Time: 2-3h
Distance: 8km
Location: Kiso Valley
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 300m
Dayhike
The path from Magome (馬籠) to Tsumago (妻籠) is part of the fromer Nakasendo (中山道) route that connected Tokyo to Kyoto. It's a nice walk through the forest with the two histrocial towns Magome and Tsumago. I would recommend walking it in spring or fall beacause summer is incredibly hot. It's possible to walk it as a daytrip from Nagoya or stay in one of the two towns overnight.
Access
We parked the car in Tsumago, took the bus to Magome and then walked back to Tsumago. The bus stop is right accross the parking lot. Bus takes about 30min and costs 600Y. Unless you go during summer or Golden Week the first bus is at 10:19. Time are also on google maps.
If coming by public transportation take the train to Nagiso Station, then the bus to Magome and walk to Tsumago or all the way back to Nagiso Station (extra 40min). If not take the bus from Tsumago back to Nagiso Station. You can also do the same thing from Nakatsugawa Station.
Another option is by Highway bus from Tokyo and then use the same bus as above to get back to Magome.
Trail description
You can walk the route in either direction but we chose to walk from Magome to Tsumago because we had some lazy friends with us and they wanted the least amount of elevation gain as possible.
The entire trail is well signposted, you'll pass some nice waterfalls on the way and occaisionally you'll have to walk along the road. Honestly I would call it more of a walk but it's a nice trip from the city to enjoy some old towns and nature.
Accomodation
There is not a lot of accomodation in the two towns so unless you book early you're out of luck. Have a look on google maps and then check if they are on any booking platforms or have a website.
Elevation Profile & Map
Gallery
If you have any questions leave a comment below or message me directly through the chat!