What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Welcome to Magome and Tsumago on the Old Nakasendo Highway. Magome and Tsumago are located in the southern part of the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture. Many years ago, they was one of the eleven post towns in that district of the Nakasendo Highway. When the Chuo Rail Line was constructed along the Kiso River in 1911, Tsumago lost its role as a post town and it gradually became a deserted village. However, in 1968 a movement to preserve Edo and Meiji Period buildings began and during the following three years many structures were repaired and restored. In 1976, Tsumago was designated as a "Protected Area for the Preservation of Traditional Buildings" by the Japanese government. The Old Nakasendo Highway can now be enjoyed by visitors who wish to see a very important part of old Japan preserved in tact.An alternative to Magome is Tsumago.
Check In for Dinner Before 17:00
It is very important to check in to your minshuku by 17:00 (5:00pm). If you arrive after this time then they will not be able to serve you dinner but yo will be changed for it. Also there are no other evening restaurants or shops to buy dinner so you will go hungry. We do not want you to go hungry so please check in before 17:00 (5:00pm).
Cash Only Payment:
Accommodations in Magome only accept payment by yen cash, so make sure you have enough cash when you travel to Magome, also please note that ATMs only work during business hours on business days. Please get cash in a large city before you come to Magome. If you do not have enough cash the innkeepers may call the police.
An alternative to Magome is Narai.
Welcome to Tajimaya. This Minshuku is located in Magome along the Nakasendo road which was used extensively by travelers during the Edo Period. All the rooms at Tajimaya are Japanese-style, and all bathing and toilet facilities are shared among the guests. The Japanese "irori" (hearth) is over 100 years old and it is still in use. The owners of Tajimaya serve fresh, local cuisine in the ryokan's dining area and guests can relax in the wooden tubs after a long day's hike.
Welcome to Magomechaya. This Minshuku has 14 Japanese-style rooms, and the women and men's hot spring baths are open 24 hours a day. Guests can dine on fresh vegetables and river fish. Check in time is after 3:00pm and check out time is before 10:00am. Parking is available.
Welcome to Shirokiya. This family run minshuku is proud to serve the delicious snacks called Gohei Mochi that has been handed down on the Kisoji route. It is all made with homegrown vegetables and other homegrown items. Rooms are private and there are 10 rooms at Shirokiya. This ryokan is located just 1 minute away from the Magome bus stop.
