Walking Japan

Daikichi and Matsushiroya Minshuku — Tsumago

The Minsuku properties in Tsumago are small, so we use two inns: Daikichi and Matsushiroya.

Daikichi is a traditional-style inn, run by a friendly family, with five tatami-mat rooms for guests. The family serve dinner consisting of many small dishes featuring locally-grown ingredients. Guests lay our their own futons in the evening and take it in turns to use the bath privately; the bathtub is made from Kiso cypress.

Matsushiroya is a traditional-style inn established in 1804, offering six tatami-mat rooms for guests, several toilets and wash basins, plus two rooms for bathing. Usually, one bathing room is used communally by men and one is used communally by women, but depending on occupancy levels the inn may suggest that guests bathe privately in turn.

Iseya Minshuku

Iseya (Narai) is a traditional, Minshuku-style Japanese inn established in 1818. During the Edo period it served as one of Narai’s two porter-service offices. The friendly, family-run inn now occupies the original wooden building and a newer annex. There are ten tatami-mat rooms for guests; you lay out your own futon in the evening. There are several guest toilets and wash basins, plus two rooms for bathing. Guests take it in turns to use the baths privately; the bathtubs are made of Kiso umbrella pine. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms. Meals are traditional Japanese style set menus featuring local specialities from the Kiso Valley area.

Komanoyu Ryokan

Komanoyu has lovely, big onsen baths with indoor and outdoor sections (there are separate baths for men and women). Just grab your traditional Japanese towel for modesty and pad down to the bathing space for complete relaxation. Sleep well atop futons in the spacious guest rooms and enjoy traditional Japanese dishes. For those who need to connect digitally, Wi-Fi is available in the lobby area.

Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa — Kyoto

Ideally located near a variety of restaurants, entertainment options and historic sites, The Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa provides easy access to the all that the city has to offer. Rooms are simple and modern, with LCD TV, high-speed internet access, and private bathrooms. There is a spa on-site that offers massages and beauty treatments. The staff is friendly and happy to assist with any requests you might have.

Park Hotel — Tokyo

Park Hotel Tokyo is a luxury hotel that is ideally located in Shiodome, a bustling center of business and culture. The Park Hotel's art theme is reflected in the 17 artist-designed guestrooms, the various art installations and exhibitions the hotel displays, and the creative cuisine that is served in its many restaurants. The Park Hotel Tokyo offers traditional Japanese hospitality in a modern setting.

Shojoshinin Shukubo

Shojoshinin is a Japanese style ‘shukubo’ or lodging in a Buddhist temple, originally meant for pilgrims but now open to the public. This shukubo is, in fact, attached to one of the oldest Buddhist temples on Mount Koya (Koyasan)! Originally built as a thatched hut more than 1,150 years ago, today it boasts attractive 150-year-old buildings, and the property features Japanese style gardens and a pond. Shojoshinin has 22 guest rooms and there are two large communal bathing areas—one for men and one for women. In addition, there is one smaller bathing room which guests can use privately in turn. The bathtubs are all beautifully made of Hinoki cypress wood. Shojoshinin has also preserved an atmospheric old kitchen area, too, and the Shojoshinin Temple offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of a Shingon Buddhist Monk.

Tajimaya Minshuku — Kiso Valley

Experience an authentic Minshuku (Japanese guest house) at charming Tajimaya. Located in Magome along the Nakasendo Road, which was used extensively by travelers during the Edo Period, Tajimaya offers traditional Japanese-style rooms where all bathroom facilities are shared among guests. The Japanese "irori" (hearth) is over 100 years old and it is still in use. The owners of Tajimaya serve fresh, local cuisine in the dining area, and guests can relax in the wooden tubs after a long day's hike.