book highway bus in Japan
Nakasendo｜Magome-juku & Tsumago-juku day tripOne bus from Nagoya
to an Edo-era post town
Reservation-required direct bus from Meitetsu Bus Center. About 1 hour 50 minutes, no transfers.
Book the highway bus*Photos and illustrations are for reference only.
A post town drawing travelers from around the world
On the stone-paved slope you will see travelers from all over the world, not only from Japan. Magome-juku is now one of the post towns most loved by visitors from overseas.
An easy trip from Nagoya to the post towns of the Nakasendo
Two post towns on the road that linked Edo and Kyoto
Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku are historic post towns on the Nakasendo, the road that once linked Edo and Kyoto. They stand at the gateway to the Kisoji, and streets that still carry the atmosphere of that era continue today.
You can reach both towns directly by highway bus from Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya Station). It takes about 1 hour 50 minutes with no transfers — leave Nagoya in the morning and be back by evening.
The historic post town of Magome-juku
Edo-era scenery preserved along a stone-paved slope
Built on a steep slope along a mountain ridge, this is a rare “post town on a hill.” Traditional wooden teahouses and shops line both sides of the stone-paved road.
Simply walking here lets you experience the Japan that travelers on the Nakasendo once saw. It is also the birthplace of the novelist Shimazaki Toson; the Toson Memorial Museum displays some 6,000 items, including manuscripts of his masterpiece Before the Dawn.
3 things to do in Magome-juku
Walk the stone-paved streets
Stroll a stone-paved slope full of Edo-era atmosphere. The townscape changes as you climb.
Teahouse food and street snacks
Kuri-kinton, gohei-mochi, soba — duck under a noren curtain and taste the specialties of the old road.
Water wheels and traditional architecture
The great water wheel beside the masugata stone steps is one of Magome's best photo spots.
Beyond the town, a stunning mountain view opens up.
From Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku — walking the Nakasendo
Walk the real Nakasendo
The two towns are linked by a mountain pass of about 8.5 km, roughly 2.5–3 hours on foot. The route runs through forest, old stone-paved sections and small mountain villages — a road that connects the post towns.
Not just seeing a townscape, but walking an ancient road: hikers from all over the world come to Magome for this trail. At the end, you can board the bus back to Nagoya from Tsumago-juku.
*You can scroll sidewaysFrom the local tourist information board (Magome-juku area map)
Another post town: Tsumago-juku
A quieter townscape, different from Magome
Tsumago-juku is known as one of the best-preserved post towns along the Nakasendo. Its streets, protected in their original form for decades, have a stillness quite different from Magome.
Walking both Magome and Tsumago and comparing them is the real pleasure of a Nakasendo trip.
Step off the bus, and Magome is right there
Magome bus stop
The entrance to the post town is just steps from the bus stop — your walk on the Nakasendo starts the moment you get off.
Tourist information & luggage service
The Magome tourist information center offers luggage storage (LUGGAGE SERVICE), so you can walk the trail light.
Recommended day-trip itinerary
-
9:20
Depart Meitetsu Bus Center
Leave from the bus center right beside Nagoya Station.
-
11:10
Arrive Magome-juku — stroll & lunch
Walk the stone-paved slope and snack at the teahouses. See the water wheel and the viewpoint.
-
On foot
Walk the Nakasendo to Tsumago (approx. 8.5 km, 2.5–3 hrs)
Prefer not to walk? Take the 13:05 bus from Magome to Tsumago (arrives 13:30).
-
15:20
Depart Tsumago-juku
After exploring the old streets, board the bus for Nagoya.
-
17:20
Arrive Meitetsu Bus Center
You are back in Nagoya by early evening.
Service information
Book from calendar
Choose your departure date and book right here. *Reservations can be made up to one month ahead.
Timetable
From Nagoya to Magome & Tsumago
| Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya Station) |
Magome★ | Tsumago |
|---|---|---|
| 9:20DEP | 11:10ARR | 13:30ARR |
| 13:05DEP |
※ Travel only between Magome and Tsumago is not available.
※ At stops marked ★, you are free to explore while the bus is stopped until the scheduled departure time.
From Tsumago / Magome to Nagoya
| Tsumago | Magome | Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya Station) |
|---|---|---|
| 15:20DEP | 15:45DEP | 17:20ARR |
Boarding location guide
Meitetsu Bus Center
(Nagoya Station)
3rd Floor, Platform 6
Magome
Tsumago
FAQ
How do I get to Magome-juku from Nagoya?
You can take a direct highway bus from Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya Station). It departs at 9:20 and arrives in Magome-juku at 11:10. Reservations are required; the one-way fare is ¥3,000 for adults and ¥1,500 for children.
Can I visit both Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku in one day?
Yes, you can visit both in a single day. Take the 9:20 bus from Nagoya, stroll and have lunch in Magome-juku, then walk the Nakasendo trail to Tsumago-juku. A 15:20 bus from Tsumago brings you back to Nagoya by 17:20.
Can I walk from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku?
Yes, you can walk the old Nakasendo trail between them. It is about 8.5 km, roughly 2.5–3 hours on foot, passing through stone-paved paths and forest — a genuine hiking route.
How long does the Nakasendo hike take?
Walking between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku takes about 2.5–3 hours, depending on the weather and how many breaks you take. If you would rather not walk, you can take the 13:05 bus from Magome to Tsumago.
Do I need to book the highway bus in advance?
Yes, reservations are required. You can book from the reservation calendar on this page.
Can I bring large luggage on board?
Yes, there is no limit on the number, size, or weight of items stored in the trunk. However, some items cannot be accepted — please check the booking page for each bus route for details. A luggage service (storage and same-day transfer) is also available in Magome-juku.
