Nakasendo Trail Day Trip to Historic Post Town Tsumago and Magome

Duration13h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesJapanese, English

Group sizeUp to 42 travelers

Overview

Discover the enchanting post towns of Tsumago and Magome on this day trip along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Departing from Shinjuku, travel comfortably by Limited Express Azusa to experience the Edo period's charm. Explore Tsumago-juku, a beautifully preserved town, and enjoy free time to wander its atmospheric streets. Next, visit Magome-juku, renowned for its stone-paved pathways and scenic countryside views. Savor a delicious mini sauce katsu bento lunch, featuring breaded pork cutlet. This journey offers an immersive glimpse into Japan's rich heritage, perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

- Travel comfortably by train from Shinjuku
- Visit two of Japan's best-preserved historic post towns
- Feel like you've stepped back into the Edo period
- Lunch included

What's included

Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
Round-trip transportation by bus and train
mini sauce katsu boxed meal

Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)

What to expect

5m

After meeting your tour conductor, you will board the limited express Azusa train with standard reserved seating. This comfortable journey allows you to travel smoothly into the mountainous Nagano region.
Upon arrival at Chino Station, you will transfer to a tour bus and begin your journey along the historic Nakasendo route.

Important: Final train details, including the exact meeting time and train details, will be confirmed 1 week before departure and sent via Viator chat. Please be sure to check your messages.
20m

After a 50-minute transfer, you will make a short stop at a local shop.
Here, you will have time to browse regional products and pick up souvenirs unique to the area. This stop offers a quick introduction to local flavors and specialties.

During this stop, you will also receive your mini sauce katsudon-style boxed lunch, prepared with a local flavor. You can enjoy it at a convenient time during the journey, making it a simple and flexible meal option as you continue exploring.
Nakasendo Tsumagojuku
1h

After an 85-minute journey, you will arrive at Tsumago-juku, one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan.
This town has carefully maintained its historical appearance, with wooden buildings, narrow streets, and traditional details that reflect life during the Edo period. Vehicles are restricted during the day, allowing visitors to walk freely and experience the atmosphere without modern distractions.
You will have free time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the quiet setting, which feels like stepping back in time.
1h

After a 30-minute transfer, you will visit Magome-juku, another historic post town located along the same route.
Unlike Tsumago, Magome is built on a slope, with stone-paved paths that lead uphill through the town. As you walk, you can enjoy open views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The combination of traditional buildings and elevated viewpoints creates a different and dynamic experience compared to the previous stop.
You will have time to walk the streets, visit small shops, and enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace.
20m

After your visit, you will return to Chino Station and board the limited express Azusa train for the journey back to the Tokyo area.
You will arrive at Shinjuku between approximately 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM, with optional drop-off at Tachikawa or Hachioji. Final train details will be confirmed approximately 1 week before departure.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at the JR Shinjuku Station South Exit ticket gate, on the Koshu-kaido side. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

End point

The tour ends at Shinjuku Station, with arrival expected between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM. Exact arrival time will be confirmed 1 week prior to the tour date.

End point

You may choose to get off at Tachikawa Station. If you plan to do so, please let the tour conductor know on the tour day.

End point

You may choose to get off at Hachioji Station. If you plan to do so, please let the tour conductor know on the tour day.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge but with no tour inclusions.
Delays or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund
According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed and the bus arrival may be delayed
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 10 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
Train seats may not be adjacent or close together, even for groups.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
You will visit sightseeing areas with stone-paved paths and uneven or sloped ground. Please wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with rubber soles, such as sneakers, and dress in clothing suitable for walking.
Please note that we are currently unable to accept reservations from residents of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) due to reservation system restrictions related to data protection regulations (GDPR). Country of residence will be confirmed after booking. If we are unable to process your reservation, it will be rejected and a full refund will be provided.
Operated by Club Tourism, a leading Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, this high-quality tour offers a safe and reliable travel experience in Japan. Accompanied by a tour leader known for excellent hospitality, it has received high praise from travelers of many nationalities.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.