MAGOME-JUKU

was the forty-third of the sixty-nine stations of the Nakasendō (中山道), an ancient road that connected Kyoto and Edo during the Edo period. It was also the last of eleven stations along the Kisoji, which was the precursor to a part of the Nakasendō. This well-preserved section of the Nakasendō is in the present-day city of Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

Contents

History

Notes of Interest

Neighboring Post Towns

References

History

As a post town, it was relatively prosperous and cosmopolitan, with an economy based on currency. It fell into obscurity and poverty, however, after the completion of the Chūō Main Line (中央本線) railway, which did not pass through Magome. In recent decades, it has been restored to its appearance as a Edo-era post town, and is now a popular tourist destination.
The central feature of Magome is its restored row of houses along the former post road, which runs at a slope between the town's low and high ends. Most were built for common people in the mid-1700s, with shops and inns for travelers along the Nakasendō. A quiet portion of the original highway has been preserved between Magome and Tsumago, the next post town (also restored). It provides for a pleasant walk through forests and past waterfalls. Bus service is also provided between Magome and Tsumago, allowing visitors to easily start at either end of the path.^[1]

Notes of Interest

Magome was the birthplace and childhood home of noted author Shimazaki Tōson (島崎藤村) (1872-1943), who wrote about the Kiso region in his most famous novel, "Before the Dawn" (夜明け前). He is buried in the town's small cemetery.
The town also offers a fine view of Mount Ena (2190 m). Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains may be enjoyed from a vista above the main parking lot at Magome's upper end.

Neighboring Post Towns

;Nakasendō
:Tsumago-juku - 'Magome-juku' - Ochiai-juku
;Kisoji
:Tsumago-juku - 'Magome-juku' ''(ending location)''

References

1. Tsumago-juku. Tsumago Sightseeing Association. Accessed July 10, 2007.