The town has been beautifully restored with a broad stone walkway lined with wooden buildings and carefully tended foliage. Magome's embellished preservation contrasts with the rugged authenticity of neighboring Tsumago. The two towns are connected by the Magome-Tsumago Trail, a route which was part of the Nakasendo.
While exploring Magome, visitors will surely come across the name Shimazaki Toson. Born in Magome in 1872, Toson is a highly regarded figure in Japanese literature. In his novel Yoakemae (Before the Dawn), he famously describes life in the area around the years of the Meiji Restoration. Its often quoted first line reads "The whole of the Kisoji lies in the mountains".
Honjin/Toson Memorial Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from December to March) Closed: Wednesdays from December to February Admission: 500 yen
The Honjin was the principal inn of a post town. Toson's father was the last person to oversee Magome's Honjin, and Toson himself was born there. Today, it serves as a memorial to the artist.
Wakihonjin Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: irregular closures Admission: 300 yen
The Wakihonjin was the secondary inn of a post town. This small museum is located where Magome's former Wakihonjin once stood. Inside there are displays pertaining to Magome's history as a Nakasendo post town.
Tsuchimaya Shiryokan
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 Closed: irregular closures in winter Admission: 200 yen
On the second floor, above a souvenir shop and restaurant, this small museum also focuses on Toson and has on display items of his family and the early Meiji Period.
Shimizuya Shiryokan
Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (8:30 to 16:30 from December to March) Closed: irregular closures Admission: 300 yen
A small museum that features hanging scrolls, pottery, clothing, and other goods that articles that belonged to residents of Magome.
Getting there and around
Magome is a 30 minute bus ride from JR Nakatsugawa Station (570 yen one way), the closest train station. Buses depart roughly once an hour (see timetable).
Magome can also be reached in about a 20 minute walk from the Magome highway bus stop, which is located in the Misaka parking area along the Chuo Expressway.