Kamesei Ryokan

Very nice place run by Tyler. The private bath was very nice and cosy.

Stayed 2 nights and the first night was magical. Initially we thought about exploring more with our car after checking in but wisely settled into the total experience of a traditional Ryokan experience. It was such a treat! We suited up in traditional gown and were persuaded by Tyler to slide into wooden sandals. Tyler introduced us to his neighbor who was a proud descendant of Samurai. Clogging through town we found the public onsen foot baths and luxuriously soaked in the extravagant warmth. Upon our return we experienced a delightful traditional dinner but with a vegetarian twist. It was incredible . So was the breakfast the next day! Thank you Tyler and Mari for all of the personal attention and suggestions! The icing on the cake were all the snow monkeys not too far from the inn. Don’t hesitate to book your stay!

We are so fortunate a Japanese friend of ours suggested a visit not only to Nagano, but also specifically to Kamesei Ryokan. Most foreign travelers hit the big cities but taking time to leave the crowds and cities was magical. The train from Tokyo to Nagano and on to Togura is easy. We took a little trip out to the Snow Monkey Park from Nagano, I would highly recommend this (in June there are babies everywhere!). Tyler was communicative from the start of our planning. He and Mari are helpful, welcoming, and fun. We had dinners and breakfasts at the ryokan—- you MUST do this. The food is spectacular and a work of art. Fresh and traditional and they will accommodate your needs. On arrival, Tyler gave a great introduction (in English, he is American) to the use of the baths, traditions, and the history of the ryokan. This inn was owned by Mari’s parents and is historic, not housed in a concrete building as some are. The rooms are large and spotlessly clean with private baths. There is a large central garden and the entire ryokan is built around smaller gardens. We did a walking tour of the town with Tyler and interacted with local shop owners, heard local lore, learned the places to eat, drink and even target shoot. I wish we had stayed longer. We traveled from Togura to go south on the Nakasendo Trail. It was a bit of a travel morning but Tyler arranged our bags to be sent ahead to Magome and helped with our train planning. We arrived that evening in Magome flawlessly.