From $350
Private Nakasendo Hiking Tours
In the Edo period (1603-1867), the post town of Narai Juku was known as Narai of 1,000 inns (奈良井千軒) and believe me, there was no shortage of places to stay! This impressive historical town stretches out for 1km and is absolutely packed with ancient architecture. There are still a few ancient inns that are still in business. In recent times newer businesses, including cafes and artisan shops have started to take over the previously empty buildings which are breathing new life into the town. Unlike other post towns, outside of the center of Narai, there is basically nothing. Narai Juku is a fleck of a town on the mountainside. It can be tough to find good info online in English about where to stay in Narai, so here is our guide on where to stay in Narai Juku:
Where to Stay in Narai Juku?
Before I get started, let me just say that many of the inns of Narai Juku are notoriously difficult to book. They are not on your usual English-language booking sites and some probably still use fax. Hi-tech, they are not, though they do have heated toilets. Really Rural Japan are a local eco-tourism operation and we offer private hiking tours of the Nakasendo. Feel free to contact us, we offer our customers free booking support.
Where to Stay in Narai:
BYAKU - A 2020 opened collaborative project breathing younger life into a very old village. This is the high-end option when it comes to Narai Juku, however, the craftsmanship and the gritty, historical attention to detail in this 200-year-old building renovation are quite something to behold. Also features a tasting bar for Suginomori Sake (杉の森酒造), a luxurious sake made right next door. Two meals and a stay will start from around 50,000-60,000 JPY per person. The food and the detail are exceptional and they tend to cater to all dietary requirements.
Yechigoya (ゑちごや旅館) - This historical, traditional ryokan has served many a famous writer and artist. Definitely a good place for those looking for an authentic historical experience. Two meals and a stay will cost around 20,000JPY per person.
Minshuku Shimada (民宿しまだ) - This family-run minshuku is a homely, welcoming inn in a historic building, with two meals and a stay costing about 10,000JPY per person.
Oyada Iseya (御宿伊勢屋) - Opened in the year 1818 this historical building was once a wholesaler. Now it’s a gorgeously renovated inn costing about 12,000JPY per person for two meals and a stay.
Minshuku Ikariya (民宿いかりや) - A small family-run minshuku in a historical building in the heart of the village. Expect to pay about 10,000JPY for two meals and a stay.
Where to Stay when Narai is Full:
Closer to the busy seasons of spring and autumn, Narai tends to fill up. Here are some alternatives when Narai is full:
Shiojiri:
Le Terra Resort - Not exactly an easy commute, this stunning 300 year old renovation was headed by Italian born, Mr. Silva, a fashion creator, thus explaining the places sense of style. A rural Japanese inn with an Italian twist. You will need taxis or pick ups to connect the dots. But it is worth it if you are looking for style.
Book La Terra Resort Now on Booking.com
Matsumoto:
Matsumoto is just 40 minutes by train from Narai and offers a large hub city with lots of things to see and do for people who cannot find room in Narai Juku.
Onyado Nono - Located very close to Matsumoto Station, this highly rated large onsen hotel makes a convenient spot to stay at when Narai Juku is full. Matsumoto Station is about 40 minutes by local train from Narai Station and is a full on tourist town itself with a castle and historical streets for shopping.
Tabino Hotel Iit Matsumoto - 500m from Matsumoto Station, Tabino Hotel is a comfortable, large, modern onsen hotel using the white hot spring waters of Shirahone Onsen in its bath.
Book Tabino Hotel Now on Booking.com
Shimo-Suwa:
Shimo-Suwa is the 29th town on the Nakasendo and the only one which had natural hot springs bubbling up from the ground. Shimo-Suwa is known for the enormous and impressive Lake Suwa and two of the grand shrines of Suwa based Shintoism, Harumiya and Akimiya, which themselves are most famous for Onbashira Festival, a festival that occurs every six years, as local men risk their lives hurtling down mountainsides on giant timber logs. Shimosuwa Station is about 1 hour train ride from Narai Station.
Chosenkaku Kameya - Chosenkaku Kameya is an ancient hot spring inn near to Akimiya Grand Shrine. Currently run by the 29th generation of the family business, Kameya goes way back into the Edo period over 300 years and has been used by famous writers and artists throughout the ages.
Gingetsu Ryokan - A beautiful natural hot spring ryokan near to Akimiya Grand Shrine with a focus on good food and good springs.
Baigetsu Ryokan - This ryokan is also located very close to Akimiya Grand Shrine and has a particular focus on the local speciality of horse meat.
Book Baigetsu Ryokan Now on Booking.com
Kiso-Fukushima:
Only 20 minutes by train from Narai, Kiso-Fukushima makes a great alternative when Narai is full. However, the town fills up to max capacity itself. Check out our guide on Where to Stay in Kiso-Fukushima.
