YAMO Nagiso A Lodge that Weaves Time
in the Kiso Valleyin Nagiso – Nagano, Japan

Agemiya

Agemiya is a traditional ryotei (Japanese-style inn and restaurant) in Tsukechi, Nakatsugawa, with over 150 years of history. Their seasonal dishes, delicately prepared with local ingredients, leave a lasting impression on both the heart and palate. At YAMO Nagiso, you can enjoy a special catered bento from Agemiya with advance reservation. Delight in premium offerings such as melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef roast, perfectly grilled domestic eel, and vibrant seasonal sides—all from the comfort of your room.

ame nakasendo

Located in a 150-year-old restored kominka along the historic Nakasendo road, this café is part of a cultural complex. Enjoy baked goods and seasonal drinks in a warm, creative space. Art exhibitions and pop-up events are also held, making this a rising hub of local culture. Just a 9-minute walk from YAMO. Café hours: Thursday to Saturday, 13:00–16:00 For the latest updates, please check their Instagram.

Azumaya

A nostalgic Japanese diner located near Nagiso Station, Azumaya serves comforting teishoku (set meals) like fried chicken and grilled fish. A long-time favorite among locals. Only a 10-minute walk from YAMO. Lunch: 11:00–14:00 (L.O. 13:30) / Dinner: Reservation only / Closed on Thursdays Check Google Maps for the latest hours.

Cafe Kokoro

A cozy café renovated from an old barbershop. Offering seasonal sweets, light lunches, and quality coffee, it’s the perfect place to take a relaxing break in Nagiso. The calm atmosphere also invites warm interactions with local residents. Just an 11-minute walk from YAMO. Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 (Last order: 16:30) / Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays.

Kuroki Gohei Mochi Shop

Just 30 seconds from the lodge, this local spot offers freshly grilled gohei mochi—rice dumplings with a savory walnut sauce. The mild, comforting flavor makes it easy to eat more than one. Perfect for a quick snack on your walk.
Open 9:00–18:00, irregular holidays.

Nagiso Town

Nagiso is located at the southernmost tip of Nagano Prefecture, bordering Gifu Prefecture. The town lies along the historic Nakasendo, a route that once connected Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. It was not only a road for travelers, but also an important path for transporting timber through the mountainous forests.

The Nakasendo

Compared to the Tokaido, which ran along the coast, the Nakasendo was less affected by weather and didn’t require crossing large rivers. As a result, it was considered a more familiar and accessible route for common people in the Edo period.

Kisoji

Among the many sections of the Nakasendo, the Kiso Valley—surrounded by the towering 3,000-meter peaks of the Southern Alps and Mt. Ontake—and the nearby Kiso River came to be known as Kisoji. This area still retains much of its historic atmosphere today.

Historic Post Towns

There were 69 official post towns along the Nakasendo, 11 of which were located in the Kisoji region. One of them, Tsumago-juku, is the second-to-last post town on the Kisoji and is located in Nagiso.

Tsumago-juku

Once a popular stop for travelers during the Edo period, Tsumago-juku saw fewer visitors as times changed and modernization progressed—partly due to its remote location deep in the Kiso Valley. But that very isolation helped preserve its original charm, and today, it once again draws many visitors seeking a glimpse of Japan’s historical past.

The Five Sacred Trees of Kiso (Kiso Goboku)

With 94% of Nagiso covered by forest, the region is home to the famous Kiso Goboku, or Five Sacred Trees of Kiso: hinoki (Japanese cypress), sawara, nezuko, asunaro, and kōyamaki. These trees have played a vital role in supporting and shaping the traditional wood culture of Japan.

The story of YAMO began by the seaside in Izu.

Our founders, the couple Totani and Yamada, are passionate about the ocean and diving, and were drawn to the underwater beauty of Itō City.
Inspired by the sea, they decided to open their first lodge there—this became the starting point of YAMO.

A Place We Want to Preserve

Our second base came to be in Nagiso, along the historic Nakasendo route.
Here stood an old mountain villa once owned by Totani’s father.
The experience of thinking deeply about how to breathe new life into such an abandoned home became the foundation of YAMO’s core philosophy—to protect and preserve homes.

Woodwork That Sparks the Imagination

The art at YAMO Nagiso was created in collaboration with the artist, with the hope that each guest can enjoy freely imagining what they see—while also feeling connected to the nature of Nagiso and the surrounding Kisoji region.

The Kiso Goboku – Five Sacred Trees of Kiso

Nagiso is surrounded 360 degrees by forest and rich in the five sacred trees of Kiso, which have long supported Japan’s wood culture. It was immediately clear to us that the art here should be created by someone who expresses themselves through wood.

Nature as the Motif

From trees and leaves to abundant water, the sounds of birds, the vast sky, and the wildflowers that grow beneath our feet—every element reflects the natural essence of Nagiso.

Gentle Expressions

Is that a leaf? A tree? The forms are left to the imagination, inviting conversation and curiosity.
The artwork was created by Katsunari Hirota, a wood artist based in nearby Gifu Prefecture. His style is known for embracing the natural grain and expression of the wood. (Instagram: @honobono_hiro)

YAMO and Art

At YAMO, including our other two lodges, we’ve always invited carefully chosen artists to bring life to each space. We hope the art becomes one of the many joys you experience during your stay with us.