Nagataki

An amazing experience and stay! We spent two nights in the ryokan and it was a highlight of our trip. The food is exquisite and we were served an array of traditional, creative and beautiful dishes which we very much enjoyed. The staff are so friendly and welcoming and did everything to make our stay relaxing and comfortable. They also offered us transfers to the nearby beautiful Majome-Juku from where we walked along the Nakasendo trail and experienced the stunning Japanese countryside and traditional crafts. We also went in the onsen and had in house massages which were amazing. If we’re ever lucky enough to come back to Japan we will certainly be staying again!

Nagataki is a compound of several "hundreds of years old" typical houses connected through walkable paths and integrated with nature. You can truly feel the "old" and "nature" vibe all across the property. The houses being old can get really cold during the winter even with the heaters turned on, so be prepared with warm layers and pajamas so you can have a pleasant night. You get your own private restroom and bathroom with a soaking tub along with all the amenities you might need. You can also use the public bath (separate women from men), which was a delight and the walk across the property was really invigorating. You also get yukatas you can wear on your room and around the property that makes the experience even better. When you book half board (which I highly encourage you do), you get breakfast and dinner (kaiseki style) served directly on your 'old house / room', and the food is 5 star Michelin grade, honestly the best food we ever had in all our 3 weeks in japan!!! You have to try it!!! And they cook using local ingredients <3 The service was incredible, Masaya was very attentive to our needs and gave us really good advice for the Nakasendo Trail and how to move around the towns and back. They also offer a shuttle service from and to the Nakatsugawa station (I suggest you contact them prior to arrival to schedule the pick up, otherwise there are plenty of taxis outside the station at a very reasonable price so either way works). Highly recommend this Ryokan!

Nagataki was better than a hotel stay. We stayed for one night before walking the Nakasendo. We had our own little Japanese cottage set in a lovely garden. Meals were served in our cottage and were simply amazing. The food presentation was a work of art and absolutely delicious and inventive. The onsen was beautiful and had a gorgeous view out to the garden. The staff were so lovely even though not a great deal of English was spoken. We were picked up and dropped off at Nakatsagawa station. Would definitely return.