TSUMAGO JUKU

Tsumago is a town located in the Nagano prefecture of Japan and is a popular tourist attraction amongst both locals and overseas tourists. History of this town dates back to the Edo period when this town was a small part of a trading route. Eventually, this village proposed and developed into a cosmopolitan crowd when the local residents restored the historical sites.

In the late 1970s, the village was later designated as a Nationally Designated Architectural PReservation Site by the Japanese government. Despite the old world charm, the village is known for the number of tourist shops. The local government even signed a decree declaring that no shop will be sold or destroyed in the village. In fact, the majority of the village runs on tourist based activities. The town is fully inhabited by locals and continues to attract tourists from all over the world.

Highlights

• Take a guided tour and explore the village while you learn more about the history and architecture of the village.
• Shop for souvenirs from the shops in the village and do your part in promoting the business of small entrepreneurs in the village.
• Check out the notice board in the village and know more about how it was used to communicate important messages.
• Walk on the Magome Tsumago trail and embark on an adventure that passes through small villages and fields.
• Visit the Kotoku temple and make an offering while you learn more about the local traditions and customs followed in the temple.

How To Reach

• By Car: The activity location is 177 km from the Saitama city centre, it will take 3 hours via the E 17 route.
• By Train/ Metro: Take a train to Omae station which is 500 metres away from Tsumago. You can reach the activity location from the train station with a 7-minute walk

Best Time To Visit

Tsumago is open throughout the year, so you can plan your visit to this place at any time of the year.

• The best season to visit Tsumago Will be the summer season from March to June because this is the time when the climate is pleasant.
• The best day in the week will be the weekdays due to less crowds regardless of any time of the year.
• The best time of the day to visit Tsumago will be in the morning due to less crowds and a favourable temperature.

Other Essential Information

Visitors Tips:

• Download google translate to help you get around the city and the premises of the Korakuen garden. 
• Get a JR pass to help you travel from one place to another without spending much on travel.
• You will need at least 5 to 6 hours to explore the garden completely and to check out the greenery. 
• Since you will have to walk a lot, make sure you invest in a good pair of footwear to help keep your legs comfortable when you walk. 
• Do not litter or drop trash as it can bea huge hassle not only for the other tourists but even the locals as well.