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Although Japan has tens of thousands of age-old temples, it
is actually pretty difficult to find a whole village or town
that has preserved its historical looks. One little town that
is a splendid exception to this sad situation is Tsumago in the
prefecture of Nagano.
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Parasols mark the entrance to Matsushiroya
Ryokan, a historic inn many hundreds of years old. Tsumago,
Nagano.
(Photo © Kjeld Duits)
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The moment you enter the village you imagine yourself in Japan's
prosperous Edo period (1615-1868). At that time Tsumago was a
bustling station ( juku ) on the busy Nakasendo route.
The Nakasendo was built parallel to the more famous Tokaido and
followed pretty much the same route, but through the mountains.
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Edo-style shops take you back to a way of
living long since gone. Tsumago, Nagano.
(Photo © Kjeld Duits)
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You can still walk the original road through the verdant mountain
forests and stay at one of several ryokan, hundreds of
years old. Experience a way of life long gone and imagine yourself
a traveler on the way to Edo (present Tokyo).
 Ikomaya Ryokan (0264-57-3013)
- A beautiful ryokan, 200 years old.
Matsushiroya Ryokan (0264-57-3022) - Another
historic ryokan.
Minshuku Daikichi (0264-57-2595) - Newer than
the above two.
Minshuku Tsutamuraya (0264-57-3235) - Attractive
old dwelling.
Minshuku Kameyama (0264-57-3187) - Simple
and cheap.
Minshuku Hanaya (0264-57-3106)- Simple and
cheap.
Detailed introduction to Tsumago
Biography of Toson Shimazaki
His novel Before the Dawn is set
at Tsumago
A short introduction to the Nakasendo Route
Some travel info from Rough Guide Travel
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