Magome Waki-Honjin Museum

The Magome Waki-Honjin Museum (馬籠脇本陣史料館, Magome Waki-Honjin Shiryokan) is a historic building that once served as a secondary inn for high-ranking officials and samurai traveling along the Nakasendo during the Edo period. As part of the post town of Magome, it played a crucial role in Japan’s pre-modern transportation network. The inn is particularly notable for its connection to the celebrated writer Shimazaki Toson—his father was the last caretaker of the Waki-Honjin, and the building itself is Toson’s birthplace. Today, the structure stands as a preserved example of Edo-era architecture and offers insights into the lifestyle and travel customs of Japan’s feudal elite.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore traditionally styled rooms and curated exhibits that detail Toson’s life and literary achievements. From manuscripts and personal belongings to displays on the inn’s historical function, the museum blends literary legacy with architectural authenticity. This fusion of cultural heritage and historical significance makes the Magome Waki-Honjin Museum a compelling destination for those interested in Japan’s literary past and the lived experiences of travelers in the Edo period.