Step back in time with us on the Nakasendo, one of Japan’s historic Edo-period highways, also known internationally as the “Samurai Road.”
In this episode, we dive deep into the history and culture of the post towns Tsumago and Magome in Gifu and Nagano, two of the best-preserved stops along this 530-kilometer trail between Tokyo and Kyoto.

We’ll uncover:

• Why the Nakasendo was so important during the Edo period

• How Tsumago and Magome became pioneers of cultural preservation

• The influence of writer Shimazaki Tōson and his novel Before the Dawn

• Local stories you won’t find in guidebooks: from school trips to ancient tea houses

• Why the route is now beloved by international travelers as the “Samurai Road”

Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or just love hidden history, this episode will give you new insights into samurai-era travel, Japanese countryside life, and cultural heritage that still shapes the region today.

🍃For Japanese listeners: A full Japanese version of this episode is also available as #002-2.

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We are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing sustainable, community-based tourism.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.

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