Central Japan Magome-juku, Ryujin Falls, or the Mosaic Tile Museum Day Tour | Edo-style Experience from Nagoya
- Take a bus from Nagoya, convenient for traveling
- Suitable for travelers seeking leisure and a slow pace
- A hidden gem that is not yet popular among foreign tourists
- One of Japan's top ten hiking routes
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
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.
- Attractions Introduction -
【Magomejuku】
Magome-juku is a popular hiking trail, approximately 4 kilometers long. This route preserves many Edo-era relics, offering views of forests, streams, and historic teahouses. The hike, which takes about 2 hours, is a fantastic way to experience Japanese history and nature. These places evoke a sense of time travel back in time to Japan centuries ago, making them an ideal place to learn about and experience Japanese history and culture.
【Tsumago-juku】
Why not take a stroll through this historic town and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere? This is Japan's first designated Important Traditional Buildings Preservation Area. During the Edo Period, Tsumago-juku flourished as a key transportation hub at the intersection of the Nakasendo and Ina Kaido Roads. Today, the area remains bustling with inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops, stretching for approximately one kilometer. Tsumago-juku pioneered the preservation of its streets, becoming the first in Japan to be designated an Important Traditional Buildings Preservation Area in 1976. Adhering to the three principles of "no sale, no lease, no demolition," local residents have maintained their lifestyle to this day, preserving the rich Edo-period atmosphere of the townscape for future generations.
【Ryujin Falls】＊From December to March, the museum will be replaced by the Mosaic Tile Museum
Located in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, this waterfall boasts a breathtaking natural beauty. Hidden within a dense forest, it attracts numerous visitors with its unique shape and mysterious atmosphere. Although not particularly high, Ryujin Falls derives its name from its shape, which resembles a winding dragon. The waterfall cascades over the rocks, creating a white ribbon of water. The abundant flow and imposing presence are particularly impressive during the spring snowmelt and rainy seasons. The natural environment surrounding the waterfall is remarkably tranquil, and the changing seasons create unique scenery. The vibrant greenery of spring, the lush shade of summer, the crimson foliage of autumn, and the snowy landscape of winter all add to the waterfall's diverse beauty. Autumn is particularly spectacular, when the surrounding maple leaves paint the entire area a vibrant crimson, creating a striking contrast with the clear waters of the waterfall.
Tour suggestions:
Ryujin Falls is located in the Yumori Valley. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the falls by car from Tsumago-juku Magome-juku. From there, it's a 10-15 minute walk to the falls. Signposts mark the route, and the path is relatively flat, making it suitable for most people.
【Mosaic Tile Museum】
Located in Tajimi City, a renowned ceramics hub in Gifu Prefecture, the Mosaic Tile Museum is a unique cultural facility that blends traditional ceramic craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori, the museum's exterior, resembling a gentle, rounded earthen hill, is a stunning fusion of architecture and art.
Highlights:
A dreamlike building designed by Terunobu Fujimori: its appearance resembles a fairy-tale earthen hill, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. The history and beauty of mosaic tiles: the museum showcases the development history, craft samples, and application examples of Japanese mosaic tiles. Hands-on workshop: the museum showcases the development history, craft samples, and application examples of Japanese mosaic tiles. Hands-on workshop: reservations are available for mosaic collage-making classes, perfect for family photos or couples exploring the colorful corners.
Magome-juku
Handmade soba noodles
Tsumagojuku
Ryujin Waterfall on a rainy day
Autumn valley
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Aichi and Gifu
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company: Tobu Tourist Information Co., Ltd., Nishisan Kotsu Co., Ltd., or similar bus companies
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 6
Team leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Name of the operating company: JETRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
Address: 3-2-123 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City, 530-0001 イノゲートOsaka 15th floor
License Number: Osaka Prefecture Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-2181
Travel Association Name: Japan Travel Association (Osaka Branch) Full Member
Regular member of the Osaka Prefecture Travel Agents Association
JATA is a cooperating member
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
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The itinerary may be changed or shortened depending on road traffic, weather, etc.
In case of traffic congestion, the return journey may be delayed.
Infants under 2 years old cannot be secured with a safety belt and are therefore not allowed to ride.
The red leaf season is from late October to mid-November (may vary depending on the temperature).
Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free.
If the number of applicants is insufficient, a 9-seater Toyota Hiace will be used.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 2 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Magome-Tsumago Trail is a beautifully preserved section of the ancient Nakasendo highway, connecting two historic post towns. Hikers can experience serene Japanese countryside, traditional Edo-period architecture, and charming waterfalls. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of samurai and merchants from centuries past.
Magome-juku was one of the 69 post towns along the Nakasendo trail, an important Edo-period route connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. It served as a crucial resting point for travelers, feudal lords, and merchants. The village is known for its carefully preserved traditional wooden buildings, stone-paved streets, and a unique sloping layout, contributing to its distinctive historical charm.
In Magome-juku, visitors can stroll along the beautifully preserved main street, lined with traditional inns, souvenir shops, and cafes. Key sights include the Magome-juku Honjin (former headquarters of the headman) and the Magome-juku Waki-Honjin (sub-headman's house), both now museums. Enjoy local delicacies like gohei-mochi and chestnut products, and soak in the Edo-period atmosphere while enjoying picturesque mountain views.
The Magome-Tsumago Trail is approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. The path involves some gentle uphill and downhill sections, but it is generally considered a moderate walk suitable for most fitness levels. It is well-maintained and clearly signposted, making for a pleasant and accessible hiking experience through natural landscapes and historical settings.
To reach Magome-juku from Nagoya, take a JR Shinano limited express train to Nakatsugawa Station. From Nakatsugawa, local buses are available directly to Magome-juku. The bus journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes. For convenience, many day tours from Nagoya include direct bus transport to Magome-juku, offering a hassle-free way to explore the area without needing to manage multiple transfers.
Yes, there is a local bus service, known as the Magome-Tsumago line, that operates between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku. This bus runs frequently throughout the day, providing a convenient option for hikers who wish to return to their starting point or continue their journey without walking back. The bus stop in Magome-juku is located near the main entrance of the village.
To fully immerse in Magome-juku's Edo-period charm, visitors can explore the traditional wooden architecture, observe the functioning water mills, and listen to the tranquil sounds of nature. Wearing traditional Japanese attire (available for rent in some areas) can enhance the experience. Enjoy local craft shops, savor regional snacks, and appreciate the tranquil pace of life, reflecting the village's historical role as a bustling post town.
Along the Magome-Tsumago Trail, hikers can expect diverse scenery including lush forests, terraced rice fields, small waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints offering glimpses of the Kiso Valley. The path passes through charming hamlets and features historical markers, such as ancient stone steps and bell towers. Rest stops with public toilets and small refreshment points are available at various intervals, ensuring a comfortable and well-supported journey.
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