Tsumago

Tsumago (妻籠) is a post-town in Nagano. One of the most visited places in the Kiso Valley, Tsumago has been beautifully restored as an Edo Era post-town but in a more authentic manner that other similar restorations like Magome. Tsumago served as an important stop on the Nakasendo, a route that connected Tokyo and Kyoto.

History
During the Edo period, Tsumago was the forty-second of the sixty-nine post towns, which connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. Prior to becoming part of the Nakasendō, it was the tenth of eleven stations along the Kisoji, a minor trade route running through the Kiso Valley. As such, it was a relatively prosperous and cosmopolitan town, with an economy based on currency.

In 1968, local residents began an effort to restore historical sites and structures within the town. By 1971, some 20 houses had been restored, and a charter was agreed to the effect that no place in Tsumago should be "sold, hired out, or destroyed". In 1976, the town was designated by the Japanese government as a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site. Despite its historical appearance, Tsumago's historic buildings are inhabited by many regular citizens and they should not be bothered unless they work in Tourism.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site, with some articles in English.

On foot
One of the most popular ways to access Tsumago is by the Magome-Tsumago Trail starting in neighbouring Magome, it follows a portion of the Nakasendo and takes roughly three hours, it is one of the best preserved sections of the Nakasendo crossing through old houses and green fields.

By public transport
The only way to access Magome by Public Transport is by bus. Both long and short distance buses service Tsumago. The most common way to access Magome is by taking a train to Nagiso station and then taking a bus to Tsumago. Buses from Nagiso cost ¥300 and take 7 minutes, they depart 12 times every day and are operated by Ontake Kotsu. One can also take a taxi from Nagiso. Nagiso Station is connected to Nagoya, Nagano, Matsumoto and Tokyo though direct trains to Tokyo depart rarely and it may be faster to transfer in Shojiri or Nagoya not all trains on this route stop in Nagiso and one may need to transfer at Kiso-Fukushima station in Kiso.

By car
The only highways that run through Tsumago are Route 19 which connects Nagoya with Nagano and Route 256 which connects Gifu and Iida. Many other highways run through nearby Nakatsugawa and one will transfer there if coming from any other city, the nearest car rentals are also in Nakatsugawa.

By foot
Because Tsumago flourished as a post-town where travellers would stop while walking from Tokyo to Kyoto. Most attractions are concentrated around the Nakasendo where travellers used to walk from Tokyo and Kyoto.

By car
Although one could travel around Tsumago by car it is not recommended as the distances are small and the main road is closed during the day to maintain the town's authenticity.

See




Go next
Within the Kiso Valley Also in Chubu
 * Magome, another post-town on the Nakasendō, it is usually visited before Tsumago as many choose to access Tsumago via the Magome-Tsumago Trail which begins in Magome, one could walk the trail in reverse but there will be a small uphill climb and you will have to face crowds walking the normal direction.
 * Nagiso, city that administers Tsumago with many Waterfalls.
 * Narai, the richest post-town of the Kiso-Valley.
 * Shiojiri, the northern-most city in the Kiso Valley
 * Gero Onsen, one of Japan's top onsens.
 * Ina (Nagano Prefecture), home to Takato Castle Park, one of Japan's Top 3 Cherry Blossom Spots.
 * Matsumoto, home to one of Japan's best castles.
 * Nagano, temple town and former Olympic host city.
 * Nagoya, Chubu's largest city south of Magome.
 * Takayama, city with well-preserved post-town.
 * Yaotsu, town with museum commemorating the history of Jews in Japan.