Where to stay in Tsumago and Nagiso, Nakasendo Trail
Take the hassle out of finding where to stay in Tsumago and Nagiso while you explore this region of the Kiso Valley. Whether you’re hiking part of the Nakasendo Way or just looking to experience time in a stunning post town in rural Japan, this guide helps you plan your Nagiso and Tsumago accommodation.
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One of the biggest challenges I had when I was planning my three-day Nakasendo hiking itinerary was where to stay. And nowhere proved harder to plan than finding accommodation in Tsumago. The reason it was difficult is simple, supply and demand. There are just two options if you want to stay in Tsumago.
However the good news is there is more accommodation options available within a reasonable distance from Tsumago, in Otsumago and Nagiso. The additional stretch of the Nakansedo Trail from Tsumago to Nagiso is charming, and if you follow my three-day Nakasendo itinerary it staying in Nagiso will also slash some time (and distance) off the day two section of the route.
Whether you’re looking for traditional minshuku-style accommodation in Tsumago with delicious authentic Kiso Valley cuisine, or want to self-cater as a guest house with convenient facilities, you have options.
There aren’t really hotels in Tsumago Juku or Nagiso. Instead, you’ll find traditional accommodation in the form of ryokans, minshukus, or guest houses. Several of the options for accommodation in Tsumago are only available to be booked directly via the property’s website, while more options in Nagiso are available to book through your usual online booking websites. This can also prove finding where to stay more difficult.
In this guide, I cover the various accommodation options from dual occupancy rooms at traditional inns to entire guest houses you can book for groups or families. Nagiso is especially suitable for small and medium sized groups or families, with multi-room properties available. Read on to start planning your Tsumago and Nagiso accommodation.
Short on time? My Top Recommendations
Located directly in Tsumago Town
Small minshuku for an intimate experience
Option to reserve with dinner and breakfast of authentic Kiso Valley cuisine (vegetarian option available upon advanced request)
Check Daikichi Inn availability now.
Directly on Nakasendo Trail route
Only two rooms available, providing intimate experience
Pick up/drop off shuttle service from Nagiso Station
Accommodation in Tsumago and O-Tsumago, Japan
Unlike accommodation in Magome, there are just two places to stay in Tsumago. A little further away in O-Tsumago, aout 15 minutes walk towards Magome, there are several more inns, and another larger hotel which offers a shuttle service. I’ve outlined each option with additional detail below.
Onyado Daikichi | My husband and I stayed at Daikichi for a night, and it is one of our most memorable experiences in Japan to date. A traditional minshuku in Tsumago, it is one of only two options in town. There are just four traditional tatami style rooms available, with shared western bathrooms. You can choose to add on breakfast, dinner, or both for your stay and the selection of traditional Kiso Valley cuisine cooked by the hosts is excellent. Due to the limited options for accommodation in Tsumago, Daikichi does book in advance and you need to reserve directly via their website as they aren’t listed on booking platforms.
Matsushiroya Ryokan | The only other option within the heart of Tsumago, this historic ryokan provides authentic Japanese-style rooms with fusuma (sliding paper doors) and historic details. The property has shared bathrooms typical of accommodation in the area, and is ideal for those who want a traditional Edo-period ambience. Booking enquiries need to be made directly via Matsushiroya Ryokan’s website.
Hanaya | Located in O-Tsumago, around a 15-minute walk from the centre of Tsumago, this historic inn has been a family-run guesthouse for more than 300 years. With Japanese-style rooms, a large Maifan stone bath, and local mountain produce-based meals, it’s a great alternative. Rooms can be reserved directly via their website.
Dining room at Daikichi Inn, Tsumago.
Maruya Inn | A charming traditional guest house in O-Tsumago, the highlight is the traditional Irori fireplace and shared rest areas. The bathhouse was renovated in 2020, and the property is surrounded by beautiful gardens that change with the seasons. Bookings need to be made directly via their website.
Tsutamuraya | A small, atmospheric minshuku in Otsumago that has been lovingly restored. About 20-minutes from Tsumago, the property has a secluded atmosphere providing a slow pace that is ideal for mindful travellers. Meals use home-grown vegetables, rice, fish, and the owners even make their own house-brewed sake. Book directly via the Tsutamuraya website.
TAOYA Kisoji | A more upscale, modern hotel located 4km from Tsumago with a shuttle service to/from Nagiso station and on-site parking if you’re driving. The hotel has both Japanese and Western-style rooms, a sauna, open-air bath, and onsen facilities. A good choice if you are renting a car and looking for a larger, more modern accommodation near Tsumago. Check availability and rates for TAOYA Kisoji.
Accommodation in Nagiso, Kiso Valley
Tsumago falls within the wider area of Nagiso in the Kiso Valley, and the walk between Tsumago and Nagiso is equally as charming as the Magome Pass hike. If you can’t find available accommodation in Tsumago, then Nagiso is a great alternative for a few reasons:
It has a train station on the Chuo line which connects to Nakastugawa
Nagiso is a great starting point for completing the walk to Nojiri via the Yodawara Route
There are several accommodation options in Nagiso that can be booked on well-known booking websites
I would consider Nagiso a great alternative to Tsumago and recommend the following guest houses and inns.
Hostel Yui-an | I almost booked a night at Hostel Yui-an, and it was my top choice if I didn’t secure accommodation in Tsumago. A family-run renovated farm house on the outskirts of Nagiso, it’s right on the route for the Nakasendo Trail. Offering delicious homecooked dinner and breakfast, and a great bar area for socialising with the other guests (only two rooms on site), it’s a great choice. Check availability and rates For Hostel Yui-an.
Oyado Katsu | This two-bedroom apartment offers private accommodation in Nagiso that is perfect for families or small groups. Just a few minutes’ walk from Nagiso Station and Momosuke Bridge, it is a great choice for travellers who want a self-catered option. There is a balcony overlooking the Kiso River, and free onsite parking if you’ve hired a car to explore the area. Check availability and prices for Oyado Katsu.
MOUNTAinn Nagiso | Directly opposite Nagiso train station, MOUNTAinn is a four-bedroom guest house rental that is ideal for larger groups or families. The property includes a shared kitchen, lounges, terraces, private balconies, and various communal spaces to enjoy time with your travel companions. It makes for a good base too if you plan on using the train to explore more of the Kiso Valley over several days due to its convenient location. Check rates and availability for MOUNTAinn Nagiso.
ame nakasendo | Ame Nakasendo was opening the week after I walked part of the trail and the renovation of this 150-year-old kominka has been carefully planned with beautiful detail. A little outside of Nagiso main town near Kabuto Kanon, the two-bedroom house has everything you need for a self-catered stay including kitchen and dining facilities, a washing machine, and is surrounded by the rural Kiso Valley landscape. There’s also a cafe on-site open for hikers to stop by during the day. Check rates and availability for ame Nakasendo.
tsumugi tei | If you’re looking for private accommodation, this one-bedroom apartment includes air-conditioning, a balcony with mountain and river views, streaming services, a washing machine, and a fully equipped kitchen. Just a two-minute walk from Nagiso Station, it offers a convenient location to hikers and travellers wanting to make the most of their time in the Kiso Valley. Check availability and rates for tsumugi tei.
How far in advance do I need to book accommodation in Tsumago?
I booked my stay in Tsumago around eight months before visiting. The main reason I booked so far in advance, is that this stay was part of a longer three-month Japan trip and missing out on a reservation would have meant a lot of movement and juggling my itinerary. With that said, I would recommend booking as soon as you have your travel dates confirmed, ideally no less than three months in advance.
Is it better to stay in Tsumago or Magome?
I stayed in both towns during my three-day Nakasendo hike, and both were equally idyllic. There are more accommodation options in Magome and many can be booking through English-based websites where you can view several options and compare. In Tsumago, there are only two options directly in town, with a few other options in Otsumago, and most must be booked directly via their website. At the end of the day, one isn’t better than the other to spend the night, and it will likely come down to availability when you’re making reservations.
Plan more to see and do around Japan’s Central Alps region with these guides.
My complete 3-day Nakasendo hiking guide
How to see the hot spring monkeys in Nagano
A day trip to Togakushi Shrine
Discover the best things to do in Kanazawa
Consider this alternative itinerary to the typical Golden Route
