Ichikokutochi Tateba Chaya

Ichikokutochi Tateba Chaya is a historic resting place that once flourished as a tachiba chaya — a traditional wayside teahouse where travelers along the old Nakasendo Road could pause and recover from the journey during the Edo period.

Even today, the teahouse continues to be lovingly maintained by a small group of local volunteers. Gathered around the traditional irori hearth, travelers may still experience a quiet moment of warmth and rest, much as people did centuries ago while crossing the Magome Pass.

The site was also visited by the British actress and travel presenter Joanna Lumley, who introduced it in a BBC travel documentary as one of the memorable cultural treasures of the Nakasendo.

What is particularly remarkable is that this teahouse is sustained by only a handful of volunteers — no more than five people in total. On busy days, as many as 500 travelers may pass through and use the facilities free of charge.

Their devotion reflects a profound sense of pride in protecting something authentic and deeply rooted in local culture. I, too, consider myself one of those who share that sentiment.

Recently, one of the volunteers quietly mentioned the growing difficulty of dealing with discarded food waste, particularly unfinished boxed meals left behind by visitors.

For those who visit this special place, I would be most grateful if you could kindly keep in mind the efforts of these volunteers and assist by disposing of rubbish thoughtfully and responsibly.

Such small acts of consideration help preserve not only the teahouse itself, but also the spirit of mutual respect and hospitality that has long defined the Nakasendo journey.