this was a highlight of our entire japan trip. i would not hesitate to stay here again, and will insistently recommend to anyone they do too. the whole experience is just… magical. and the dinner is excellent, please opt in.

we stayed in the smallest room in the annex, which, while spacious, has a small bed. we were warned of this several times, so it’s 100% on us, but do take this into account. FWIW, while it’s MUCH more to stay in the “bigger” rooms, given our experience, it is 100% worth it and we’d do it next time. i love this hotel.

Byaku Narai perfectly blends traditional charm with modern comfort. The beautifully restored heritage house offers a serene and intimate atmosphere, with thoughtful details that enhance the stay. The room design was charming and quaint, featuring a two-level layout with the bed upstairs, adding to the unique experience. The outdoor onsen was a highlight, offering a relaxing and immersive way to unwind. The warm hospitality, cozy ambiance, and seamless mix of old and new make it a truly special experience.

Nothing—it was a flawless stay.

I had the luxurious garden suite with private bath to myself. The welcome ginger tea and wagashi on my arrival were just what I needed to warm me up from wandering the cool and windy main street. I also had specially chosen coffee and local tea in my room. I opted in to the kaiseki dinner for the night I arrived - local dishes and sake that have my mouth watering just remembering them writing this review- a couple of days before my stay. Breakfast was included in my stay and was as awesome as dinner. The tamagoyaki is the best I've ever had. The staff - everyone from the check in desk to chefs at dinner - are absolutely lovely and helpful. There are no worries if you speak limited or no Japanese, they are well versed in using translators and limited English. I deeply appreciate that every effort has been made to show and use Narai's local crafts, products, and heritage throughout the property. I highly recommend this accommodation.

The duplex suite was very spacious and stylish. The evening meals were fantastic. We stayed three nights and although in theory it was a set eight course meal, they specifically changed the dishes each night for us. Faultless service and food. The restaurant staff were so friendly and the whole dining experience was really fantastic. The location of the hotel in Narai was wonderful and strolling to the restaurant in the evening along the old streets was lovely

Unfortunately I did find the beds rather firm and our duplex apartment was very close to the railway. Although few trains operated in the evening and at night because it was only a small local railway, when they did, it did sometimes disturb us during the night. We would also suggest perhaps a few details need attending to in the rooms - such as minor decor scratches. The apartment came with a selection of records and one CD - however, the records were rather scratched and the CD player did not work. These we appreciate are not major issues but given the substantial price of the hotel, attention to detail should be everything. Unfortunately we did find the breakfast rather challenging as the only choice was a full on Japanese one.

The whole establishment is tastefully and authentically presented. My room was beautifully fitted out. Dark stained timber and white linen; all kinds of amenities including coffee grinder and green tea equipment. Personal bath is temperature controlled; shower facilities and toilet are excellent. There is also a onsen style bath at the main accommodation block. (There are 3 buildings). Location is around the middle of long heritage restored shopfront street. I elected to include dinner in the tariff. Dinner was 'omakase'/degustation and was delicious. As a solo traveller I sat at the counter (always my favourite place) and loved the interaction with the dedicated staff preparing and serving the courses. I also elected for drinks pairing which was very tasty and also a learning experience. It is listed as four star but it exudes luxury of great simplicity. I travel budget level in most places but am happy to pay more for traditional or special experiences, This is why I rated it a value for money. I also got an excellent 'genius' discount. Very convenient for hiking the Torii pass on the Nakasendo Way,

All good. But be alert to there being 3 separate buildings on a long dark streetscape; so, before it gets dark, work out your orientation for the main dining area and your accommodation, if they are in different buildings.

Probably the best hotel I’ll ever stay. The facilities, the building, the service and oh my gosh the FOOD IS AMAZING.

Definitely on the pricy side but worth every dollar.

Love the location which is right in the middle of beautiful and well kept old town of Narai. The hotel is beautiful with the paths through the gardens to each unit. Each unit also has its privacy and provided relaxing and comfy atmosphere. The meals are great as well and really enjoyed it especially local ingredients were used in cooking the meals.

Enjoyed the meals and liked the dinner menu but can add more varieties especially for travellers who stayed for a few nights (we stayed for 3 nights). The drinks in the alcoholic pairing can be better.

This is an exceptional hotel. I’ve been all over the world, and this is by far my favourite to date. The buildings are so thoughtfully restored and appointed. Every surface, texture, colour and sight line has been exquisitely curated. A stunning collection of amenities full of local heritage. Ultra comfortable lounge wear, divine bedding. An amazing private onsen bath with three types of products including sake lees from the local brewery. I just felt so calm and at peace. Polite, cheerful and respectful staff to top it off. Dinner at the attached restaurant was INCREDIBLE - local produce lovingly prepared and so amazingly flavourful. I chose the matched drinks and each one enhanced the flavour of the food. At least 3 times I thought ‘what the f just happened in my mouth’. Dreaming of that meal still! And the breakfast!!! I stayed here as my first stop on a four day Nakasendo Way trip, I wish I could have stayed here the whole time. I stayed in the Uehara-ya building, room 111k

It’s very expensive

The check-in was easy and straightforward, the staff was welcoming and helpful. The room was spacious and clean, we have booked one with open-air bath and garden view. Everything was ready for us, they also heated the bath upon our arrival which was amazing. Narai is so beautiful, before dinner we went for a walk wearing yukata and yukata jacket for colder weather. The dinner was the best we had so far. It consisted of 8 courses and the ingredients were chosen from a local area/farms. The presentation and taste of the food was incredible. After dinner we chose to go to a bar where we enjoyed the local produced sake. Perfect finish of the evening. The breakfast was as well perfect and again local produce was used to prepare it. I would highly recommend it and we wish we could stay longer. It was nice treat for us. Thank you BYAKU.

I was attracted by the concept for renovating ancient buildings for modern use. The design of each room is different which makes it interesting. We could not book the room which we most preferred but the one we stayed was still interesting. All the staff are friendly and we communicated in English with no problem. The bed is comfortable. The dinner and breakfast, using local ingredients, were delicious and exquisitely presented. The local juice available to guests for free is tasty.

The room was a bit dark. It would be nice if there is a TV in the living room so we could watch TV and enjoy coffee on the comfortable sofa.