Where to stay in Magome Juku, Nakasendo Trail
Make planning your Nakasendo Way experience easy with this guide on where to stay in Magome, Japan. From traditional guest houses to modern ryokans, take the stress out of finding your perfect Magame Juku accommodation.
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Whether you’re planning to spend a few days hiking part of the Old Nakasendo Way, or you want to immerse yourself in the traditional rural atmosphere of Japanese post towns, Magome is a great place to stay. Welcoming travelers for more than 400 years, Magome Juku is a post town set along the Nakasendo Way and is often considered one of Japan’s prettiest villages. The town also bookends one of the most popular routes on the Nakasendo, the Magome to Tsumago Trail.
As one of the smallest towns located on the Nakasendo Trail, accommodation in Magome can feel difficult to navigate. When should you book? What type of accommodations are available? Do you need to book with meals included? In this guide, I aim to remove some of the confusion around choosing where to stay in Magome.
The good news is that there are numerous options available via accommodation sites, making it easier for travellers to arrange reservations for a stay in Magome, Japan. While you won’t find much in the way of hotels in Magome, there are several guest houses, known as minshuku that will let you experience the ambience of a night in a traditional Japanese inn.
Most places offer breakfast and dinner options, which is ideal since there are limited options open early morning and in the evening. Read on to find out where to book accommodation in Magome.
Short on time? My Top Recommendations
In the centre of town.
Breakfast and dinner add-on available.
Budget-friendly with private rooms and dormitory-style accommodation.
Can be booked at least 6 months in advance.
In the centre of town.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Traditional tatami rooms cater for either twin or triple share reservations.
More premium and intimate accommodation option.
View looking down the street from outside Magome Chaya.
View in Magome.
Accommodation in Magome, Japan
Magome Chaya | A popular choice for hikers completing part of the Nakasendo Way. Located right in the middle of the historic post town, this minshuku (guest house with shared bathroom) offers simple tatami rooms, and optional Japanese meals (must be booked in advance). It’s budget-friendly, cosy, and bookings usually open several months earlier than other accommodation options in Magome, meaning you can plan further in advance.
My husband and I chose to stay at Magome Chaya for a few reasons. It offered the option to add on breakfast and dinner, it was available to book months in advance, and it was right in the centre of Magome. Offering both private and shared rooms, the guest house occupies two buildings across from each other in traditional Edo-era wooden buildings. Tatami floors, futons, and rustic charm are all part of the appeal. Check availability for Magome Chaya.
Foyer of Magome Chaya.
Private room at Magome Chaya.
Tajimaya | Set within a 110-year-old inn, Tajimaya offers more of a true ryokan feel. Meals are cooked over an irori hearth, you sleep on futons in tatami mat rooms, and with fewer rooms, it feels more intimate. This is a wonderful option for travelers who want a more immersive cultural experience right in the heart of town, or have a bigger budget for their accommodation. Check availability for Tajimaya.
さかのみち-sakanomichi | This recently renovated guest house is run by a welcoming local couple, Ken and Yuki. Serving home-cooked meals, including vegetarian and vegan options, and décor that blends old and new beautifully, you can pair modern comforts with tradition. Ideal for travellers who want a personal touch, stylish surroundings, and the chance to connect with the hosts. Check availability for Sakaomichi.
Guesthouse Nedoko | A contemporary hostel-style guest house, Nedoko offers shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, and clean, simple design. Right in the heart of town, close to Magome’s tourist information centre and on the Nakasendo trail, it’s convenient and comfortable. Meals aren’t on offer here, however you can bring your own to prepare in the kitchen or the hosts can help you arrange a booking in advance in one of the few options in town. Check availability for Guesthouse Nedoko.
Exterior of Tajiymaya Guesthouse.
Motomiya | A small guest house tucked a little downhill from the main street but still within walking distance, you will find yourself surrounded by peaceful rice fields. With a garden, cosy rooms, and excellent breakfasts, it feels more like a homestay, making it a great choice for couples or travellers who prefer a relaxed pace and more privacy. Check availability for Motomiya.
GUESTHOUSE YANAGIYA | Despite the name, this is a self-catered apartment-style accommodation right in the centre of Magome. It has a kitchen, modern facilities, and would be a great option for travellers planning to spend more than one night in Magome. Check availability for Guesthouse Yanagiya.
馬籠ふるさと学校 Magome Furusato Gakkou | Located a little further off the main road running through Magome, this guest house is perfect for travellers looking for something a little out of the ordinary. Magome Furusato Gakkou offers accommodation in a converted schoolhouse. The old classrooms have been adapted into lodgings, making it a great nostalgic and quirky stay for groups and families. Offering both private rooms and dormitory-style accommodation, the location outside of the centre of town provides a quiet, countryside feel. Check availability for Magome Furusato Gakkou.
Accommodation near Magome Juku
If you can’t find available accommodation at one of the guest houses mentioned above, then there are options in the larger town of Nakastugawa nearby. This is also a great option as it is where most travellers will catch the train to if they are coming from the southern end of the Nakasendo Trail, and there is a direct bus to Magome from Nakatsugawa that takes around 20 minutes.
Nakatsugawa also has hotel options if you’d prefer to stay in a less traditional style of accommodation, with more availability due to the size of the properties. These are my recommendations for where to stay in Nakatsugawa.
Onn Nakatsugawa | A modern hotel just a short walk from Nakatsugawa Station, it is conveniently located if you want to take the bus to/from Magome. Rooms are contemporary and some offer balconies or terraces. A highlight, especially after hiking, is the public bath for a relaxing soak. Breakfast is included and it’s a great choice for couples, families, or anyone who wants comfort and ease of access. Check availability for Onn Nakatsugawa.
The RYOKAN O | For a modern take on a traditional ryokan experience, The Ryokan O pairs over a century of history with a fresh renovation. Just moments from Nakatsugawa station, twin, triple, and family rooms are available. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it ideal for solo travellers or small groups who want to enjoy the charm of a Japanese inn without sacrificing convenience. Check availability for The Ryokan O.
How far in advance do I need to book accommodation in Magome?
Due to the limited supply of accommodation in Magome, demand outstrips the availability meaning reservations need to be planned well in advance. The chance of a last-minute booking is slim to none. I would suggest booking no less than 3 months in advance, and prepare earlier than that, as bookings get snapped up as soon as they are made available on booking sites.
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