Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! You may have read my blog from my journey in Kyushu, especially my mystical adventures in Takachiho with my close friends, but in today's post we're talking about Gifu, located in central Japan, where we’re trading ancient myths for a place where you can still live in history!

Today's post is taking you to Kiso Valley to explore Magome-juku (馬籠宿), the 43rd post town on the legendary Nakasendo road. While it's less popular among Malaysian travelers, it is fairly popular for hiking enthusiasts, and tourists from the west! If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a landscape that feels suspended in the Edo period, this is your chance. For those looking for things to do near Gifu or after visiting Shirakawago, Magome-juku offers a perfect cultural day trip, so read on!

Now, imagine cobblestone paths winding up a mountainside, lined with wooden inns with latticed windows, the sound of water wheels turning, and the smell of grilled mochi in the air. Walking along Magome isn't just about visiting somewhere like you're going to a museum, but an experience of vibrance where there are still businesses and residents where history feels palpably close. It was even awarded a star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan! I recently received some stunning photos from the Gifu Prefecture Tourism Federation, and they absolutely captured the magic, so I'm thrilled to share this visual journey with you. Let’s lace up our most comfortable walking shoes and step back in time!

A Highway Through History: The Story of the Nakasendo

To truly appreciate Magome, you need to understand the road it served. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo was one of the five major highways connecting the shogun's capital in Edo (Tokyo) with the imperial capital in Kyoto. Unlike the coastal Tokaido route, the Nakasendo wound through the rugged mountains of central Japan—hence its name, which means "Central Mountain Route".

This 500-kilometer journey was no small feat. Travelers—including feudal lords (daimyo), samurai, merchants, and pilgrims—needed places to rest. This led to the establishment of 69 official post stations (shukuba) along the route. Magome-juku was the 43rd station from Edo and is uniquely built on a steep slope. So steep, in fact, that legend says its name (which uses the characters for "horse" and "basket") comes from travelers having to leave their horses at the bottom and proceed on foot!

The town you see today is a meticulous preservation. After falling into obscurity with the coming of the railway and suffering devastating fires, it has been lovingly restored to give us an authentic glimpse into Edo-period travel. Walking here, you're tracing the footsteps of centuries of travelers.

A Walk Through Magome: Sights, Tastes, and Treasures

The best way to experience Magome is to simply wander. The main street is a sloping, cobblestone path—ishidatami—flanked by dark wooden buildings with characteristic latticework. While it looks like a flawless movie set, remember this is a living town. Many buildings are private homes, so be respectful as you explore.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss as you stroll from the lower entrance uphill:

• The Water Wheels: Look for the large, working waterwheels along the street. They’re not just picturesque; they’re a functional piece of history and make for beautiful photos.
• Shimazaki Toson Memorial Museum: Magome is the birthplace of Shimazaki Toson (1872), one of modern Japan's most important novelists. His former residence, which also served as the town's honjin (official inn for dignitaries), is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. It's a quiet spot to connect with the town's literary soul.
• Local Crafts & Souvenirs: The shops are part of the charm. Look for "wara-uma" (straw horses), a traditional local lucky charm. You can also find beautiful woodwork from the Kiso region, known as rokuro-zaiku.
• The Viewing Observatory: As you ascend the slopes along Magome-juku, you will eventually find yourself arriving at an observatory with refreshing views of the Japanese mountains. The descend from the observatory too, offers a picturesque view of Magome-juku that makes it an amazing photo opportunity.

• Must-Try Local Foods: Your walk demands sustenance!
  • Goheimochi: This is the iconic Kiso Valley snack. It's a grilled rice cake (mochi) on a stick, slathered in a sweet-savory miso-based sauce and often topped with walnuts. You'll smell it before you see it!
  • Oyaki: Another delicious dumpling, often filled with red bean paste, vegetables, or savory miso.
  • Soba: The mountain climate is perfect for buckwheat, so a bowl of fresh, handmade soba noodles is always a good choice.

Pro Tip for the View: The climb is worth it. When you reach the top of the town, you’ll find a stunning panoramic viewpoint. On a clear day, you can see majestic Mount Ena in the distance and look back down the Nakasendo winding through the valley. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath and reflect.

The Classic Adventure: Hiking from Magome to Tsumago

For many visitors (including me on my wishlist!), the highlight isn't just Magome itself, but the journey to its sister post town, Tsumago-juku. The preserved section of the Nakasendo trail between the two towns is one of Japan's most rewarding and accessible historical hikes.

• The Hike at a Glance: The trail is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and takes most people between 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete. You'll walk through forests, past small farms and waterfalls, and along original cobblestone paths. The route is well-signed.
• Direction Matters: It's highly recommended to hike from Magome to Tsumago. Why? Because you’ll be going mostly downhill, which is much easier on the knees! Magome is at a higher elevation than Tsumago.
• Hasle-free Luggage Service: Don't want to hike with your backpack? No problem! Both towns offer a luggage forwarding service. You can drop your bag at the Magome Tourist Information Center before 11:30 AM, and it will be waiting for you in Tsumago after 1:00 PM for a small fee. This is an absolute game-changer.
• A Town Frozen in Time: Tsumago is often cited as the best-preserved post town on the entire Nakasendo. To maintain the historic atmosphere, cars are banned on the main street, and even telephone wires are buried out of sight. Exploring its quiet lanes after the hike feels like a true reward.

Practical Guide: Getting to Magome & Trip Planning Tips

Magome is wonderfully remote, which is part of its charm, but it requires a bit of planning to visit. Based on the available information, here’s the most common route:

1. Base City: Start from Nagoya, a major transportation hub.
2. Train to Nakatsugawa: Take the JR Limited Express Shinano on the Chuo Line from Nagoya Station to Nakatsugawa Station. This scenic train ride takes about 50-70 minutes.
3. Bus to Magome: From Nakatsugawa Station's bus stop #3, board the Magome-bound bus (Kita Ena Bus). The ride takes about 25-30 minutes and costs around 800 yen.

Useful Planning Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) offer the most pleasant weather and stunning scenery, with cherry blossoms or vibrant fall foliage. Summer can be hot/humid, and winter may have snow.
• Cash is King: Bring plenty of cash (yen). Many of the small shops, cafes, and bus services in this rural area do not accept credit cards.
• Stay Overnight: To experience the magical atmosphere after the day-trippers leave, consider staying in a traditional guesthouse (minshuku) or ryokan in either Magome or Tsumago. For more standard hotel options, Nakatsugawa town near the station is a practical base.
• Check Bus Schedules: Rural bus schedules can be infrequent, especially in the late afternoon. Always check the latest timetables for your return journey to avoid getting stranded.

Final Thoughts & What's Next

Magome-juku is more than just a pretty street. It’s a portal. A place where you can actively engage with history by walking the same stones, tasting the same foods, and gazing at the same mountain views as travelers from 400 years ago. Whether you spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere or embark on the epic hike to Tsumago, it’s an experience that connects you deeply to Japan’s cultural fabric.

Have you visited the Nakasendo or any of Japan's other historic post towns? I’d love to hear about your experiences—share them in the comments below!

If this post has inspired you to plan your own journey back in time, remember you can book your travel and accommodations through my Trip.com referral link. It’s a great way to find deals and support the blog as I bring you more guides to Japan’s hidden gems. Happy travels, and stay tuned for our next adventure!

♨️ Gero Onsen - Japan's Healing Waters

Where mountain steam meets healing waters: Experience one of Japan's three great hot springs

After exploring Takayama's historic streets and indulging in Gifu's incredible cuisine, there's no better way to complete your journey than by soaking in the therapeutic waters of Gero Onsen. Nestled along the clear waters of the Hida River, this charming hot spring town has been healing travelers for over a thousand years.

As one of Japan's "Three Famous Hot Springs" (alongside Kusatsu and Arima), Gero offers more than just baths—it's a complete cultural experience where traditional ryokans, exquisite kaiseki meals, and the famous "beautiful skin waters" create memories that linger long after you've returned home.

The Magic of Gero's Waters

🗝️ Gifu's Food Secrets

Beyond the guidebooks - discover where locals really eat in Gifu

After exploring Gifu's famous foods, indulging in sweet treats, understanding the food culture, and learning about edible souvenirs, it's time to go beyond the tourist trail. The real magic of Gifu's food scene often lies in the places you won't find in most guidebooks—the hidden izakayas, the family-run shops, and the regional specialties known only to locals.

For Malaysian travelers willing to venture slightly off the beaten path, these hidden gems offer not just amazing food, but genuine connections with Gifu's culinary soul. Here's how to discover Gifu's best-kept food secrets.

1. The Unmarked Izakaya Experience

The best izakayas (Japanese pubs) in Gifu often have minimal signage and might seem intimidating to tourists, but they're where you'll find the most authentic local experience. These places specialize in Keichan—a Gifu original dish of chicken and cabbage stir-fried with a savory sauce that's beloved by locals but rarely mentioned in tourist guides.

2. Morning Markets: Where Locals Shop

While tourists flock to Takayama's morning markets (which are wonderful), the real hidden gems are the smaller neighborhood markets where locals do their daily shopping. Here you'll find vendors selling fresh river fish like ayu, local vegetables, and homemade pickles that represent Gifu's true culinary character.

3. Neighborhood Soba Shops

While everyone talks about Takayama ramen, the hidden noodle treasure of Gifu is its local soba shops. These small, often family-run establishments serve handmade buckwheat noodles that showcase Gifu's mountain agriculture. The best ones are usually in residential neighborhoods and known only to locals.

4. Secret Sweet Spots Beyond the Famous Desserts

Beyond the famous Kurikinton and Ayu Gashi, Gifu has countless local sweet shops serving regional specialties you won't find elsewhere. These include family-run wagashi shops using recipes passed down for generations, and small bakeries incorporating local ingredients like chestnuts and persimmons in creative ways.

5. The Art of Finding Hidden Food Spots

Regional Hidden Gems Across Gifu

Each region of Gifu has its own hidden food culture. In mountain areas like Gujo and Shirakawa-go, look for restaurants serving sansai (mountain vegetables) and wild game. In river towns, seek out specialists in various freshwater fish preparations beyond the famous ayu. Near onsen areas, many ryokan offer incredible multi-course meals to guests only.

Your Adventure into Gifu's Food Underworld

Venturing beyond Gifu's well-known food attractions reveals a deeper, more personal side of Japanese cuisine. These hidden gems offer not just amazing food, but connections with local culture and people that transform a meal into a memory.

Remember that the journey to finding these spots is part of the adventure. Getting slightly lost, trying to communicate without shared language, discovering a place that feels like a secret—these moments become the stories you'll tell long after the taste fades.

More than just a gateway to Shirakawago: Discover the timeless charm of Gifu's mountain treasure

⛩️ Takayama's Hidden Depths

For many travelers, Takayama is a convenient stopover on the way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawago. But to treat this charming city as merely a transit point is to miss one of Japan's most perfectly preserved and atmospheric destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama—often called "Little Kyoto"—is a treasure trove of Edo-period history, incredible food, and living traditions that will captivate you long after you've seen the famous thatched roofs.

Having explored Gifu's diverse foods and the serene streets of Hida Furukawa, I can confidently say that Takayama is the vibrant cultural capital of the Hida region. Let's explore why you should plan to stay longer than just one night.

Get Lost in the Sanmachi Suji Old Town

Wandering through the Sanmachi Suji historic district feels like stepping back in time. The narrow streets are lined with dark wooden merchant houses from the Edo period (1600-1868), many of which are still operating as shops, sake breweries, and museums. The district is beautifully preserved and offers endless photographic opportunities in every season.

Experience Takayama Through the Seasons

Step Into History at Takayama Jinya

Takayama Jinya is a unique historical site—it's the only remaining building of its kind in Japan. This was the local government office during the Edo period, directly controlled by the shogun in Tokyo. Walking through its tatami-matted rooms, office spaces, and interrogation rooms gives you a fascinating insight into the administrative life of feudal Japan.

Experience the Magnificent Takayama Festivals

If your timing is right, experiencing the Takayama Festival is an absolute highlight. Held twice a year (April 14-15 and October 9-10), it's ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals. The elaborate floats (yatai), some of which feature mechanical karakuri dolls that perform, are paraded through the historic streets in a breathtaking display of craftsmanship and tradition.

Savor the Famous Hida Beef

You can't visit Takayama without trying the world-renowned Hida Beef. This premium, marbled beef from black-haired Japanese cattle in the Hida region is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. While you've likely tried Gifu's other culinary delights, Hida Beef is in a class of its own.

Takayama: More Than a Stopover

Takayama is a destination that rewards those who linger. While Shirakawago is undoubtedly beautiful, it's often crowded with day-trippers. Takayama offers a more immersive cultural experience where you can truly feel the rhythm of traditional Japanese life in the mountains.

From the quiet beauty of its historic streets to the exuberant celebration of its festivals, from the simple pleasure of morning market snacks to the luxurious indulgence of Hida Beef, Takayama will capture your heart in ways that go far beyond a quick photo stop. Give it the time it deserves, and you'll discover why so many travelers return to this special corner of Gifu again and again.

🎁 Gifu's Edible Souvenirs

From traditional sweets to savory treats - the perfect food gifts to bring home from Japan

After exploring Gifu's amazing foods, indulging in delicious desserts, and understanding the rich food culture, the natural next step is bringing a taste of Gifu home with you. For Malaysian travelers, finding the perfect edible souvenirs can be challenging—you want something that travels well, represents Gifu authentically, and will delight your friends and family back home.

Fortunately, Gifu offers an incredible variety of food souvenirs that capture the region's culinary spirit. From beautifully packaged traditional sweets to savory specialties with long shelf lives, here's your ultimate guide to Gifu's best edible gifts.

1. Traditional Sweets: The Perfect Gift Boxes

Kurikinton makes an excellent souvenir because of its beautiful golden color (symbolizing prosperity) and travel-friendly nature. Look for individually wrapped pieces in decorative boxes—the packaging is often as beautiful as the sweets inside. These are perfect for office colleagues or as thank-you gifts.

2. Ayu Gashi: Adorable and Travel-Friendly

These fish-shaped sweets are probably Gifu's most famous souvenir. Ayu Gashi are not only adorable but also perfectly designed for travel—they're lightweight, individually wrapped, and have a decent shelf life. The cute fish design immediately says "Japan" and makes them perfect for children or as small thank-you gifts.

3. Hida Beef Products: Taste of Luxury

While you can't bring fresh Hida Beef home to Malaysia, many specialty shops offer travel-friendly versions that capture the famous marbled beef's incredible flavor. Look for Hida Beef jerky, canned beef, or beef rice seasonings—these make luxurious gifts for serious food lovers.

4. Local Sake and Tea: Liquid Memories

Gifu's clear mountain waters produce exceptional sake and tea. While alcohol has weight restrictions for air travel, a carefully chosen bottle of local sake makes an incredible gift for connoisseurs. For lighter options, matcha powder or local green teas from places like the Supernal Tea Garden travel well and offer a taste of Gifu's terroir.

5. Regional Specialties: Unique Local Flavors

Each region within Gifu has its own specialty products. Look for dried persimmons from the Hida region, pickled vegetables from local farms, or handcrafted miso paste. These authentic regional products show you've ventured beyond the tourist spots and discovered Gifu's true culinary heart.

Smart Souvenir Shopping in Gifu

Malaysian Traveler's Souvenir Checklist

Bringing Gifu Home to Malaysia

Choosing the right food souvenirs lets you extend your Gifu journey long after you've returned home. Whether it's sharing beautifully packaged kurikinton with family, surprising coworkers with adorable ayu gashi, or savoring Hida Beef jerky while reminiscing about your travels, these edible memories keep the taste of Gifu alive.

Remember that the best souvenirs aren't necessarily the most expensive—they're the ones that best capture your personal experience in Gifu. Choose foods that remind you of specific moments: the matcha gelato you enjoyed overlooking terraced tea fields, the hoba miso that warmed you on a cool mountain evening, or the persimmons that represented autumn in the Japanese countryside.