Minshuku Echigoya
9.2
Exceptional(20 reviews)
493 Narai, Shiojiri, Nagano 399-6303, Japan
+81 264-34-3011
+3
Hotel Description
Minshuku Echigoya, located in the charming town of Narai, Shiojiri, Nagano, offers a serene and authentic experience for those looking to immerse themselves in Japan’s Edo-period history. Situated just a 7-minute walk from Narai Train Station, this refined inn is perfectly positioned to explore the nearby cultural treasures. The iconic Narai Kiso-no-Ohashi Bridge, a 300-year-old marvel, is also a mere 7 minutes away, offering stunning views of the Narai River and its surrounding park. For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Torii Pass, a scenic walking trail, is just 5 km from the inn. The design of Minshuku Echigoya is traditional and understated, with wood ceilings and tatami floors that evoke a sense of warmth and tranquility. Guests can enjoy the comfort of futons and chabudai dining tables in two peaceful rooms that are adorned with original antique art and polished wood platforms. One of the rooms offers a picturesque view of the Narai River, allowing guests to enjoy nature’s beauty from the comfort of their accommodation. The hotel prides itself on offering a peaceful atmosphere for its guests. The amenities include free parking, breakfast, and dinner, creating a seamless experience from arrival to departure. A beautiful courtyard garden adds to the charm, providing a tranquil space for relaxation. Additionally, a communal bathhouse with a traditional wooden soaking tub offers guests a chance to unwind and enjoy a timeless Japanese bathing ritual. The hotel’s location is ideal for those interested in exploring the history and culture of the area. Within walking distance, you can visit Narai-juku, an Edo-period hamlet along the Nakasendo Trail, which features wooden temples, museums, and souvenir shops. The hotel is also close to the Torii Pass, Yabuhara Kogen, and the breathtaking Kiso-no-Ohashi Bridge. For those looking to experience natural beauty, Mount Kisokoma, a popular peak for climbing, is about an hour’s drive away. The hotel provides easy access to public transportation, with Narai Station just 8 minutes away by foot and a variety of taxi and transit options to nearby attractions, including Shinshu-Matsumoto and Toyama airports. In terms of health and safety, Minshuku Echigoya takes every precaution to ensure guest safety. The hotel offers a clean and well-maintained environment, with a commitment to guest comfort and well-being throughout their stay. Whether you are looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, Minshuku Echigoya offers the perfect base for an unforgettable experience in Nagano, Japan.
The Most Outstanding Trait
1. Walking distance to Narai-juku and Kiso-no-ohashi Bridge
2. 8 min walk to nearest train station
3. Traditional Edo-period design with tatami floors and futons
4. Beautiful river-view room available
5. Communal bathhouse with wooden soaking tub
6. Elegant courtyard garden for relaxation
7. Breakfast and dinner included in stay
8. Parking available for guests
9. Convenient public transport options nearby
10. Close proximity to famous cultural sites and scenic trails
8.2 Excellent
Location rating
Top sights
Narai-juku
4 min
Torii Pass10 min
Yabuhara Kogen17 min
Kiso-no-ohashi Bridge4 min
Mount Kisokoma54 min
See more Interesting locations
Good to know
| Check-in | 15:00 |
| Check-out | 10:00 |
| Location rating | 8.2 |
| Nearest airport | Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport |
| Travel time to airport | 41 min |
Recommended properties nearby
Location
493 Narai, Shiojiri, Nagano 399-6303, Japan
Airports:
Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport
Taxi: 41 min
Transit: 2 hr 38 min
Toyama Airport
Taxi: 2 hr 54 min
Transit: 4 hr 44 min
Transit:
Yabuhara Station
Taxi: 8 min
Walking: 1 hr 13 min
Naraikaikan
Walking: 1 min
Kiso-Hirasawa Station
Taxi: 5 min
Walking: 37 min
Narai Station
Walking: 8 min
Nearby locations
8.2
Excellent Location
A 7-minute walk from Narai train station, this refined Edo-era inn is 7 minutes' walk from the 300-year-old Narai Kiso-no-Ohashi Bridge, with a park and views of the Narai River. It's 5 km from the entrance to the Torii Pass, a scenic walking trail.
Amenities and Facilities
Parking & transportation
Parking
Pets
No pets
Wellness
No fitness center
No spa
Children
Kid-friendly
Internet
Wi-Fi
Pools
No pools
No hot tub
Rooms
Air conditioning
Reviews
100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo
8.3
8 reviews
Wonderful
5
Excellent
1
Good
1
Below Average
0
Not Good
1
Chevalier de Balibari
3/5
First the good news. Narai is a perfectly preserved post town along the historical Nakasendo that connects Tokyo to Kyoto. It's more beautiful than Magome (very commercialized) and Tsumago (equally as beautiful but with less accomodations). The menu is pescatarian (no meat) and absolutely delicious. The very charming chef owner makes everything himself and it's obvious. Echigoya is a historical building and has been minimally outfitted with modern conveniences.So now the not so good news. Echigoya is not a hotel, but a rustic family run minshuku and less luxurious than a ryokan. There is no air conditioning or TV. Facilities are shared; there are no private bathrooms. The single user bath is 100% cypress wood and very small. Echigoya is located right next to the tracks so trains go whizzing by though I enjoyed sitting on the veranda in the rocking chair.The family that operates the inn lives there, and you have to pass through what I assume is the all purpose living room to get to the rooms except for the one(s) located upstairs. It was a little awkward and I hesitated going out for a stroll, even though the family is probably used to it.Narai is a one night stopover on the Nakasendo. There is not much to do and all the shops close by 5:00. There aren't many trains if you are thinking about visiting other post towns. If you are brave you can hike up the pass like they did in the Edo period over to Yabuhara , the next town over. There are NO accomodations there so you'll have to hop on the train to the next town with places to stay, Kiso Fukushima.
Christin Chloé Bischoff
5/5
You can get to know Japan in the traditional way here :) gladly again!
Steven Cohen
5/5
This minshuku (traditional inn) is worthy of 5 stars for its historic value in the Narai district. The wooden building is a testament to two centuries of arduous upkeep, and you can feel that craftsmanship with every subtle creek of the floor. After taking a soak in its small cypress wood bath and changing into yukata, our dinner was brought to us and each course was explained in detail. I particularly enjoyed the local koi sashimi with miso paste sauce. Not your standard fish dish, but surprisingly good. We became even more impressed when our host revealed our lacquerware dinner trays are the inn's original set, dating back to the early 19th century, and carefully maintained by a local specialist. We wrapped up the night with a hot bath and changed to the yukata and haori to keep our bodies warm as it was surprisingly cold at night.We can't thank the host for being such a friendly gentleman. Just be mindful that this inn can only accomodate a max of 4 guests and it is pretty much occupied every day (according to the current owner).The price we paid for 1 night is $365 (dinner & breakfasr included). Absolute bargain in my honest opinion.Highly recommended.
sky 18
5/5
Enjoying the post town and eating healthy and delicious meals will fill you up. I was able to visit your family's home and it was very peaceful and calming. The rabbit sea urchin is also cute.
em
e m
1/5
When I made a reservation, it was declined. Due to the coronavirus, only one group per day will be allowed, and solo customers will be refused. …
佐藤斗志夫
4/5
Hanging scroll handwritten by Tesshu Yamaoka8 tatami roomTsuyoshi Inukai, 29th Prime MinisterA letter sent to Ebisuya8 tatami roomI was allowed to use the two rooms freely.Dinner and breakfastJapanese food modelThe lacquerware used isAll genuineInside isAlso from the Edo periodIt is currently in use.in the roomTV, air conditioner, refrigeratorthere is no.From 230 years agoNarai-juku as the only innfor a long timelots ofto peoplelovedinnpredecessor's“Ki”to touchMaybe I can do itI don't know.
中野竹子
5/5
Hatago has been around since the Edo period. The building looks like something out of a historical drama. However, the interior is well-cleaned and has no extravagant decorations, making you feel at ease. The room was decorated with old calligraphy and paintings of famous people.Due to the coronavirus pandemic, only one group is allowed per day, so we're sorry but thankfully the place is reserved for everyone! I was able to enjoy a quiet and peaceful time with no clocks or TV, and was touched by the gentle personalities of the husband and wife.I woke up early in the morning, sat in a rocking chair in the hallway, and was leisurely looking outside when a monkey came across the wire, looked at me, and ran away in a panic. It became one of my fond memories of the trip.All the dishes were homemade and very delicious, and we enjoyed local mushrooms and river fish. It's not a fancy dish, but I felt that it was all kind to the body. The price is surprisingly low, and I would like to go again if I have a chance.
Haruko S
5/5
This is an inn where you can feel the heartfelt hospitality of a couple. I was impressed by the simple but nostalgic rooms, the small but warm baths, and above all, the carefully prepared meals. There is no TV, so we recommend it for those who really want to relax. I can feel the thoughtfulness in the small decorations. Repeat confirmed immediately!