Ok, it is a bit touristy in parts, but overall it is a very nicely preserved post town. Climb up to the old castle site over town. It has a lot of historical significance having actually been in a battle - unlike most castles. And there is an excellent spot to take a photo of the town below.

If you search a 'real' Japan, Tsumago and Magome are indeed worth visiting. To feel a magic of a place it is necessary to spend at least one night in Tsumago. In the evening you will go back for some centuries. And you can go in the next morning to Magome on foot (is also a bus there).

A real highlight of our recent trip to Japan was our overnight visit to Tsumago, in the Kiso Valley. We decided to have more flexibility in our travel by hiring a car in Nagano and travelling via Route 19 (Nishi Highway), then a section of the Nagano Expressway (Tazawa to Shiojiri) to bypass Matsumoto City and then back on Route... More

Tsumago is one of the historic Post Towns on the old Edo road. This was our next stop after visiting Magome. Both are worth seeing so I hesitate to recommend one above the other. Whereas the old road in Magome is on a hill, Tsumago is fairly level walking with only a slight slope. Our hotel was in Matsumoto so... More

Our introduction to Tsumago was on foot from Nagiso Station, a pleasant one hour walk on a quiet tarmac lane; an initial bit of uphill, then a lovely gradual introduction to the town which lies nestled along the valley floor with the sound of the River Araragi rushing along parallel to the town. A two night stay in Tsumago enabled... More

Tsumago is small and so are all of the towns nearby. The real draw here is the slowed-down pace and the friendly people. The walk between Tsumago and Magome was not full of spectacular scenery, just lots of reminders of simpler times now gone and a great breath of fresh air. The mountains are beautiful, and the towns make for... More