In our last blog post we talked about the Gokaido, the five routes built in the Edo period of Japan, which connected the capital of Edo, modern Tokyo, with the outer provinces of the country. We also talked about the Tokaido, one of the two routes connecting the old capital of Kyoto with the new […]
Magome

Samurai Postal Routes: Gokaido and Tokaido
By Unique Japan Tours on 15/07/2015 in Knowledge, Samurai, Japan, Autumn, Magome, Tsumago, Culture, Edo, People, Tokyo, Traditions, Takayama, Beauty, History
In 1601, soon after he came into power, the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu started to build five routes connecting the capital of Edo (modern day Tokyo), with the other provinces. These routes were essential for the success of the Sankin-Kotai system, where lords would have to alternate years of living in Edo with their home provinces. […]

Tsumago to Magome Traditional Samurai Postal Route
Spectacular scenery but word of warning – leave your baby behind!! Myself, my husband (Japanese), and my soon to be two year old daughter arrived at Nagiso station after a one hour train ride from Nagoya. The journey from Nagoya takes in just enough of rice fields and nature to get you in the mood […]