Nagataki

This traditional Japanese ryokan was simply amazing! We were picked up from the train station and brought to a beautiful garden where small thatched or tiled cottages, some 200 years old, nestled in the greenery. The cottage had everything we needed including modern bathroom, and a dining room and sitting room where our futons were laid out at night. Our 11 course exquisite meal was brought to us, course by course, and each was a delight. We slept so well after our long day hiking. We would completely and utterly recommend this place to stay- make a special trip to Nakatsugawa to do so!

Nagataki was perhaps the highlight accom of our whole 2.5 week Japan journey. It cost more than any of our other accommodation but it was worth it as our 2 nights here were so memorable. Our 200 year old traditional house was full of character with a beautiful view and so spacious and with modern bathroom - even had hosted a Japanese Emperor! We read some reviews that said it was cold but with the ample heaters on before we entered every day and hot water bottles delivered each evening for our warm comfy futons, we were so cosy and never cold despite wintery conditions outside. The included food by chef Maseyo was incredible- such skillful traditional sushi and dishes using local unique fruits, vegetables and fish and so ample (7-10 courses each breakfast and dinner!). And he created amazing creative vegetarian alternatives for me while my partner ate the full range and we both loved every dish - and the warm sake! Maseyo speaks excellent english and is descended from a long family line running this historical Ryokan hundreds of years. The woman who brought us most of our meals and helped show us how to wear our yukatas (belted up with a resounding “CHOTO!!”) was so lovely and had a great sense of humour. Such warm and genuine hospitality. We had the onsen set in the beautiful grounds and facing the forest all to ourselves and that was such an unmissable relaxing treat every morning. We could have happily stayed reading and relaxing in our room and soaking in the onsen the whole time, but we also really loved exploring the surrounding area with drop off and pick up to the train station by the accommodation and great suggestions for what to see from Maseyo. Perfect authentic place to begin (or end) walking the Nakasendo trail. We definitely will go back one day!

We had an unforgettable stay at Nagataki. The staff is so gracious, extending such warm hospitality from our pickup at the train station, luggage transport to our house, yakata dressing assistance, dinner and breakfast service, and dropoff in Magome. One staff member even gave my daughter an excellent in-room massage after dinner, capping off a relaxing evening. Our 100-year-old house was charming, with not only a kotatsu and irori inside but also beautiful views of the mountains outside. My only suggestion would be to replace the kerosene heater with an electric one so avoid the odor.