Climbing the Stone-Paved Slope from the Water Wheel and Enjoying the View from the Hilltop Observatory and Walking While Eating Gohei Mochi
About this spot
The 43rd post-town on the Kiso Road, known for its unique landscape of stone-paved slope running along a mountainside. At the base of the slope, a large water wheel greets visitors, and along the street, traditional wooden townhouses with lattice patterns, tea houses, and souvenir shops line both sides. From the observation platform at the top of the slope, you can see a magnificent view overlooking Mount Ena (恵那山), a famous peak of the Kiso region. As the hometown of the celebrated writer Shimozaki Fujimura, the air throughout the station carries the fragrance of literature. In the early morning hours, fewer people are around, allowing you to enjoy the stone pavement at a leisurely pace.
Tips
There are parking lots at both the bottom and top of the slope, with the standard route being to walk from bottom to top and back. Since the stone-paved slope continues for some distance, a baby sling (抱っこ紐) is safer than a stroller. Shops selling gohei mochi and other treats open progressively from mid-morning, so eating while walking on the way back is recommended.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes required. The 9 a.m. hour is least crowded and ideal for photographing the stone pavement.
Access & map
〒508-0502 Magome, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture
Model course featuring this spot
Magome Station (馬籠宿): Stone-Paved Path on the Kiso Road and Spectacular Mountain Castle Naegi Castle Ruins
Gifu
Explore features & model courses
Like this spot? Sign up free to save it to your own booklet as a plan or a want-to-go.