fashioned look…

Follow the sign and cross the pedestrian bridge just ahead. From there, you can see the Nakasendo stretching straight through the town.

This is the view from the bridge. An old photograph has survived, so you can compare the two.

Here’s the view in the Meiji period, more than 100 years ago.

The buildings have changed, but the road is still here, and people are still travelling along it.

You’re standing on a road walked by so many travellers throughout history.

Come and take a look at the view for yourself!

Notes

The walking time is approximate and varies with your pace and route.

References

Nakatsugawa City: An introduction to Nakatsugawa-juku

Nakatsugawa City: The former kosatsuba site

Nakatsugawa City: Old views of Nakatsugawa-juku

Written by Nakatsugawa Yuruyuru News

The post From The RYOKAN O to Magome: First Up, Chayazaka! What Can You See from the Hill? appeared first on Nakasendo Stays.

We’ve had more rain than expected this autumn.

And some of it has been heavy!

So, for those of you travelling on foot, here’s a look at rain gear and a coin laundry where you can dry your shoes.

First up: raincoats. Japan is humid, so people often use umbrellas when it rains. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find raincoats.

They might just be lighter and thinner than the ones you’re used to.

“This thin? Will it really do the job?” you might wonder. But with Japan’s humidity, as we mentioned, lightweight and breathability are important in a raincoat.

But they do keep the rain out. (Note 1)

It can help you on your travels!

So many different raincoat options!

The photo shows examples of rain gear. Products and designs vary by shop and may change.

And then there are umbrellas.

You might not use one much back home, but they’re common in Japan. Convenience stores sell inexpensive clear plastic umbrellas, too.

They may be inexpensive, but they rarely seem to break unless the wind is strong. And they’re light!

If rain looks likely, you might find one useful as an umbrella—and even as a walking stick (!). (Note 2)

You’ll also find waterproofing sprays like this one at 100-yen shops. Spraying your shoes in advance can help repel some water. Test it on a small, hidden area first to check for discolouration. (Note 3)

And if your shoes are wet right through, a shoe dryer at a coin laundry is worth knowing about. (Note 4) The rain-gear shops and coin laundry mentioned here are all within roughly a 10-minute walk of The RYOKAN O. (Note 5) Handy!

Here’s where to find them!

Where to buy umbrellas and raincoats

Convenience stores near the station (7-Eleven) and the station shop

Useful if you’re caught in a sudden shower. Prices vary by product, and limited stock means items may sell out.

What you can find: raincoats and umbrellas.

Luvit Town Nakatsugawa

The DAISO shop on the second floor sells rain gear too. Some items cost more than 100 yen.

Want something you’ll keep using back home? Try shimizuya on the first floor for more substantial options.

What you can find: lightweight plastic ponchos, folding umbrellas, waterproofing spray and more.

A coin laundry for washing and drying shoes

Coin Laundry AM

You’ll find it near Luvit Town, on the same site as Kusuri no Aoki Nakatsugawa Chuo, a drugstore. Kusuri no Aoki sells umbrellas and raincoats too.

Coin Laundry AM and nearby landmarks

North is at the top. Nakatsugawa Station is in the upper left. The RYOKAN O is southeast of the station, with Luvit Town farther southeast. The red pin marks Coin Laundry AM, just east of Luvit Town. Look for the road label “Old Nakasendo” near the top of the map.

Open Coin Laundry AM in Google Maps

Map: Google Maps / Map data ©2026. Captured September 16, 2026.

A coin laundry with a casual feel.

You can dry your shoes here! Drying costs ¥100 for 20 minutes. Washing, in a separate machine, costs ¥200 per cycle. (Note 4)

At the time of the visit, the change machine accepted only ¥1,000 notes. Bring ¥100 coins.

It’s open from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Still, a very late laundry trip won’t leave much time to rest after a day of travelling. Why not fit it in while you’re out shopping?

That’s one of the good things about staying in Nakatsugawa-juku, the old post town: these practical stops are close at hand. You’re here on a trip, after all. Let’s enjoy the unexpected, too!

Notes

1. Light, thin fabric is not necessarily breathable. Waterproofing and breathability vary by product. For a long walk, check that your rain gear is suitable for the activity.

2. Do not use an umbrella as a walking stick, put your weight on it, or use it in strong winds.

3. Read the waterproofing spray’s instructions. Wear a mask and use it outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling the mist or spraying it towards others. Check that it is suitable for your shoes’ material.

4. Shoe washers and dryers are separate machines. Leather shoes, spiked shoes, rain boots and slippers cannot be washed in the shoe washer. Follow the shoe and machine labels when drying, too. Drying time depends on the material and how wet the shoes are; 20 minutes does not guarantee dry shoes.

5. Walking times are estimates from the original report and vary by route and walking speed. Product availability, stock, prices, opening hours, laundry charges and change-machine requirements may change. Check the signs in store when you visit.

Do not push on with a walk in heavy rain. Check current weather and evacuation information, and keep away from swollen rivers and drainage channels.

Written by Nakatsugawa Yuruyuru News

The post Rainy Day? A Guide to Japan’s Rain Gear and Coin Laundries! appeared first on Nakasendo Stays.

Around Honmachi and other parts of Nakatsugawa-juku, traces of the old townscape still remain. They may be small, quiet places, but each one offers a surprisingly deep glimpse into the town’s history.

This time, we are visiting the former Nakatsugawa-juku Wakihonjin, about a 10-minute walk from The RYOKAN O.

Although it is described as a historic “site,” you can still step inside and explore it!

What Was a Wakihonjin?

During the Edo period, daimyo and other high-ranking travellers used official lodgings called honjin while travelling along routes such as the Nakasendo.

A wakihonjin was an auxiliary lodging that supported the honjin. It was used when a large party could not fit inside the main honjin, or when the parties of two daimyo arrived at the same post town at the same time.

Nakatsugawa-juku’s original wakihonjin once stood on part of the site now occupied by the Nakatsugawa Nakasendo History Museum. In 2008, the Mori family—who had served as the wakihonjin and managed transport duties in the post town—donated the land and buildings to Nakatsugawa City. The present exhibition facility was then prepared for visitors.

Here, you can sit in what feels like the lord’s seat and take in the view from the most prestigious part of the room.

And best of all? Admission is free!

Let’s step inside.

Step Across the Stones and Travel Back to the Edo Period

Nakatsugawa-juku was the 45th post town on the Nakasendo. At the former wakihonjin, part of the old Mori family residence—including the jodan-no-ma, or raised-status room, and one storehouse—is open to the public, offering a glimpse of how the post town once functioned.

According to the Mori family’s old records, the family moved from Iwamura in Ena District to Nakatsugawa-juku around 1684. From around 1803, generations of the family served as the wakihonjin and tonya (post-town transport officials), helping manage transport and other duties in the post town while supporting the Ichioka family, who ran the honjin.

The site also witnessed events in the Meiji period. Emperor Meiji rested here in 1880, and in 1882 it was used as a venue for a speech by Itagaki Taisuke and others.

Information is also available in English, so be sure to take a look.

This Is the Lord’s Seat!

The jodan-no-ma was used during the Edo period. It is an eight-tatami room with a tokonoma alcove and shoin-style shelving.

Parts of the space have been restored or recreated using original fittings, pillars and ranma transoms.

Following the instructions at the site, you can sit in the “lord’s seat” and enjoy the view from this special position.

Before you even continue on to Magome or Tsumago, you may already feel as if you have stepped into the Edo period.

From the lord’s seat, everything seems to sit just a little lower in your field of view.

There are charming little details to discover, too.

Seasonal flowers add colour to the quiet interior. Away from the rush of modern life, the atmosphere here seems to move at a gentler pace.

The garden is a lovely place to slow down for a moment.

You can also step out onto the wooden veranda and enjoy the atmosphere of the garden. Farther along the wooden corridor is a reconstructed ochozusho—the toilet used at the time—which is another unexpected detail to look out for.

The two-storey storehouse, with its traditional namako-style walls, displays materials connected with the Mori family, including old documents, paintings and storage chests. Access to some displays may vary, so please follow the information provided on site.

It is a place where you can enjoy a little taste of life as a feudal lord—for free!

If you are staying nearby, it is well worth a visit.

The Nakatsugawa Nakasendo History Museum next door is also worth exploring, with exhibits that offer a deeper look at the Nakasendo and Nakatsugawa-juku.

Former Nakatsugawa-juku Wakihonjin (Former Mori Family Residence)

• Location: Honmachi 2-chome, Nakatsugawa, Gifu, next to the Nakatsugawa Nakasendo History Museum
• Opening hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
• Closed: Mondays (or the following day when Monday is a public holiday), and 27 December–5 January
• Admission: Free

Please note: Opening days and access to displays may change. Check the latest information from the Nakatsugawa Nakasendo History Museum before your visit.

Walking time from The RYOKAN O is approximate and may vary depending on your pace and route.

The post Feel Like a Feudal Lord? Visit Nakatsugawa-juku’s Former Wakihonjin, About 10 Minutes on Foot from The RYOKAN O appeared first on Nakasendo Stays.

Asiatic black bears live in Gifu and Nagano, including the wider forested region around the Nakasendo. Check official sightings on the morning of your walk, avoid dawn and dusk, travel with someone where possible, and make your presence known. If you see a bear, don’t run; keep it in sight and back away slowly.

If you’re walking through forested or mountain areas around Nakatsugawa and the Nakasendo Trail, bear awareness is part of preparing for the journey.

But a sentence such as “Asiatic black bears live on Honshu and Shikoku” may not mean much if you don’t already have a map of Japan in your head.

Japan has two bear species. Brown bears live in Hokkaido. Asiatic black bears live on Honshu and in parts of Shikoku. Gifu Prefecture — where you’ll find Nakatsugawa, Magome and the Gifu side of the trail — is in the middle of Honshu. The bear species to be aware of here is the Asiatic black bear, known in Japanese as the tsukinowaguma.

Left: Asiatic black bear. Right: brown bear. Neither photograph was taken in Nakatsugawa.

This is a broad guide to the distribution of Japan’s two bear species. It is not a live sighting map.

Asiatic black bears generally try to avoid people. However, a sudden encounter in an area with poor visibility, or an encounter near a cub, can become dangerous.

The aim isn’t to make the trail sound more dangerous than it is. It’s to understand the conditions, check current information on the day of your walk and reduce the chance of an encounter.

Official information to check on the day you walk

Bear sightings and alerts change. Check again on the morning of your walk, not only when you first plan the trip.

Gifu Prefecture and the Nakatsugawa side

• Nakatsugawa City: Current Bear Notice
• Gifu Prefecture: Bears Living in Gifu Prefecture

The Gifu Prefecture page links to the official Gifu Bear Map, where you can check reported dates and locations.

Nagano Prefecture and the Tsumago side

• Nagano Prefecture: Asiatic Black Bear Information Map
• Official Tsumago website: Walking Information
• Official Tsumago website: Bear and Water-Safety Notice

The official Tsumago website advises people walking between Tsumago and Magome to ask the tourist information offices or tourism associations for current information before setting out.

Last checked: 31 August 2026
At the time of checking, Gifu Prefecture had an Asiatic black bear alert in effect. The official Tsumago website also stated that bears had been sighted in Nagiso Town during 2026. Alerts and recent reports can change, so use the links above for the latest information.

Are there bears on the Magome–Tsumago trail?

Asiatic black bears live in both Gifu and Nagano. Official records include sightings in the Tsumago and Otsumago districts, but the public data doesn’t show whether either sighting was on the Nakasendo Trail itself.

The classic Nakasendo walk from Magome to Tsumago passes through villages, forest, a mountain pass and areas close to running water. The conditions aren’t the same all the way along.

Mountain and forest scenery viewed from the hill above Magome.

This diagram explains the order of the route and the conditions that call for greater awareness. It is not to scale, and it doesn’t show the current location of a bear or label any place as a “danger point”.

Nagano Prefecture’s official sighting list for July 2025 includes these two district-level records:

• 24 July 2025: one bear reported in the Tsumago area of Azuma, Nagiso Town
• 28 July 2025: one bear reported in the Otsumago area of Azuma, Nagiso Town

These records identify the district, not the exact point, and don’t show whether the bear was on the old Nakasendo itself. They should not be treated as exact sightings on the trail.

Nagano Prefecture’s 2026 monthly lists also include multiple sightings in Nagiso Town, but the public tables don’t identify detailed locations. Check the current Nagano map and ask the tourist information office on the day you walk.

Where can you rent a bear bell in Magome or Tsumago?

The official Tsumago website lists bear-bell rental at both Magome Tourist Information Center and Tsumago Tourist Information Center. Terms can change, so check the official page before your visit.

What kind of bears live around Nakatsugawa?

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment describes the Asiatic black bear as a large forest-dwelling mammal. Its crescent-shaped chest marking and temperament vary from one bear to another.

Asiatic black bears are omnivores. Their diet centres on grasses, tree nuts and fruit, and also includes insects. What they eat and the elevations they use change with the season.

Activity varies by region and climate. Bears are generally active from around March to November and hibernate from around December to February. Warmer winters and local conditions can shift this timing, so don’t assume that winter always means there is no activity.

Gifu Prefecture states that Asiatic black bears live across most of the prefecture. A lack of reported sightings doesn’t prove that bears aren’t present.

How to avoid a bear encounter on the Nakasendo

1. Avoid low-traffic areas at dawn and dusk

Nakatsugawa City advises people to avoid low-traffic forests and riversides in the early morning and around dusk, when bears are more active.

Plan to finish while it is still light and leave enough time for delays.

2. Don’t walk alone, and make your presence known

Gifu Prefecture and Nakatsugawa City recommend travelling with at least one other person and using sound to let bears know you’re there. A bear bell or radio can help. The national guidance also suggests using your voice or clapping your hands.

Take extra care on bends with poor visibility, near streams or waterfalls, or in strong wind and rain, when a bear may not hear you clearly. A bell isn’t a substitute for checking recent sightings, choosing an appropriate time and paying attention to the conditions around you.

3. Turn back if you find fresh tracks or droppings

Gifu Prefecture advises leaving immediately if you find fresh bear tracks or droppings.

Don’t move closer to take a photograph or continue ahead to investigate.

4. Keep food and rubbish under control

Never leave food, bags or rubbish unattended. Keep them sealed where possible, and carry all food waste and rubbish out with you.

A bear that learns to associate people with food may return to places used by people. Managing food and rubbish helps protect visitors, the community and the distance between people and wildlife.

5. Learn how bear spray works before carrying it

The national guidance recommends checking in advance where bear spray can be bought or rented and learning how to use it.

Bear spray can’t be carried onto an aircraft or placed in checked baggage. If you’re considering it, find out where it can be obtained after you arrive in Japan.

What to do if you see a bear

If the bear hasn’t noticed you

• Don’t approach it. Leave the area quietly.
• Don’t move closer to take a photograph.
• Never approach a cub. Its mother may be nearby.

If the bear has noticed you

• Don’t shout.
• Don’t turn your back and run.
• Don’t throw bags, stones or other objects.
• Keep the bear in sight and back away slowly.
• Don’t force your way past it. Keep your distance and wait for it to leave.

Startling or agitating a bear can trigger an attack.

If an attack appears imminent

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment advises lying face down and protecting your neck, face and abdomen. If you have bear spray and have already learned how to use it, use it as directed.

Reporting a sighting in Nakatsugawa

Once you’re in a safe place, report the sighting to Nakatsugawa City or the police.

• If there is an immediate danger, call the police on 110.
• If someone is injured, call fire and ambulance services on 119.

Nakatsugawa City uses reports to patrol the area and issue local warnings. Don’t try to drive the bear away yourself or return for another look.

Checklist before walking the Nakasendo

• Check the latest Gifu, Nakatsugawa, Nagano and Tsumago information.
• Plan to finish during daylight.
• Travel with at least one other person where possible.
• Carry a bell or another way to make your presence known.
• Keep food and rubbish sealed and take everything with you.
• Turn back if you find fresh tracks or droppings.
• Save the emergency numbers 110 and 119.
• Leave room to change or cancel the plan.

This guide covers basic preparation for walking around Nakatsugawa and between Magome and Tsumago. Conditions vary by location, season, weather and recent bear activity. Always check the latest official information before you set out.

Use Nakatsugawa as your base

Nakasendo Stays is a directly operated accommodation brand for exploring the Nakasendo Trail and surrounding areas. Rates vary by date, number of guests, room and availability.

Planning the Magome–Tsumago walk? Compare Nakasendo Stays properties in Nakatsugawa, then check current availability for your dates.

For train, bus and other arrival options, see our Access page.

If you have a general question before booking or aren’t sure which property fits your route, contact Nakasendo Stays through our Contact page.

Contact Nakasendo Stays

Written by Takuji Funahashi

Official information

• Ministry of the Environment, What to Know About Bears Before Visiting a National Park
• Ministry of the Environment and JNTO, Before You Go: What to Know About Bears in Japan’s National Parks
• Gifu Prefecture, Bears Living in Gifu Prefecture
• Nakatsugawa City, Current Bear Notice
• Nakatsugawa City, What to Do After a Bear Sighting
• Nagano Prefecture, Asiatic Black Bear Information Map
• Nagano Prefecture, July 2025 Asiatic Black Bear Sighting List
• Official Tsumago website, Walking Information
• Official Tsumago website, Bear and Water-Safety Notice
• JNTO, Japan Visitor Hotline

Photo credits

• Kabacchi, “Japanese black bear 1” — CC BY 2.0
• Ozizo, “Hokkaido Brown Bear” — Public Domain
• Rei, “MagomeVista” — CC BY-SA 3.0

The post Bears on the Nakasendo Trail: A Safety Guide for Magome–Tsumago Hikers appeared first on Nakasendo Stays.

• Use Boarding Spot 3 at Nakatsugawa Station.
• Check that the bus shows route M and the destination Magome.

The same rule applies if you’re boarding at Yodogawa. Several services use that stop, so don’t choose a bus by the stop location alone. Check the destination display before you board.

This guide covers the timetable current in August 2026, fares, reservations, Japan Rail Pass coverage, how to ride, how to identify the correct bus at Yodogawa, and the return services from Magome to Nakatsugawa. If you’re still planning how to reach the area, see the Nakasendo Stays Access guide.

Last checked: 26 August 2026
Kitaena Kotsu currently lists the timetable revised on 1 October 2025. The times below match the published schedule as of 26 August 2026. Timetables can change, and services may be delayed or suspended. Check Kitaena Kotsu’s official timetable again before you travel.

Go to Boarding Spot 3 at Nakatsugawa Station

After leaving JR Nakatsugawa Station, look for Boarding Spot 3 in the bus area. An orange marking on the pavement points to the boarding position.

Buses for Magome, Sakashita, Tsumago and Nagiso all leave from this area. For Magome, check the display on the front or side of the bus for both of the following:

• Route: M
• Destination: Magome / 馬籠

A bus showing S Tsumago, S Sakashita or another destination isn’t the Magome bus.

Timetable from Nakatsugawa Station and Yodogawa to Magome

The scheduled journey takes about 25 minutes from Nakatsugawa Station and about 24 minutes from Yodogawa. Traffic and weather may cause delays.

Weekdays, Monday to Friday

Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Kitaena Kotsu states that the weekend and public-holiday timetable also applies from 12 to 15 August and from 30 December to 3 January.

How to identify the Magome bus at Yodogawa

Yodogawa is the first stop after Nakatsugawa Station. If you count the station as the first point on the timetable, Yodogawa is the second stop.

Several bus services call at Yodogawa. Before boarding for Magome, look at the arriving bus and make sure it shows M Magome / 馬籠.

September warning: the seasonal S bus to Tsumago doesn’t go to Magome

On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from March to June and September to November, a seasonal S Tsumago service leaves Nakatsugawa Station at 14:40 and Yodogawa at 14:41.

That bus doesn’t travel through Magome. If Magome is your destination, don’t board based on the word “Tsumago” alone. Wait for a bus showing M Magome.

After arriving in Magome, travellers continuing on foot can use our guide to the classic Nakasendo walk from Magome to Tsumago.

Fare and payment

The published one-way adult fares as of 26 August 2026 are:

The child fare from Nakatsugawa Station to Magome is ¥400. Kitaena Kotsu generally defines the child fare as applying from age 6 to under 12; children who are still in elementary school also qualify until 31 March of their final school year.

You pay in cash when you leave the bus.

Do you need a reservation, and is the bus covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

No reservation is required, and advance seat reservations aren’t available for this local bus. The Japan Rail Pass doesn’t cover the fare, so prepare the regular bus fare separately.

How to ride the Kitaena bus

1. Enter through the middle door and take one numbered ticket from the machine near the entrance.
2. Check the fare display at the front of the bus. Find the amount shown under the number on your ticket.
3. Press a stop button after your stop is announced. Magome is the final stop.
4. When you leave, place your numbered ticket and the exact fare in the fare box beside the driver.

At Boarding Spot 3, the same steps are displayed in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.

The change machine accepts ¥1,000 notes. It can’t change ¥2,000, ¥5,000 or ¥10,000 notes. If you need change, use the machine while the bus is stopped.

Return timetable from Magome to Nakatsugawa Station

There are fewer return options than outbound services at some times of day. Check the last two buses that work for your plan before you start walking or exploring.

Weekdays, Monday to Friday

Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Stay in Nakatsugawa and take a morning bus to Magome

If you’re planning to use a morning bus, arriving in Nakatsugawa the day before can make the next day’s journey easier to organise.

Nakasendo Stays is a directly operated accommodation brand for exploring the Nakasendo Trail and surrounding areas. Compare our places to stay in Nakatsugawa, then check the official booking page for current rates and availability. Rates vary by date, number of guests, room and availability.

Check availability with Nakasendo Stays

If you have a general question before booking or aren’t sure which property fits your route, contact Nakasendo Stays through our Contact page.

Contact Nakasendo Stays

Written by Takuji Funahashi

Sources and official information

• Kitaena Kotsu, Timetables and Fares
• Kitaena Kotsu, Magome Line Weekday Timetable, revised 1 October 2025
• Kitaena Kotsu, Magome Line Holiday Timetable, revised 1 October 2025
• Kitaena Kotsu, Magome Line Weekday Timetable (PDF), revised 1 October 2025
• Kitaena Kotsu, Magome Line Weekend and Holiday Timetable (PDF), revised 1 October 2025
• Kitaena Kotsu, Magome Line Fare Table (PDF)
• Kitaena Kotsu, Child Fare Guide (PDF)
• Japan Guide, Bus Timetables: Magome and Tsumago — reservation and Japan Rail Pass information

The post Nakatsugawa to Magome by Bus: 2026 Timetable, Boarding Spot 3 and Yodogawa Stop appeared first on Nakasendo Stays.

As you probably know, Japan is a nation of otaku—in the best possible sense. We love digging deeply into a subject and refining every last detail in the name of comfort. You’ll see that spirit in Japan’s incredible range of hot-weather goods.

You can find these items at Luvit Town Nakatsugawa, a shopping centre near The RYOKAN O (about a 9-minute walk from JR Nakatsugawa Station), as well as at convenience stores and drugstores. There’s a 100-yen shop inside the centre too.

You may need a little help from them to keep the heat from getting the better of you on the Nakasendo. Let’s take a look at a few.

1. Refreshing sheets to wipe away sweat!

These body wipes are soft, moist sheets that leave you feeling fresh after wiping away sweat.

Japan is a curious country where you’ll find a staggering variety of them: cooling types, beautifully scented types and completely fragrance-free types. There really is something for everyone. (※1)

They’re thin and light, so they might even make a fun little souvenir.

2. Drinks to quench your thirst

In hot countries, Japanese hydration drinks are sometimes even called “the water of life.” With a balance designed to be close to body fluids, quick absorption and a light sweetness, this drink is loved around the world. (※2)

Of course, you’ll find these at convenience stores and shopping centres too. If you’re carrying your own bottle, mixing a drink from powder can also be an affordable option.

Powdered versions aren’t as common overseas, but you’ll find them in all kinds of shops across Japan. Trying one may be a small but memorable part of your trip.

Nakatsugawa is a town with delicious water, so yours should taste good too! You can adjust the concentration to suit your taste. (※3)

If you’re setting out on a serious walk along the Nakasendo, you’ll want to prepare plenty to drink before you go!

3. Japan’s own “salt tablets”

Japan has salt candies, but these salt tablets are even easier to eat.

They have a mild salty taste, and some contain citric acid and potassium. They’re made to help replace salt lost through sweat. (※4)

You’ll also find cooling sheets to wrap around your neck, cooling sprays and plenty of other items. One of the good things about Nakatsugawa-juku is that there are several places where you can pick up these supplies.

This is also a town where you can gather the items that help protect your body in the heat.

Nakatsugawa-juku really is a base camp for the Nakasendo! When the heat is at its fiercest, this is the place to get yourself ready before you set out.

And don’t forget to take frequent breaks while you’re walking.

Work up a satisfying sweat and enjoy the journey! If you start to feel unwell, don’t push yourself—stop and rest somewhere cool.

Written by Nakatsugawa Yuruyuru News

Notes

Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. This article is not sponsored by or affiliated with the manufacturers.

※1 The cooling sensation of a body wipe isn’t the same as lowering your body temperature. Use wipes alongside other heat precautions.

※2 “The water of life” is a friendly expression for how welcome a drink can feel on a hot day, not a medical claim. The descriptions about a composition close to body fluids, quick absorption and international popularity are based on information published by Otsuka Pharmaceutical about the POCARI SWEAT product shown in the photo. They don’t apply to every hydration drink. (Sources: Otsuka Pharmaceutical, POCARI SWEAT Product Information; “From a Sweat-Inspired Drink to a Global Brand”)

※3 Powdered drinks have a specified amount of water and preparation method. When you make one, follow the package directions rather than adjusting it by taste.

※4 Follow the package directions and take salt tablets with water. They don’t replace hydration. If you have a medical condition or take medication, follow the advice of a medical professional. (Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Practical Heat Illness Guide for Workers)

※5 Before walking the Nakasendo on a hot day, check Japan’s official Heat Stress Index (WBGT) and Heat Stroke Alerts. On dangerously hot days, consider changing your timing or route, postponing the walk or cancelling it. Cooling goods don’t replace avoiding the hottest hours, drinking regularly and taking frequent breaks. (Sources: Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan, Heat Illness Prevention Information; Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Heat Illness Prevention)

The post The Heat Isn’t Over Yet! Cooling Goods for Walking the Nakasendo—Japan Has So Many to Choose From! appeared first on Nakasendo Stays.

In this blog, we’ll share the charms of Nakatsugawa: views you won’t find on the usual tourist pages, little tips, and everything that makes your journey comfortable and fun. For our very first post, let’s talk about the town of Nakatsugawa itself.

Nakatsugawa sits at the southern foot of the Central Alps, in the Chubu region of Japan. It’s a charming town where magnificent mountain scenery, history, and traditional Japanese sweets come together in perfect harmony.

But you may know that much already — plenty of websites will tell you the same.

So from here, let’s look at the fun little discoveries you’ll actually run into the moment you step off the train in Nakatsugawa.

First, Nakatsugawa Station.

Step out of the station and look straight ahead: you’ll see two mountains, Maeyama and Mt. Ena.
Maeyama stands in front, and rising behind it is Mt. Ena, 2,191 meters tall.
You can see it clearly from Magome as well — it’s truly the symbol of a journey along the Kiso Road (※2).
While you’re in Nakatsugawa, this mountain will quietly watch over your travels the whole way.

Nakatsugawa still retains the charming scenery of old Japan.
Before you head on to Magome and Tsumago, take a little time here — you’ll find scenes of deep-countryside Japan.
Around The RYOKAN O (※3), you’re sure to find plenty of little things that catch your eye!

In the Edo period, Nakatsugawa flourished as a post town (※8) on the Nakasendo. As Japan modernized, it grew into a town of railways and industry.
The old Nakasendo remained in use as an everyday local road, but for a while it was seen as little more than a relic of the past.
That is, until travelers like you began to come from overseas.

Most visitors to Nakatsugawa are looking forward to the journey on to Magome and Tsumago.
And the base camp for that journey is Nakatsugawa itself. This is a town where you can walk the samurai road of the Edo period — and feel the layers of many other eras as well.
Here you can enjoy the Japanese countryside you may have seen in manga and anime. It’s not a theme-park recreation — it’s a landscape that has simply, naturally remained.
And the best part? You can enjoy it all on a short stroll, before you even set out for Magome and Tsumago.

We hope you’ll find your own favorite places and experiences on this journey!

Written by Nakatsugawa Yuruyuru News

Notes

※1 The Nakasendo: one of the five official highways of the Edo period (1603–1868), running about 530 km (330 miles) between Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto through the inland mountains, with 69 post towns along the way. Feudal lords, samurai, and merchants all traveled this road — hence its nickname, the “samurai road.” (Sources: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; Nakasendo Rokujukyu-tsugi)

※2 The Kiso Road (Kisoji): the mountain section of the Nakasendo that runs through the Kiso Valley. Nakatsugawa is its southern gateway.

※3 A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, usually with tatami-mat rooms and futon bedding. The RYOKAN O is our inn here in Nakatsugawa.

※4 This cylindrical red post box (officially “Postal Box No. 1, round type”) first appeared in 1949 and was Japan’s standard mailbox until 1970. Roughly 5,000 of them still stand across Japan today — retro icons often featured in films and anime. They’re still in service, so you can actually send a letter from one. (Source: Postal Museum Japan)

※5 Nishinomiya shrines across Japan enshrine Ebisu, the smiling god of prosperous business and good fortune — one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods. Nakatsugawa’s Nishinomiya Shrine was founded in 1888 by local merchants as a branch of the head Ebisu shrine in Hyogo, and its Toka-Ebisu festival every January 10th fills the town with visitors. (Sources: Nakatsugawa Tourism Association; Nishinomiya Shrine head shrine website)

※6 Toson Shimazaki (1872–1943) is one of Japan’s great modern novelists, born in Magome — now part of Nakatsugawa City. His epic historical novel “Before the Dawn” (Yoake-mae, serialized from 1929) is set along the Kiso Road at the end of the samurai era, and its opening line is one of the most famous in Japanese literature. (Sources: Nakatsugawa City; Gifu Prefectural Library)

※7 An izakaya is a casual Japanese pub where you order small dishes to share along with drinks — a relaxed way to try many local foods in one evening.

※8 A post town (shukuba) was a rest station established along the Edo-period highways, offering inns and teahouses to travelers. Magome and Tsumago are two of the best-preserved post towns in Japan.

The post Welcome to Nakatsugawa! appeared first on Nakasendo Stays.

A Culinary Stroll Through the Historic Post Town with the “Nakatsugawa Restaurant Guidebook”

Autumn is the perfect season to explore Nakatsugawa and the historic streets of Magome-juku. The crisp air, colorful foliage, and quaint townscape make every step a delight.
But Nakatsugawa isn’t just about scenic walks — it’s also a hidden gem for food lovers. From sweet chestnut treats to savory miso-glazed rice cakes, the city offers flavors that reflect its rich local culture and history.

Today, we’ll introduce the “Nakatsugawa Restaurant Guidebook”, an English-language guide that makes discovering local cuisine simple, fun, and authentic.

Discover Nakatsugawa’s Local Flavors

Published by the Nakatsugawa Tourism Association, the guidebook features photos, menus, and highlights of restaurants, cafés, and sweet shops across the city.
It’s designed to be easy for international visitors to navigate, helping you find must-try dishes and hidden local favorites.

Where to get it: Available at the Nakatsugawa Tourist Information Center (1st floor of Nigiwai Plaza) and nearby accommodations.
Digital version: Read it anytime on the Nakatsugawa Tourism Association website.
Nakatsugawa Tourism Association Official Website

Taste, Talk, and Explore

With the guidebook in hand, wander the charming streets at your own pace and discover Nakatsugawa’s signature foods.

• Kurikinton (Chestnut sweets) — a delicate autumn treat made from locally harvested chestnuts.
• Gohei-mochi — grilled rice skewers coated in savory-sweet miso sauce.
• Soba noodles — handmade using pure mountain spring water for a fragrant, chewy bite.
• Local cafés and desserts — cozy spots perfect for a relaxing break.
  

When you find something you love, don’t be shy to say…

• “Oishii! (Delicious!)” to the staff
• “Osusume wa nan desu ka? (What do you recommend?)” to ask for local favorites
  If you get a little lost, try asking locals:
• “Kono shashin no o-mise wa doko desu ka? (Where is this shop

These small interactions often lead to warm memories, and sometimes even extra servings of delicious food.

Start Your Culinary Journey from Nakasendo Stays

Nestled in the heart of Nakatsugawa, Nakasendo Stays is the perfect base for your food adventures.
Grab your guidebook, set out for a day of tasting and exploring, and experience the city through its flavors — from traditional sweets and savory snacks to local specialties that only the area can offer.

With the guidebook in hand and your appetite ready, your Nakatsugawa culinary adventure begins here.

The post Walk, Eat & Discover Nakatsugawa appeared first on Nakasendo Stays.