Tsumago Juku Stays: Top Picks & Booking Guide 【Nakasendo Trail】
Tsumago Juku is the 42nd post town of the historic Nakasendo trail, it is a place where the essence of the Edo period in Japan is vividly preserved. It stands out as one of the earliest towns in Japan to undertake the preservation of its historical and picturesque landscape.
In the 1960s, the residents of Tsumago-juku established a charter with a commitment to not sell, rent, or demolish their homes and lands. This initiative has successfully protected the town’s streetscape to this day.
Post-World War II Japan saw rapid economic growth, leading to widespread land redevelopment and modernization across the country. However, Tsumago-juku feared the loss of traditional Japanese architecture to modernization and took unique steps to preserve its historical post town appearance.
Today, Tsumago-juku is a popular destination attracting tourists from all over the world. Behind this success lies the relentless efforts of its residents, who chose to preserve their heritage over embracing modern conveniences.
The charm of Tsumago-juku is not just in its old-town scenery but also in the living culture and lifestyle of its people. I encourage you to experience the rich history and culture of Tsumago, which extends far beyond what can be captured in photos and videos. This is a journey into the heart of traditional Japan, waiting to be explored by visitors from around the globe.
もくじ
Where to Stay in Tsumago Juku
Accommodations in Tsumago Juku are known for being challenging to book.
It is because that , none of the facilities are listed on major reservation sites like Booking.com or Expedia.
While some have English websites, often reservations can only be made through phone calls in Japanese.
This is likely because many of these accommodations are family-run and may not be equipped with advanced technology.
However, this also means that the staff are exceptionally friendly and provide a personal touch, rather than being purely business-oriented.
Your stay in Tsumago Juku is poised to be one of the most memorable parts of your Nakasendo Trail experience.
If it would be difficult to make a reservation by yourself, Kiso Adventure can help you.
Kiso Adventure was founded by local youth to help connect travelers with these unique and hard-to-book accommodations.
Please feel free to contact them for a free consultation.
Basic Information on Tsumago juku Accommodations
Reservations must be made in advance. It is extremely rare to be able to make a reservation on the same day or the day before. Make reservations as early in the day as possible.
Traditional accommodations in Tsumago Juku are in the form of “Ryokan” or “Minshuku”.
From the Japanese meaning of the word, “Ryokan” is larger in scale, but in Tsumago Juku, there is solittle difference between “Ryokan” and “Minshuku”
The standard room rate is 10,000 to 15,000 yen per night including dinner and breakfast.
Plans without meals are cheaper, but those with meals are strongly recommended.
This is because there are no restaurants nearby where you can have dinner or breakfast.
Dinner is often served in a uniquely Japanese course style called “Kaiseki,” which allows you to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine.
In addition, toilets and bathrooms are shared with other guests. Also, rooms may not have locks.
The accommodations will be in a historical building and are different from other accommodations. Please be aware of that.
List of Accommodations in Tsumago Juku
スクロールできます
| Name | Web Site (Eng) | Online booking | Location ※1 | Price※2 (1night with Dinner&Breakfast) | Tel | Google Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikichi |  | |  | 10,500~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-2595 | |
| Tsutamuraya | | | | 10,000~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3235 | |
| Maruya | | | | 12, 100~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3117 | |
| Hanaya | | | | 11,500~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3106 | |
| Fujito | | (Mail) | | 13,550~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3009 | |
| Kohshinzuka | | (Mail) | | 9,000~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3029 | |
| Shimosagaya | | – | | 9,100~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3124 | |
| Matsushiroya | ※Error | – | | – | +81 264- 57-3022 | |
| kameyama | – | – | | 9,500~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3187 |
スクロールできます
| Name | Web (Eng) | Online booking | Loca tion ※1 | Price※2 (1night & 2meals) | Tel | Google Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dai kichi | | | | 10,500~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-2595 | |
| Tsuta muraya | | | | 10,000~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3235 | |
| Maruya | | | | 12, 100~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3117 | |
| Hanaya | | | | 11,500~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3106 | |
| Fujito | | (Mail) | | 13,550~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3009 | |
| Kohshin zuka | | (Mail) | | 9,000~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3029 | |
| Shimo sagaya | | – | | 9,100~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3124 | |
| Matsu shiroya | ※Error | – | | – | +81 264- 57-3022 | |
| kame yama | – | – | | 9,500~ JPY p.p. | +81 264- 57-3187 |
※1 ◎＝Tsumago, ○=Ostusmago
※2 As of January 2024.
