This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:00 Pick up at Hotel
- 8:15 Bus to Magome departs
- 8:40 Arrive at Magome
- 9:00 Magome Furusato Hiroba [Hiking begins]
- ※Stops: Kumano Shrine, Tateba Teahouse, Odaki and Medaki Falls, etc.
- 11:45 Arrive at Tsumago [Hiking ends]
- 12:00 Lunch [Fujioto]
- ※Stops: Kinohanaya, Tsumago-juku Honjin, Tourist Information Center, etc.
- 13:50 Tsumago → Nagiso Station [Bus]
- 14:25 Nagiso Station → Nakatsugawa Station [Train]
- 14:45 Arrive at Nakatsugawa Station
- 15:00 See-off at Hotel
What Is a Private Nakasendo Hiking Tour from Magome to Tsumago Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group of two visiting from Europe. As I met them right after a major sporting event victory, they seemed to be in very high spirits from the start. They mentioned that they hike regularly in their home region and were very much looking forward to this experience. After arriving in Magome, we took commemorative photos at the trail markers and at the Furusato Hiroba, and then started the hike. Along the way, as soon as they spotted bamboo, they were delighted, as it is apparently not something they see in their home region. Elsewhere, we came across various stone monuments, and they asked "What is that?" several times, so I explained each one according to the situation. At Kumano Shrine, I demonstrated the full sequence of how to worship, from entering through the torii gate to exiting, and then had the guests try it themselves afterward. At Odaki and Medaki (the male and female waterfalls), they were able to take some wonderful photos and seemed very satisfied. It happened to be the day the end of the rainy season was announced, with the temperature reaching a high of 35°C, but I took measures against the heat throughout, and I was glad we were able to complete the hike without any major problems. At Tsumago-juku, over lunch, we talked about the guests' overall travel plans in Japan and about Japanese food. They also enjoyed the atmosphere. Afterward, they said they wanted to eat chestnut ice cream, so I guided them to it. At the tourist information center, I explained the Nakasendo — its distance, the number of days it takes to walk, and the number of inns along the way — before we left Tsumago. Since the guests had a JR Pass, we were able to handle the train smoothly. I saw them off at their hotel, and we parted ways with smiles as we looked back on the journey together.
Click here for more details: Nakasendo Magome & Tsumago in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | In front of Nakatsugawa Station／Kitaena Kotsu～Magome／Kitaena Kotsu | 800JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Tsumago／Nagiso Town, Nagano Prefecture～Nagiso Station／Nagiso Town, Nagano Prefecture | 300JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Nagiso Station／Nagiso Town, Nagano Prefecture～Nakatsugawa | 330JPY |
| Total | 1,430JPY | ||
I’m MARU.
I live in Aichi prefecture.
I’m very honored to guide you in around Tokai area, central Japan.
The number of foreign tourists coming to Japan has been increasing currently.
However, there is the overtourism in such as Tokyo and Kyoto.
Do you know that central Japan is located between them?
Why don’t you drop by a little in between them on a bullet train?
You may discover new things make you satisfied.
I hope I share your thoughts with you.
So, what are you waiting for?
I’m always here with you.
Let’s make a wonderful journey with me.