Magome and Tsumago lie in Kiso-ji path of the old Nakasendo highway, surrounded by deep mountains. The Kiso valley region is located almost halfway between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. The old Nakasendo highway was constructed in the Edo period (1600 to 1867). Tsumago and Magome developed as post-towns of the old Nakasendo to support feudal system.
You will be like travelers of the Edo period walking natural trail ,full of nature between post-towns, Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku. You will hear the sound of rustling of tree leaves and murmuring of the brook. There may be some bears, deer, wild boars and monkeys. Ringing a bell is effective to avoid unfortunate encounter with animals.
Magome-juku (old post-town) is famous for Shimazaki Toson who is a great writer and a poet . He was born here in Magome. He depicted the living of people of this town in his most important novel 'Yoakemae' (before the dawn). This town remains the atmosphere of the Edo period.
Tsumago-juku (old post-town) has relics of the Edo period at Terashita district. You will feel as if you are time travelers of the Edo period.
If you are interested in Kiso valley, please check Hiking in Kiso Valley visiting Magome and Tsumago,old post-towns