Doing Magome–Tsumago from Nagoya or Chubu Airport? Luggage forwarding closes at 11:30, so plan your flight around it. Trail time, stone paths and bear bells.
Picture two travellers with two suitcases who want to walk the Nakasendo from Magome to Tsumago on the day they land at Chubu Centrair, then sleep in Tsumago. Whether you head for Magome and Tsumago from Nagoya or straight from the airport, the deciding factor is not the drive; it is the luggage cut-off. Suitcases and old stone paths do not mix, so your bags need to travel between the two towns' information centres without you.
Magome and Tsumago from Nagoya or Chubu: 11:30 decides your flight
Per the Nagiso Tourism Association's 2026 luggage forwarding notice:
- Regular service, 20 March to 30 November 2026: drop-off 8:30–11:30 at Magome Tourist Information Center or Magome-juku BASE; pick-up 1:00–5:00 pm at Tsumago Tourist Information Center (or at the inns in Ōtsumago).
- Temporary service, 1 December to 19 March: bags accepted any time during opening hours, 8:30–17:00, charged per trip, with a surcharge beyond three bags.
- Fees are as published on the official page.
Driving from Chubu Airport to Magome usually takes around two to two and a half hours, depending on traffic. Add immigration, baggage and loading, and a 11:30 drop-off realistically needs an early-morning arrival. If you land in the afternoon, you have two options:
- In winter (December to March) use the temporary service, which has no 11:30 limit, though daylight is short and a late start leaves little time to walk.
- Drive straight to Tsumago for the night and walk the trail the next day, or start the other way round.
Why Magome to Tsumago
japan-guide.com lists the trail at about 8 km, roughly 2 to 3 hours, with less ascent from Magome to Tsumago. The car delivers you to the start and your lodging is at the finish, so the direction works for a first-day plan.
Stone paths and bear bells
The Nagiso town walking advice warns that the stone path between Ōtsumago and Magome is slippery after rain and has caused injuries, so use the handrails and go slowly. The same page notes that bears are sighted in town most years, recommends carrying a bell, and says the tourism association rents bear bells on the Tsumago–Magome route. Shoes with grip matter more than an extra jacket.
After the walk
Magome and Tsumago are not on our public price list, so please contact us for a quote; every quote is confirmed by our staff. If you need a car from Tsumago the next day, tell us the date, your lodging and your expected finish time when you book and we will confirm the arrangement. For timing the run back to the airport, see Nagoya to Chubu Airport.
Once your flight and date are set, book here. If you would rather spend the first night in Nagoya, see Chubu Airport to Nagoya; for trains versus a car, see Chubu Airport to central Nagoya, and all Chubu routes are on the Chubu Airport routes page.
FAQ
- How does luggage forwarding between Magome and Tsumago work?
- According to the Nagiso Tourism Association, the regular service runs 20 March to 30 November: drop bags at Magome Tourist Information Center or Magome-juku BASE between 8:30 and 11:30, and collect them at Tsumago Tourist Information Center between 1:00 and 5:00 pm. From 1 December to 19 March a temporary service accepts bags during opening hours. Check the official page for fees.
- How long does the Magome to Tsumago walk take?
- japan-guide.com gives about 8 km and roughly 2 to 3 hours at an easy pace, with less climbing when walking from Magome to Tsumago. Your own pace and stops will change this.
- How much is a private car from Chubu Airport or Nagoya to Magome?
- Magome and Tsumago are not on our public price list, so please contact us for a quote. Pricing is per vehicle and every quote is confirmed by our staff.
- Can the driver meet us at the Tsumago end?
- Tell us the date, your Tsumago lodging and roughly when you expect to finish when you book, and our staff will confirm the arrangement.