Byaku Narai

This is the best hotel we ever stayed at. If you are reading this review, it means you already decided on going to the middle of no where Japan. Byaku more or less owns the town. There are other ryokans but nowhere close the the quality of this. They also have the only restaurant open late and it is amazing!!! Furthermore book it on a Friday/Sat/Sunday so you can enjoy the sake brewery next to the hot springs. Also get rooms with your own Onsen, it’s worth it the public ones aren’t co gender

This is a very unique hotel, and you will remember staying here the rest of your life. Our room was down the street from the main building, which was inconvenient. It was also right next to the railroad track. Find out where your room is located. Going up to the bedroom was a little like climbing a latter. For two senior citizens, I considered it somewhat dangerous. Dinner was wonderful, but we got a laugh out of being the only ones in the dining room not wearing the hotel-provided pajamas. I wouldn't stay here again because it was a lot of work, but it was memorable. The town is very cool, but a day trip might be a better option.

What an amazing hotel. The architecture, the attention to detail. I've stayed in nice hotels around the world and this would stand out anywhere. Certainly one of the most memorable and to find this in the Nakasendo is amazing. I remember coming across this hotel by chance off a YouTube video (channel: Abroad in Japan), and it was the push I needed to come to the Nakasendo, because I wanted to stay in a completely modern hotel. And so I built my trip around staying here. Making a non-refundable reservation at Byaku 8 months ago felt like taking a chance because there were only 3 reviews on Tripadvisor, and only a handful more on Google, and I didn't know my bearings around the area... and it was the right choice. Knowing what I know now, I'd absolutely do it all over again. A lot more reviews on Google now too. I guess no one uses this site anymore ;) Byaku is amazing. I know I already said that. They started off with 2 or 3 buildings. Now they have 16 rooms across 4 buildings. I stayed in Room 110, it was beautiful. Absolutely go for the dining-included option, because their restaurant, Kura, is where you're going to have the best meals in the Nakasendo. 1 night is not enough. 3 nights might be too much. 2 nights felt perfect. Things to do in Narai town... not much. Day hikes around using the hotel as a base. Our main highlight in Nakasendo was taking the train to Nagiso to get to Tsumago, and hiking Tsumago to Magome. Take note the local trains to/from Narai station are not very frequent so make a note of the timings!

My stay at Byaku Narai was so comfortable and the highlight of my entire trip to Japan. The place is really beautiful- restored historic buildings with modern minimalist aesthetic. It was serene and fresh and also charming. The room was really spacious with beautiful wood floors and high beamed ceilings. There were lots of lovely amenities - bath soaks, great tea and coffee. Comfy clothes to wear to dinner or around the town. It is hard to describe how amazing the food was. It felt almost transcendent - like a great symphony. Lots of local ingredients, complexity and depth. I can see why the chef is ranked so highly. Overall the stay really reminded me of the history of the town - a rest stop for weary travelers. I felt fully safe pampered and restored.