BYAKU Narai.

Set within the Edo-era post-town of Narai-juku, BYAKU Narai is a thoughtful conversion of a 200-year-old residence into a 12-suite sanctuary. The architecture respects the original woodwork and spatial flow of the Kiso Valley, while the 16 guest rooms introduce modern comforts like private open-air baths and deep soaking tubs. The culinary program is a major draw; the onsite restaurant, Kura, features seasonal kaiseki menus served on local Kiso lacquerware. Beyond the rooms, the property includes a public indoor bath fed by mountain waters and a sake bar housed in a former brewery. Located a short walk from Narai Station, the hotel serves as a sophisticated gateway for those walking the Nakasendo trail, blending rural mountain tranquility with precise, contemporary design.