#BackToSch
#BackToSchool Days
Many travelers consider Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku, once important stops on the route between Kansai and Edo, as just another stop along the way. If time permits, consider staying one or two nights to fully experience the charm of these two important prefectures.
Many travelers start from Nagoya and take a direct bus to Magome-juku. I also started from Nagoya, but I chose to rent a car and drive myself. Whether you're traveling alone or in a small group, I recommend renting a car, provided one member can drive. Firstly, car rentals are quite inexpensive; I rented a car for six days for just over HK$1,200, which is very economical. Secondly, you can pick up the car directly near Chubu Centrair International Airport, saving the time spent waiting to go to the city center and then waiting for a bus, which could potentially require an overnight stay in Nagoya to catch a bus. This is time-consuming and inconvenient, and wastes a lot of time unnecessarily. Actually, it's only a two-hour drive from Tokoname City, where Chubu Centrair International Airport is located, to Magome-juku. You can stay overnight in Magome-juku and start your itinerary early the next morning.
Magome-juku is located in Nakatsugawa City, so many people choose to stay overnight in Nakatsugawa or Ena City for convenience. However, Nakatsugawa and Ena cities are about 10-20 kilometers away from Magome-juku, requiring some detours.
Driving there is a direct route, and I also chose to stay at a guesthouse within Magome-juku. There are very few accommodations within a few kilometers of Magome-juku, only one hot spring inn, Hanakarasa, and a few small private guesthouses, offering no more than ten beds each, making the competition fierce.
This time, I chose a rather unconventional place to stay—a guesthouse converted from a rural school (I think it was an elementary school!). It truly is a still-functioning school; upon entering, images straight out of a Japanese youth school drama came to mind, along with rows of shoe lockers for students to change into. I, too, followed local custom, taking off my shoes and changing into slippers to check in. The reception area was formerly the teachers' office, with a section partitioned off to store tourist brochures, reference books, and a small shop for guests.
The entire school only has three types of rooms, located in the principal's office on the ground floor and two large classrooms on the second floor. The accommodations include bunk beds (general dormitories), double beds separated only by curtains for couples, and two specially converted double rooms. I stayed in one of these, the principal's office. The room was so large it echoed, with two single beds in the center and a traditional Japanese hearth on the other side. There was no toilet or bathroom inside. The entire campus shares bathrooms, and each of the two-story buildings has a kitchen/lounge at one end, where guests can chat or cook. This is a major highlight, as the guesthouse doesn't offer catering services; guests can eat out, buy takeout, or cook their own meals. It's highly recommended to buy groceries at the market while driving and cook on campus. The kitchen is fully equipped; everything you can think of, and even things you haven't, is there waiting to be used. You can also take your cooked food back to your room to enjoy at your leisure. Strolling through the campus at night feels like stepping back in time, as if returning to your school days. The corridors, basketball courts, and auditorium all feel real, constantly reminding you of your student days.
The school's location is excellent; it's basically just around the corner from the entrance to Magome-juku. Magome-juku is a cluster of settlements built uphill, with houses cascading down the mountainside in a charming, picturesque way. Those with a good stamina can even hike directly to Tsumago-juku, a journey of about 8 kilometers and three to four hours, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of Kiso-ji along the way. On the return trip, you can take the shuttle bus between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku – a relaxing and beneficial activity.
On the day I left the school, I happened to encounter a group of elementary school students being led by their teachers on an activity. Apparently, the school actually rents out its facilities to educational organizations – how considerate!
One of the main reasons I chose this guesthouse/school was that it could serve as a base for my trip. There are numerous attractions in both directions, such as Ena Gorge and Ryujin Falls, and you can continue north to famous tourist destinations like Hida-Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen, Korankei, Eihoji Temple, and Inuyama Castle. My entire trip was planned based on this, and I'd like to share it with you all. However, before that, I'd like to introduce the guesthouse school's information for your reference.
Lodging Location: Magome-juku (Magno-sato School)
Location: 43-banme, Nakasugawa City, Gifu Prefecture
Post station "Magno-juku"
Contact: 0573-69-5006
Price: Shared dormitory (bunk beds) / ¥6500
Room (two single beds) / ¥7500
Double room (two single beds) / ¥9000
Website: https://www.furusatoggakkou.com