2025 Kiso District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

#hospitality Staying at Hanaya Ryokan is a journey into the heart of traditional Japanese hospitality. Known for its warm atmosphere and attentive service, Hanaya offers a classic ryokan experience that includes tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and serene Japanese gardens. Dining at Hanaya Ryokan is a highlight, with meals featuring seasonal ingredients arranged in beautiful kaiseki-style presentations. Every detail, from the meticulously prepared food to the cozy ambiance, reflects the essence of Japanese omotenashi, or heartfelt hospitality. #100waysoftravel #japantrip #japan #tsumagojuku #japantravel

#hikingtrails Magome Pass, part of the ancient Nakasendo Trail, is one of Japan’s most famous and scenic hiking routes. The trail connects the post towns of Magome and Tsumago, offering hikers a chance to walk through history while enjoying breathtaking views of the Japanese countryside. The path is well-preserved, with cobblestone streets, traditional wooden buildings, and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, quaint villages, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a relatively easy hike, about 8 kilometers long, making it perfect for both seasoned hikers and beginners. Tips for Visiting: Start Early: Begin your hike early to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The trail is mostly paved but can be uneven in spots, so good walking shoes are essential. Don’t Rush: Take your time to explore the towns of Magome and Tsumago at either end of the trail. #JapanHiking #ExploreJapan #TravelJapan #100waysoftravel

If you want to experience a time-travel drama in Japan, you must come to Tsumago-juku! This is one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan. Walking in is like falling into the Edo period and transforming into an ancient traveler in a second. In February, you may encounter old streets covered with snow in Tsumago-juku, and the wooden townhouses create a very lively atmosphere! 🏯 Itinerary: A day trip through Edo 📍 10:00 - Arrive at Tsumago-juku ➡️ Address: Agatsuma, Minamigiso-cho, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture Take the train from Nagoya or Matsumoto to Minamigiso Station, then take a bus for 10 minutes! The scenery along the way is so beautiful that I have already entered the "travel mode". 📍 11:00 - Stroll in the Machinami Preservation Area ➡️ The streets here are very well preserved, with no messy wires or modern shops, only Japanese-style wooden townhouses and old-style shops. It really feels like going back 300 years. Just walk around and take some photos, they will all be super retro check-in photos! 📍 12:30 - Lunch: Gohei Mochi & Dengaku ➡️ Recommend "Tsumago Teahouse", you must eat Gohei Mochi here! It’s baked until crispy and fragrant, and brushed with rich miso sauce. It’s super warm to eat in winter! Pair it with a bowl of hot soba noodles and you’ll be satisfied! 📍 14:00 - Tsumago-juku Main Camp & Hatago Experience ➡️ The place where samurai and travelers stayed overnight in the past has now become a museum. You can also visit the rooms and kitchens of the old times. It has a great atmosphere! If you want a deeper experience, there are traditional inns where you can stay for a night. Walking on the old streets at night with paper lanterns lit, you will feel like a real Edo traveler! 📍 15:30 - Walk along the "Nakasendo" to Magome-juku (this is an optional challenge!!) ➡️ This ancient road is about 8 kilometers long, with super beautiful forest trails and old tea houses along the way. The snowy scenery in winter is particularly dreamy! It's very comfortable to walk, but remember to wear non-slip shoes to avoid becoming an "Edo-era skier"😂 📍 17:00 - Return & bring some souvenirs ➡️ It is recommended to bring "Kiso lacquerware" home. The lacquerware craftsmanship here is super famous, and there are also handmade wood carvings, which are great as souvenirs or gifts! 🏡 Why is it recommended to come in winter? ❄️ Snow scene x Edo street = dreamy sense of time and space In winter, Tsumago-juku may be covered with snow, and the whole scene looks like the Edo town in Japanese dramas, the atmosphere is 100 points! 🔥 Warm food heals the soul In cold weather, grilled gohei pancakes and hot soba noodles will make you feel extremely happy! 🚶 Fewer crowds, more immersive experience Compared to the tourist crowds during the cherry blossom season and red leaf season, February is more leisurely and you can quietly experience the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient post station. 📌 Reminder ✅ Anti-slip shoes are a must! The road surface may be icy in winter, making it more challenging to walk😂 ✅ Check the bus schedule. There are not many buses, so remember to check the timetable in advance for the return trip to avoid being "kidnapped by the Edo period"! ✅ Book a traditional hotel in advance If you want to experience staying in an Edo-style hotel, be sure to make a reservation in advance. It is super popular in winter! Coming to Tsumago-juku is not just a trip, but a "walk through time and space"! Here, the hustle and bustle of modern times disappears in an instant, leaving only the tranquility and beauty of the Edo period. Come be an Edo traveler for a day this winter! ⛩️✨ #2 Good Places to Go in 2025

#japantrip Lovely hike. Depending on fitness/ desire for a challenge pick your route. Magome to Tsumago is an easier walk than the other way around with 2km uphill followed by 6km downhill. If you have time I recommend continuing on to Nagiso. The town itself is nothing special but the route is also beautiful with more bamboo and some dramatic views. Be aware some rest points and toilets are not open December to February. Although the free tea house was and the host was very friendly.

Address - Nagano JR station Ambiance/Facilities - authentic with handmade soba Highlights - 100% handmade and freshly made in most authentic way Avg. Price per Person - JPY1000-1500 Rating - 4.5/5