Magome-juku: Nakasendo Post Town & the Walk to Tsumago
A stone-paved Nakasendo post town in the Kiso Valley, and the trailhead for the classic 9 km walk over Magome Pass to Tsumago: access, the hike, luggage forwarding and the best time to go.
Gifu
Gifu travel guides: Takayama’s old town, Shirakawa-go’s thatched villages, Magome on the Nakasendo, and castle ruins above river gorges.
A Practical Guide to Shirakawa-go: Visiting Japan’s Fairytale Village
Shirakawa-go is one of those places that feels suspended in time. Seeing the iconic Gassho-style farmhouses with their steep, thatched roofs, you understand why it’s often described as a fairytale village. Set in a remote mountain valley in Gifu Prefecture,…
Emerald Route: A 7-Day Alpine Healing Journey Through Japan’s Green Heart
Current as of: 2025-12-17 JST Part of my Calmcation in Japan guide to the country’s quietest escapes. Route Overview The Emerald Route immerses you in the verdant landscapes of the Japanese Alps, guiding you through UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic…
Field notes, weekly
One email a week. The Japan worth planning around.