BYAKU Narai 歳吉屋

A beautiful place in a beautiful location. Food was good. It’s impressive how they have transformed this into a beautiful space. I had to give the room 3 star because it was just too dark with the room I was given. With my old eyes I could barely see in the living room. In the bedroom was better but also not ideal. If you are no good with dark spaces important you ask for a brighter lit room - especially for the room rate I think you should ask.

This was the most expensive place we stayed during our visit but was totally worth it - it is a truly magical. The rooms, staff and food were some of the best we encountered during our stay in Japan. Being in Narai in the morning and evenings when there is nobody else around is something special. Totally peaceful and relaxing after a hectic few days in Tokyo. Note there is not much to do in Narai, but that is the point. Come here to unwind, switch off and enjoy the amazing food.

Byaku was the icing on the cake of the Nakasendo trail. Beautifully restored historic building with such attention to detail in every aspect. The team were wonderful, the food based on local ingredients was delicious and interesting. Just a wonderful place if you want a flavour of Edo Japan in a modern luxurious way. Cannot recommend highly enough, just perfect..

Our stay at Byaku Narai was incredible and memorable! We stayed two nights in two different rooms. Room 104 had an open air bath with a private garden with a view of the mountains. It was also just a few steps away from Kura restaurant, available only to guests. Both nights, we enjoyed 8-course meals (different each night) with attentive and friendly service. On the second night, as we got seated, the server adjusted my chopsticks (hashi) and said, “I noticed that you are left-handed.” She noticed this the night before and remembered, then flipped them around to face the right direction! Dinner and breakfast were included in the room rate. The food at dinner was absolutely amazing. Breakfast was a traditional Japanese breakfast as well. We are fairly open to trying new things, but didn’t care so much for the traditional breakfast foods. The second night, we stayed in room 112 which was farther away from the reception and restaurant, but wow, this room was stunning. Our favorite feature was an old record player with a few great records to enjoy. We spent hours in the room, just relaxing, listening to music, and enjoying room service. The staff also took time to explain the history of the buildings which was really interesting. Narai, in general, doesn’t have a lot to do outside of a few shops and small restaurants, but if you are looking for a place to disconnect from the busyness of life, Byaku feels like a true hidden gem worth discovering. We’d love to visit again!

My stay at Byaku Narai was so comfortable and the highlight of my entire trip to Japan. The place is really beautiful- restored historic buildings with modern minimalist aesthetic. It was serene and fresh and also charming. The room was really spacious with beautiful wood floors and high beamed ceilings. There were lots of lovely amenities - bath soaks, great tea and coffee. Comfy clothes to wear to dinner or around the town. |It is hard to describe how amazing the food was. It felt almost transcendent - like a great symphony. Lots of local ingredients, complexity and depth. I can see why the chef is ranked so highly.||Overall the stay really reminded|me of the history of the town - a rest stop for weary travelers. I felt fully safe pampered and restored.

This is a very unique hotel, and you will remember staying here the rest of your life. Our room was down the street from the main building, which was inconvenient. It was also right next to the railroad track. Find out where your room is located. Going up to the bedroom was a little like climbing a latter. For two senior citizens, I considered it somewhat dangerous.||Dinner was wonderful, but we got a laugh out of being the only ones in the dining room not wearing the hotel-provided pajamas.||I wouldn't stay here again because it was a lot of work, but it was memorable. The town is very cool, but a day trip might be a better option.

Absolutely fantastic!! Considering the price we were expecting a lot… and it surely delivered. Everything about this place was brilliant - the staff, the room, the hospitality, the breakfast, the baths AND that diner. We’re just over 2 weeks into our Japan trip and to date its ranking top for accommodation and food.

Unfortunately, we had to leave BYAKU today. But it has been an unforgettable experience. As a Westerner, it's sometimes like being in a dream; everything is completely different and amazing. Behind the old doors of the antique village, there are beautiful, warm, and modern spaces. A private sauna connected to the room with two baths, delightful beds, perfect lighting and air treatment, custom-made furniture, local clothing on the bed for you to wear. The tasteful design of the public spaces, the very friendly staff, and last but not least; the incredibly delicious food. BYAKU is a rare gem. Hopefully, we will return to Narai someday.