Japan Nakasendo Trail Day Tour | Magome-juku, Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple, Ryujin Falls, Historical Exploration, Round Trip from Nagoya
- Visit [Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple], feel the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient Rinzai sect temple, and experience Zen culture and historical architectural aesthetics.
- Stroll through [Magome-juku], immerse yourself in the rustic style of the Edo-period post town, and enjoy the stone-paved roads and old tea houses. It is a great photo spot for photography and walking.
- Explore [Ryujin Falls], walk through the quiet forest, listen to the sound of the waterfall, get close to nature, and relax your body and mind.
- Point-to-point transfer service, no need to buy tickets or transfer, saving you the trouble of buying tickets, waiting for buses, and walking!
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Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Depart from Nagoya and explore the history and natural beauty of Japan's Nakasendo! Visit Magome-juku, full of Edo-period charm, stroll through the stone-paved old streets, and taste local specialties. Head to the historic Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple to admire the ancient temple and garden scenery. Finally, visit Ryujin Falls in the forest valley to experience the clear cobalt blue water and seasonal natural scenery. Old streets × ancient temples × waterfalls, collect Japanese history, culture, and natural beauty all at once! No need to worry about transport transfers; enjoy a relaxing and fulfilling day trip from downtown Nagoya, perfect for travelers who love walking through old streets, natural landscapes, and Japanese culture.
Attractive Spot ① - Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple is a national treasure-level temple located in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture. Its Kannon-do and Kaisan-do are historical sites left over from the Kamakura/Nanboku-cho periods. It is said that the Eiho-ji Temple garden was created by Muso Soseki, a representative Zen monk of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. In addition to this garden, Master Muso also participated in the construction of the World Heritage sites Tenryu-ji Temple and Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto, both of which are also nationally designated cultural properties. The scenery of the Eiho-ji Temple garden is no less than that of Tenryu-ji and Saiho-ji, where you can appreciate the harmony between architecture and the natural environment. The beautiful garden of Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple, designated as a national scenic spot, is also a popular tourist spot for autumn foliage. The fiery red maple trees surrounding the pond and the golden glow of the 700-year-old ginkgo tree make people linger. The autumn foliage at Eiho-ji Temple is selected as one of the 33 best autumn foliage spots in Hida-Mino, with the best viewing period from mid-November to late November. Special note: The autumn foliage is a natural phenomenon influenced by the climate and temperature of the year. The photos in this product are for reference only and do not represent the current scenery. All scenery is subject to actual local conditions.
Attractive Spot ② - Nakasendo Magome-juku (Magome-juku) Nakasendo was one of the five major roads in Japan during the Edo period. Magome-juku is located in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture (formerly Yamaguchi Village, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture, but incorporated into Gifu Prefecture during the prefectural merger in February 2005). It is a relic of an ancient Japanese post town and the 43rd of the 96 post stations on the way from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyo (Kyoto). Major fires occurred in 1895 and 1915, and the current buildings are restored to their post-disaster appearance. The old street buildings along the stone-paved slope have largely maintained their original Edo-period appearance and are very popular with tourists. Among them, the Toson Memorial Museum, converted from the Honjin (main house) of the post town, is the most famous. In Magome-juku, visitors can stroll along the ancient road, explore nearby specialty cafes and local souvenir shops, and enjoy local rice crackers, specialty snacks like Oyaki, and Nakatsugawa's local gourmet Gohei Mochi. At the other end of the Magome-juku street, at the Magome Observation Deck, you can view the stunning natural scenery, including Mount Ena.
Attractive Spot ③ - Ryujin Falls, located in Yusen Park, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, is one of the 50 famous waters of Gifu. The waterfall is about 12 meters high, with clear stream water rushing down. The water in the pool below the waterfall presents a charming cobalt blue, and the scenery is quiet and mysterious. There is a local legend that the water color changes seven times a day, and coupled with the mysterious legend of a white dragon ascending to heaven, it adds to the charm of Ryujin Falls. It has different charms in all four seasons. In spring and summer, you can stroll through the valley and enjoy the lush green mountains. In autumn, you can enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage stretching along the Kawaue River valley. There is also a Ryujin Shrine in the park, where you can pray and offer Ema. It is a hidden gem in Gifu suitable for waterfall viewing, getting close to nature, and photo spots.
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
Travel Origin/Destination: Aichi/Gifu
Travel Duration: Day trip return
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company Name: AMA Transportation, etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Group Size: 4 (15 people or fewer, driver acts as tour leader; 15 people or more, 1 additional tour leader is assigned)
Driver-cum-tour leader: 1
Tour Guide: 0
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company Name: KKT Co., Ltd.
Address: 1770-23 Kashiwai-cho 1-chome, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba-ken
Travel Agency Registration: Chiba Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-1131
Reminders
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic, weather, festivals, crowds, and other conditions on the day. Please understand that we will not provide refunds for delays or cancellations caused by these or other force majeure factors.
Children aged 0-2 who do not occupy a seat are free of charge. If a seat is required, they will be charged at the adult rate. Children over 2 years old are charged at the adult rate.
Small group tours consist of 1-13 people; large bus tours consist of 14-45 people. The actual number of people will be adjusted according to the day. For groups of 14 or fewer, the driver will act as the tour leader (Chinese/basic English). For groups of 14-45, an additional tour leader (Chinese/basic English) will be provided. Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard or equivalent; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hiace or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22+ seater: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only, and the actual vehicle model will be adjusted according to the number of people on the day.
Each passenger can carry one light handbag. If you need to carry a suitcase or large luggage, you need to purchase a luggage package for 2,000 yen per piece. Please contact customer service in advance to confirm or note it in the order.
Sightseeing time and arrival time at each attraction may be changed (reduced or compressed) depending on the weather and traffic conditions of the day. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Please carry your passport and valuables with you at all times during the trip and keep them safe. You are responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.
Please strictly abide by local Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid legal issues that may affect your rights.
FAQ
1. How much time should I allocate for visiting Magome-juku?
As Magome-juku was a significant post town on the Nakasendo trail, we recommend allocating at least 2 to 3 hours to fully appreciate its rustic atmosphere. You can stroll along the stone-paved streets, admire the well-preserved Edo-period architecture, visit the information center to understand its historical context, and sample local snacks or purchase souvenirs at the tea houses and shops along the way. For a more in-depth experience, consider setting aside half a day to explore at a leisurely pace and immerse yourself in the local rhythm of life.
2. What are the must-try local specialties in Magome-juku?
In Magome-juku, you can savor a variety of unique local delicacies. Soba noodles are particularly renowned, with many establishments offering handmade soba that has a wonderfully chewy texture. Additionally, 'Goheimochi' is a popular local snack; it's a skewered rice cake grilled with a sweet miso glaze, boasting an enticing aroma. You'll also find chestnut rice and chestnut desserts, all made with the region's abundant chestnuts, offering a delightful sweetness. Many tea houses along the street serve traditional Japanese sweets, allowing you to experience Japanese culture while taking a break.
3. What are the differences in historical architectural styles between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku?
Both Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku are famous post towns on the Nakasendo trail, but their styles differ slightly. Magome-juku is built along a slope, with layered wooden buildings lining the stone-paved road. The overall visual impression is more open and dynamic, with some buildings restored to enhance their tourism appeal. Tsumago-juku, on the other hand, preserves a more original and tranquil Edo-period appearance, adhering to the principles of 'no sales, no rentals, no gifts.' Many houses retain their original structures, presenting a more rustic and unadorned, pure historical feel.
4. What is the experience like walking the Nakasendo trail from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku, and how long does it take?
The walk from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku is one of the most popular sections of the Nakasendo ancient trail. The total distance is about 8 kilometers, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. This route offers beautiful scenery, passing through forests, fields, and streams. Parts of the trail are stone-paved, with tea houses along the way for travelers to rest. With clear signage, the overall difficulty is not high, making it suitable for general tourists. Walking in the summer requires attention to sun protection and hydration, while in winter, caution is needed for icy surfaces. It is recommended to wear suitable walking shoes.
5. What Zen cultural experiences can one expect at Kokeizan Eianji Temple?
Kokeizan Eianji Temple is an ancient Rinzai Zen temple in Japan, known for its serene atmosphere and exquisite gardens. Here, you can wander through the 'Garyu Pond Garden' designed by Muso Soseki, experiencing the unique artistic conception and aesthetics of Zen gardens. The temple also houses national treasures like the Kannon-do Hall and Kaizan-do Hall, allowing you to admire ancient architectural craftsmanship and Buddhist art up close. The overall environment is tranquil, making it an ideal place to experience Japanese Zen culture and seek spiritual peace, offering a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
6. What are the notable features of Ryujin Falls that make it worth visiting?
Ryujin Falls is a natural sanctuary hidden within a quiet mountain forest. Its most striking feature is not its height, but the abundant and layered flow of water, creating a spectacle of multiple streams cascading down. It is surrounded by lush greenery and offers fresh air, making it an excellent spot for connecting with nature and enjoying a forest bath. The walking paths near the waterfall are well-maintained, allowing you to feel the refreshing spray up close and listen to the roar of the falls. It's a great place to relax and rejuvenate, experiencing the raw beauty of nature.
7. What are the transportation options from Magome-juku to surrounding attractions when planning a Nakasendo trail itinerary?
To travel from Magome-juku to surrounding attractions, such as Tsumago-juku or other areas along the Nakasendo trail, your primary options are walking or taking a bus. There is a famous ancient trail between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku perfect for hiking. Additionally, local buses operate routes connecting Magome-juku, Tsumago-juku, and nearby JR stations (like Nakatsugawa or Nagiso Station), but service is limited, so it's advisable to check timetables in advance. For greater convenience, consider tours that offer point-to-point transfers to reduce the complexity of self-planning transportation.
8. What are the recommended walking routes or photo spots when exploring the old street of Magome-juku?
When exploring the old street of Magome-juku, the most recommended walking route is to slowly ascend or descend along the main stone-paved slope from the entrance. This route is lined with picturesque old wooden houses, water wheels, and tea houses, with every corner offering a superb photo opportunity. Especially from a high vantage point, overlooking the entire post town, you can capture classic scenes of the ancient street winding through the landscape with distant mountains as a backdrop. Furthermore, the water wheel house on the old street and the babbling streams along the way are also elements rich in Japanese charm, well worth savoring and documenting.
