A Stay with a Sense of Place

Spaces Reborn from the Legacy of Suginomori Shuzo

Toshiyoshi-ya, one of the main buildings of BYAKU Narai, was formerly home to Suginomori Shuzo, a sake brewery founded in 1793 during the Edo period. Famous among the brewers of Kiso, the building stood as a beloved symbol of Narai-juku. Today, the structure has been carefully restored and reimagined. Toshiyoshi-ya’s complex now houses guestrooms, the kura restaurant, the SAN-SEN bathhouse, and a tasting bar, all while preserving the spirit and charm of the original architecture.

Choose the Space That Best Matches Your Journey

Rooms 101–108 in Toshiyoshi-ya each differ in layout, proportions, and atmosphere to preserve history rather than destroying it through forced uniform design. Some favor accommodations with open-air bathing areas, others highlight garden views or warm and majestic timber furnishings. The individuality of the rooms is central to a stay at BYAKU Narai: guests select a setting with its own personality shaped by time and the traditions of this historic post town passed down since the Edo period.

Other Rooms

101

Step into a machiya townhouse-inspired suite where fusuma sliding doors reveal three distinct spaces: a skylit front room, a serene bedroom with a tokonoma alcove, and a bright lounge bathed in sunlight. Unwind on the sofa with a drink, gaze at the colors of the sky at dusk or dawn, or soak in your private open-air bath.

Space: 41.9 square meters with 2 double beds and a private open-air bath.

102

Behind elegant lattice screens, this peaceful retreat blends Narai-juku heritage with modern luxury. An open, pillar-free layout and glowing shoji paper screens create a dreamlike atmosphere that will stay with you long after departing BYAKU Narai.

Space: 59.2 square meters with 2 double beds.

103

Experience the largest suite at Toshiyoshi-ya where soaring beams, black earthen walls, and an inviting open atrium honor its historic roots as a kitchen space. Gather on the terrace overlooking a private garden, wake to stunning mountain views, or retreat to the upstairs floor for some alone time.

Space: 68.1 square meters (+garden) with 2 double beds.

107

Escape to a hidden former warehouse where glossy black lacquer speaks to the accommodation's previous life as storage for fine arts and crafts. Thick earthen walls, grand doors, and a soaring mezzanine create a feeling of spaciousness while the private open-air bath gives you a cozy, elegant place to take it all in.

Space: 44.2 square meters with 2 double beds and a private open-air bath.

• Please note that room assignments may be subject to change based on availability. If a change is necessary, the rate may vary, and we will notify you of the details beforehand.
  
• For your accommodations, you may choose from Rooms 101 to 108 in the Toshiyoshi-ya main building.
  
• If the main building is unavailable, you may be accommodated in an annex building.
  
• Depending on the number of guests, your group may be accommodated in two rooms.
  
• As each guestroom has different features, please review the floor plan before booking. Things to consider: maisonette, stairs, bath type, toilet location, etc.
  
• Please note that Rooms 107 and 108 feature dimmed lighting. Guests of advanced age should take note.

Deepen Your Connection to the Region

Meet the Makers of Tradition

The included tour of the suginomori brewery with sake tastings centers not only on Japan's famous drink but also on the people who make it. Depending on the schedule, guests may also have the rare opportunity to step inside the actual brewing space itself and gain a closer look at the brewing process, guided by an experienced craftsperson. Observing the work up close brings welcomed intimacy to the visit. The chance to ask questions and hear firsthand stories about the secrets of sake elevates the encounter to new heights of regional exploration of Japan.

A Closing Ritual of Flavor and Place

Following the guided introduction, guests enjoy a tasting of three selections of sake. Rather than a formal lesson, the experience is more of a sensory continuation of everything seen and heard moments earlier. Differences in aroma, texture, and finish gain new meaning once connected to the methods and care behind them. Depending on the brewing schedule, access to specific sake varieties may vary, making each visit feel personal and one-of-a-kind.

A Stay That Reveals the Spirit of Japan of Old

BYAKU Narai offers more than comfort in a beautiful setting. It reveals how architecture, hospitality, and local culture can remain alive when treated with care and respect. Historic buildings are not treated like museum spaces. They're inhabited and enjoyed, exuding life and the spirit of Narai-juku. Here, guests become part of the town's daily rhythm, walking through its streets, dining inside its heritage, and moving through spaces shaped across generations.

The included brewery experience deepens that sense of connection by introducing the human element to all the tradition surrounding you. Conversation, tasting, and place come together in a way that feels refreshingly authentic rather than staged for tourism purposes. By the time you depart, memories are tied not only to luxurious rooms and quiet streets, but also to encounters with craftsmanship and the enduring elegance of regional Japan.