Our next destination was another adventure!  There is an old trail between the 2 capitals of Japan,  the ancient capital,  Kyoto and the new capital, Tokyo. 

The Nakasendo Trail is a historic 534-kilometer (332-mile) walking route connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, featuring 69 post towns established in the 17th century. Passing through the mountainous Kiso Valley, it is famous for well-preserved villages—notably Magome and Tsumago—offering a 2-3 hour hike through rural landscapes.  We hiked between these last 2 villages,  about 8 km. 

The old post town of Magome-juku was our starting point for this hike, leaving about 9:45.

Soon you are out of the village and the climb to the Magome pass begins.

Sights along the way

Finally,  we reach the summit of the pass,  but we are only 2.2km into the walk!  At least the last 6.8 were basically downhill!

The Free Tea stop

The flowering fruit trees were in full bloom,  cherry and possibly plum, in not sure.  one was over 250 years old!  some were grafted so that 2 types of fruit,  or 2 varietals of a fruit,  grew on 1 tree

It was hopeful when the distance we had covered was more than what we had to still travel!  And Thankfully,  it was mostly downhill! 

We passed small waterfalls,  a couple small post towns and farms along the way,  a cemetery,  a small shrine,  and more flowers of all kinds!

another small village

And a few sprinkles of rain began to fall.  

And Finally!  Tsumaga,  our destination!

We found a lunch place for Soba noodles and mountain mushrooms,  and the information about the bus beach to Naratsugawa!  a long hike but a cool experience of the old Samurai road.

finished our hike at about 1, lunch and bus,  back to our hotel for a soak in the onsen by 4!  8 miles total walking,  and a great feeling of accomplishment,  hiking this portion of the Nakasendo Trail!