YAMO Nagiso A Lodge that Weaves Time
in the Kiso Valleyin Nagiso – Nagano, Japan
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YAMO Nagiso A Lodge that Weaves Time in the Kiso Valley in Nagiso – Nagano, Japan
A time-woven inn reflecting the flow of the Kiso River and the town’s rich history—
linking the spirit of a post town with memories of travel.
This renovated Kominka gently welcomes travelers with its kitchen and living space opening to the street.
A warm harmony of history and material, created with aged timber and Kiso hinoki cypress.
Here, where the town meets nature, experience the
lingering traces of travel and the quiet presence of daily life.
Just a 6-minute walk from JR Nagiso Station on the Chūō Main Line.
What We Cherish
A Living Room Open to Travelers
Once a garage, this space has been reimagined as a living room that opens toward the street—welcoming visitors as a gentle threshold between the town and the home. Echoes of people and things once passing through remain quietly in the air.
Amber-Toned Kiso Hinoki
The soft beige of Kiso hinoki cypress matures over time into a rich amber tone, giving the building its distinct character. New hinoki elements—like the entrance door and window frames—respond in harmony to this warmth, revealing both the beauty shaped by time and the living spirit of the wood.
Mosaic Tiles from Tajimi
The washbasin is adorned with vintage mosaic tiles, each piece handcrafted by artisans during the Showa era. Formed from vividly colored tiny tiles, this one-of-a-kind piece carries precious traces of the past—carefully preserved for the present.
Amenities & Facilities
Floor area: 97㎡ / Capacity: Up to 6 guests
Kitchen
High-speed Wi-Fi
Speaker
Projector
Washer-dryer
Towels & amenities
Work desk
Beds
Hinoki cypress bath
Island kitchen & dining area / Refrigerator / Cooking utensils / Basic seasonings / Tableware & cutlery / Hinoki cypress bath / Shampoo, conditioner & body soap / Hair dryer / Towels / Washer-dryer / 2 single beds / 4 futon sets / Work desk / High-speed Wi-Fi / Speaker / Projector / Smart lock
Before After
Room Details & Features
Island Kitchen
Spacious enough for multiple guests to cook together, the kitchen is equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, cooking utensils, and basic seasonings. We recommend picking up fresh ingredients at the nearby supermarket to enjoy a home-style meal during your stay.
Living Room
This generous living space spans over 30 square meters and features large, comfortable furniture for groups. A projector is installed beside the sofa—just lower the 100-inch screen and transform the room into your own private theater.
Work Space
A bright window-side desk with a hinoki cypress top provides a quiet and comfortable spot to work. Ideal for remote work and extended stays.
Entrance & Bench
At the front of the house, you’ll find handcrafted wooden windows and a Kiso hinoki entrance door—key elements of the building’s original charm. A solid wood bench welcomes you by the entrance, perfect for relaxing and enjoying local specialties like gohei-mochi while watching travelers pass by.
Small Japanese Room (Twin Bedroom)
Wrapped in warm Kiso hinoki, this tranquil room features two single beds. It can be connected with the adjacent large tatami room for a spacious stay. A newly built headboard provides convenient storage for reading lights, drinks, or small items.
Large Japanese Room (Futon Room for 4)
A classic 8-tatami mat room with an alcove and a modern hanging scroll. Up to four futons can be laid out here. From the window-side floor chairs, you can gaze out at the gentle ridgeline of the Kiso Valley—a view that invites both eyes and heart to unwind.
Yukimi-Shoji (Snow-View Screens)
Remnants of the home’s former owner—a prominent timber merchant—remain in the finely crafted woodwork. Lift the shoji to reveal glass panels that soften the light while preserving privacy, showcasing a design that blends function with beauty.
Hinoki Cypress Bath
Immerse yourself in a deep, spacious hinoki tub and let its scent soothe your body and mind. The bath is large enough for two, and the bright, airy room makes daytime bathing especially pleasant.
Coffee & Drip Tools
We’ve prepared two cups of YAMO-original coffee beans for you. Enjoy a calm moment with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Vinyl Records
Our decorative shelves feature a handpicked collection of seasonal vinyl records selected by the owner, who is also a jazz bassist. Browse and enjoy them freely.
Record Player & Speaker
The room features a Harman Kardon speaker with a distinctive form, and a record player for warm, enveloping sound. Bluetooth connectivity is also available for your own music.
Art
In the living room hangs a wooden artwork by Katsuhiro Hirota, a woodworking artist from Kasamatsu—downstream of the Kiso River. Inspired by the skies, forests, mountains, and flowers of Nagiso, the piece brings nature and joy into the room. Made from trees nurtured in Gifu and Nagano, including the five sacred trees of Kiso, it’s an artwork that sparks imagination and conversation.
Activity
Uncharted Nakasendo
A walking tour of the Nakasendo guided by local experts based in the Kiso Valley—English support available. Stroll through the historic post town of Tsumago, learning about the area's rich culture and history. Experience the old Nakasendo through the eyes of travelers from centuries past.
Magome Walk
A 7 km walking course that follows the Nakasendo from the picturesque stone-paved town of Magome to Nagiso Station. Enjoy a quiet journey through gentle mountain paths and scenic old roads. Take a step back in time and walk the Kiso Road like a traveler from the Edo period.
Atera Valley Stroll
Atera Valley, one of Nagiso’s most beloved nature spots, is known for its emerald-green streams and stunning gorge views. Just a 15-minute drive away, it offers seasonal pleasures like riverside walks and summer water play in the crystal-clear river.
Local Dining
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.
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.
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.
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.
Access
3377-4 Yomikaki, Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano 399-5301, Japan
By Car
From Nagoya IC:
Nagoya IC → (60 min via Tomei & Chuo Expressways) → Nakatsugawa IC → (30 min via Route 19) → Nagiso Town → YAMO Nagiso
By Train
From Nagoya Station: Nagoya Station → (Ltd. Express Wide View Shinano) → Nakatsugawa Station → (20 min via JR Chuo Line) → Nagiso Station → (5-min walk) → YAMO Nagiso
From Shinjuku Station: Shinjuku Station → (Ltd. Express Azusa, approx. 2.5 hrs) → Shiojiri Station → (1.5 hrs via JR Chuo Line) → Nagiso Station → (5-min walk) → YAMO Nagiso
YAMO Nagiso Journal
About YAMO STAY
家を守る
Cherishing the Home
A Future Where Old Becomes Beautiful
YAMO STAY is a hospitality brand that transforms vacant houses into spaces of new value.
We rediscover the quiet charm hidden in the passage of time—what some may call “aging”—and bring it to life through thoughtful design and ideas. Each stay is crafted in harmony with the local nature and culture, offering guests an experience that feels both rooted and refreshing.
Through these stays, we hope to inspire new perspectives and discoveries—and to help create a future where vacant homes become shared resources for everyone.