Magome (Magome-juku) in Gifu Prefecture

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Facts & Figures

Magome (Magome-juku) together with Tsumago is one of the best preserved post towns in Japan along the old Nakasendo route. The town is located within the Gifu Prefecture. It has a good tourist infrastructure with many souvenir shops, restaurants, museums, tea houses, and inns. People still live here and it’s not just an open-air museum. The old wooden buildings create a beautiful atmosphere that makes you feel like you have traveled back in time. Walking on the cobblestone streets and navigating the hilly terrain allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Also, phone lines and power cables are buried underground to preserve the feeling of the feudal ages. Magome offers great views over the valley and the surrounding mountains like Mount Ena (2190m). The town was also awarded a one-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide Japan in the 2009 edition, due to its cultural and historical significance, as well as its scenic beauty. My culinary tip: Try local specialties like hobamiso (miso - fermented soybean paste - grilled on a magnolia leaf) and gohei mochi (grilled rice cakes coated with a delicious sauce).

Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Ryokan or Hotel near Magome.
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My tips for local activities

How about joining a guided hike of the historical Nakasendo walking trail from the well-preserved old Japanese town of Tsumago to Magome with roundtrip transportation from Matsumoto? For more details check out this page >

History

Magome (Magome-juku) has a history of over 400 years and was the 43rd out of 69 stations along the Nakasendo Route (534 km). The northern mountain route connected Kyoto with Edo (now called Tokyo) when the Tokugawa shoguns ruled Japan (1603 - 1867). Exhausted travelers, including daimyo lords, merchants, and pilgrims, could get here some food, lodging, and entertainment. In 1843 the town had over 717 residents. This Edo period town (1603 - 1867) is famous for the novelist Shimazaki Toson (1872 – 1943). He was born in Magome and created well-known novels like Ie (The Family) and Yoake-mae (Before the Dawn). In 1849 Magome was nearly destroyed by a catastrophic fire and the traditional houses you see today were restored during the 20th century.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Honjin and Toson Memorial Museum - The post town's principal inn was the birthplace of author Shimazaki Toson.

Tsuchimaya Shiryokan - A small museum devoted to the life of Shimazaki Toson. It is located on the 2nd floor of the building.

Wakihonjin Museum - Enjoy this beautiful museum and learn more about the history of Magome.

Magome-juku Honjin - It is a well-restored inn for high-ranking officials during the Edo period.

Views of Mt. Ena - With 2190m it is one of the tallest mountains in the Central Japan Alps region and can be observed especially well from the Magome Lookout Point (northern side of Magome).

Shimizuya Shiryokan - Learn more about the residents of Magome in this small museum. On display are goods used by the local people.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

November

Magome Shukuba Matsuri (23rd)
The parade with traditional costumes is the highlight of the Magome-juku post-town festival.