Kamesei Ryokan

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.