Magome is one of the nicest places to stay in the entire Kiso area – if you can manage to secure a reservation. Like nearby Tsumago, accommodation in Magome tends to book up very quickly. We recommend making your reservation as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re visiting in spring or autumn – if you’re booking 3-4 months in advance of your visit you’re already at risk of missing out.
Depending on when you’re booking, it may be much easier to find a place to stay in nearby Nakatsugawa. If you can make a reservation in Magome, though, we highly recommend it. And if you do, make sure to go out for a walk along the main street after dark – the atmosphere is something really special, and you might be lucky enough to get a view of the stars.
The following are some places to stay in Magome and Nakatsugawa. If we’ve stayed their ourselves or heard consistently good things from our own customers then we’ll mention it in that place’s short writeup. However, please understand that we’re merely offering these recommendations as a helpful service for people visiting the area – we never get paid for any of our recommendations, nor can we take responsibility for any aspect of your stay at any of the places below.
sakanomichi
Location: Magome
Located right in the heart of Magome, sakanomichi is a cozy little guesthouse run by Yuki and Ken – an extremely friendly and thoughtful local couple. They also serve great great, homemade food (both dinner and breakfast, with vegetarian and vegan options).
We’ve stayed there ourselves, and honestly it’s one of the nicest places we’ve stayed in the entire Kiso area. Full disclosure though – we’ve worked with Yuki and Ken quite a bit, and are very friendly with them on a personal level as well. However, we think the sheer number of extremely positive reviews from satisfied customers confirms all the nice things we have to say about them.
Magome Chaya
Location: Magome
Also located very centrally in Magome post town. Fairly modern, and very affordable. They don’t provide any meals, but you can ask them for recommendations for nearby restaurant options (we recommend checking and booking in advance, as not all of the restaurants in Magome are open in the evening).
We’ve not stayed at Magome Chaya ourselves, but we’ve heard positive things from customers who have stayed there.
Guesthouse Nedoko
Location: Magome
Also located in Magome post town itself. Modern, stylish, and very affordable. They don’t provide any meals, but you can ask them for recommendations for nearby restaurant options (we recommend checking and booking in advance, as not all of the restaurants in Magome are open in the evening).
Magome Furusato Gakkou
Location: just outside Magome
Located a short 5-10 walk from the southern end of Magome post town, it provides both family rooms as well as beds in a shared dorm. Simple and no-frills, but a very affordable place to stay – often the best place to stay in town when everywhere else has already booked up.
Uncharted Nakasendo 