Tsumago

During the Edo period, Tsumago was the forty-second of the sixty-nine post towns, which connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. Prior to becoming part of the Nakasendō, it was the tenth of eleven stations along the Kisoji, a minor trade route running through the Kiso Valley. As such, it was a relatively prosperous and cosmopolitan town, with an economy based on currency. In 1968, local residents began an effort to restore historical sites and structures within the town. By 1971, some 20 houses had been restored, and a charter was agreed to the effect that no place in Tsumago should be "sold, hired out, or destroyed". In 1976, the town was designated by the Japanese government as a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site. Despite its historical appearance, Tsumago's historic buildings are inhabited by many regular citizens and they should not be bothered unless they work in Tourism. The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site, with some articles in English. One of the most popular ways to access Tsumago is by the Magome-Tsumago Trail starting in neighbouring Magome, it follows a portion of the Nakasendo and takes roughly three hours, it is one of the best preserved sections of the Nakasendo crossing through old houses and green fields. The only way to access Magome by Public Transport is by bus. Both long and short distance buses service Tsumago....