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Direct Bus to the Historic Nakasendo Post Towns — No Transfers RequiredFrom Takayama & Gero to Magome & Tsumago
Just 2 hours 45 minutes from Takayama. Discover beautifully preserved post towns from the Edo period and enjoy a walk along the historic Nakasendo Trail—all in a day trip.
Select Your Travel Date & BookNAKASENDO POST TOWNS
Step Back in Time in the Historic Post Towns of the Nakasendo
Magome and Tsumago are beautifully preserved post towns along the Nakasendo, the historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). Their traditional streetscapes still evoke the atmosphere of Japan’s Edo period.
The roughly 9 km stretch of old highway between the two towns passes stone-paved paths, a mountain teahouse and quiet farming scenery, and makes a rewarding half-day hike.
Take the direct bus from Takayama or Gero Onsen and spend a day exploring the post towns.
| Route | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Takayama Nohi Bus Center / Kuguno Station⇔ Magome / Tsumago | ¥5,000 | ¥2,500 |
| Gero Bus Center / Gero Station⇔ Magome / Tsumago | ¥4,000 | ¥2,000 |
※ On Kosokubus.com, each trip must be booked separately. For a round trip, please add both trips to your reservation.
※ Children under 6: One child under 6 may travel free of charge per accompanying passenger. A child fare is required if the child occupies a seat.
※ Travel between Takayama and Gero only, or between Magome and Tsumago only, is not permitted.
Operates daily during the service period.
⇔ Magome / Tsumago
Charging facilities available at each seat / No onboard restroom
Selected Route: Takayama / Gero → Magome / Tsumago
- Reservations Available (Select a date to proceed to the booking page)
- Reservations Unavailable / No Service
※ Booking deadline:
From Takayama / Gero: 7:00 on the day of travel
From Tsumago / Magome: 14:00 on the day of travel
※ Up to 5 passengers can be booked in a single reservation.
Get off the bus at Magome, walk the historic Nakasendo Trail to Tsumago, then board the return bus from Tsumago.
It’s an ideal way to experience two historic post towns and a beautiful section of the Nakasendo Trail in a single day.
- 8:00
Depart Takayama Nohi Bus Center
Staying in Gero Onsen? The 9:12 departure from Gero Station is a convenient option.
- 10:45
Arrive at Magome & Explore Magome-juku
Explore this beautifully preserved post town, where traditional buildings line a sloping stone-paved street. Along the way, enjoy scenic views toward Mt. Ena.
- ~11:00
Start Your Nakasendo Walk
Cross Magome Pass and make your way toward Tsumago.
Approx. 9 km / 3 hours - En route
Take a Break at Ichikokutochi Tateba-jaya
A traditional rest stop located roughly halfway between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku—the perfect place to pause along the trail.
- ~14:00
Arrive at Tsumago & Explore Tsumago-juku
Stroll through the historic streets of this beautifully preserved post town, designated as one of Japan’s Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
- 15:00
Depart Tsumago → Arrive in Takayama at 18:00
The bus arrives at Gero Station at 16:50. Staying another night in Gero Onsen is also a wonderful way to round out your journey.
※ Walking times are approximate. Please allow plenty of time for your walking pace and rest stops, and make sure you return in time for the 15:00 departure from Tsumago (or 15:25 departure from Magome).
Magome-juku
A beautifully preserved post town where traditional buildings line a sloping, stone-paved street, evoking the atmosphere of the Edo period. Located at an elevation of approximately 600 meters, Magome also offers sweeping views over Nakatsugawa and toward Mt. Ena, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
Tsumago-juku
Tsumago was the first post town in Japan to be designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Traditional buildings with distinctive architectural features such as projecting upper floors (dashibari) and udatsu firewalls line the streets, which remain home to local residents today.
Nakasendo SAMURAI Road Walk
An approximately 9 km / 3-hour hiking route connecting Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku. Walk along stone-paved paths once traveled by samurai, stop at traditional mountain teahouses, and take in the peaceful scenery of rural Japan.
Ichikokutochi Tateba-jaya
A traditional teahouse located roughly halfway between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku. For generations, travelers have stopped here to rest along the Nakasendo. Today, it remains a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the timeless atmosphere of the trail.
Takayama Nohi Bus CenterBus Stop No. 6
The bus center is located next to JR Takayama Station. The bus departs from Bus Stop No. 6.
Kuguno Station
Bus stop in front of JR Kuguno Station.
Gero Bus CenterNohi Bus Gero Office
The bus center at the Nohi Bus Gero Office, conveniently located at the gateway to the Gero Onsen area.
Gero Station
Bus stop in front of JR Gero Station.
Magome
Bus stop near the entrance to Magome-juku. For the outbound trip, this is a drop-off stop. For the return trip, board here at 15:25.
Tsumago
Bus stop near Tsumago-juku. For the outbound trip, this is a drop-off stop. For the return trip, board here at 15:00.
※ As a general rule, bus stops are unattended. Please check your boarding location in advance and arrive with plenty of time before departure.
| Cancellation Period | Cancellation Fee (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| From the Time of Booking Until Departure | JPY 660 |
| After Departure | 100% of the Fare |
- You can cancel your reservation through My Page up to 1 hour before the bus departs from its first stop.
- Cancellations cannot be processed between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM due to system maintenance.
- If you are notified that the service has been cancelled by the operator, please do not cancel the reservation yourself, as a cancellation fee may be charged.
- Please show your mobile ticket to the driver when boarding. Bus stops are generally unattended. If you are unable to present your mobile ticket, you may be required to pay the fare again.
- Travel between Takayama and Gero only, or between Magome and Tsumago only, is not permitted.
- There is no restroom on board.
- Charging facilities at each seat (USB ports or power outlets) are an additional onboard service. They may be unavailable due to an unexpected vehicle change or other circumstances, and no refunds will be provided in such cases.
- Luggage space in the underfloor compartment is limited, and large luggage may not be accepted if sufficient space is unavailable. Portable power banks must not be placed in the luggage compartment; please keep them with you inside the bus.
- Bear spray may not be brought into the passenger cabin. Please make sure the safety pin is securely in place, seal the spray inside a plastic bag, and store it in the luggage compartment.
- The bus will depart at the scheduled time even if you have not arrived. Please arrive at your boarding point with plenty of time to spare.
Your Journey to the Nakasendo Post Towns Starts Here
Book the direct Takayama / Gero ⇔ Magome / Tsumago bus on Kosokubus.com.