Audio Guide of the Kiso Historical Museum

The Kiso Valley is an open area accessible 24 hours a day, although shops usually operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The easiest way to get there is by taking the JR train to Nakatsugawa or Nagiso Station; check the routes in our transport guide.

Walking the historic Nakasendo route and its post towns is completely free. You only need to pay if you enter specific museums or purchase our premium audio guide to discover all its secrets.

To do the famous walk between Magome and Tsumago at a relaxed pace, allow 2 to 3 hours. If you want to explore the museums and enjoy the local cuisine, we suggest setting aside a full day.

This area was a vital part of the Nakasendo, the ancient trade route that connected Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto during the Edo period. Today, it remains almost intact, transporting you back to the samurai past of the 17th century.

Autumn (October and November) is ideal for the red foliage, and spring for the cherry blossoms. Summer is cool and pleasant, perfect for escaping the heat of the big cities.

The mountain trail between the towns has steep slopes and steps that make wheelchair access difficult. However, the main streets of the post towns have paved areas that are more accessible.

A short train ride away you will find the city of Matsumoto, famous for its impressive original black castle. You can also take the opportunity to visit Takayama and the Japanese Alps in the same region.

We recommend using the luggage transfer service between Magome and Tsumago so you can walk light. Also, make sure to download your Kiso audio guide before starting the route so you do not depend on mobile signal.