Nakasendo/Kisoji

In the 1600s, the central government in Edo, modern-day Tokyo, had a series of national roads built. Daimyo, the regional lords, were required to spend time in Edo, usually every other year. When visiting Edo, it wasn't just the lord who visited, but the lord, his samurai, and his support staff. The daimyo were required to leave their families in Edo as well. Some of these roads are still intact as well as the town check points, called "post-towns." The Nakasendo went from Kyoto to Edo. The Kisoji was the part of the Nakasendo up in the mountains of Gifu and Nagano. The towns Magome and Tsumago are well-preserved. It is a very easy walk between the 2 and also very beautiful.