Hostel Yui-an — Hotel in Nagiso

If I could give more than 5 stars - I would. This place is wonderful in so many ways - I am not sure where to begin.

The owners are superfriendly and caring - for their guests as well as for the house. It is an old farmhouse that has been renovated by the owners - and the woodwork looks amazing. There is a lot of thought for detail: from the handmade coffee cups at breakfast, to the tiny bed stove you get before going to sleep. And a lot of homemade food - like homemade yoghurt in the morning, or a homemade plum liquor (highly recommended!!). You can get a vegan meal in the evening too.

There is a bar next to the kitchen where you can talk to the owners and other guests. We had a great time chatting around - and yes: part of that is being lucky with friendly other guests but I strongly believe the atmosphere really sets the groundwork for this. Like eating on the bar together instead of at different tables. So highly recommended for solo travelers too!

The view in the morning over the mountains is beautiful - warm your hands in autumn on some hot coffee and just see the clouds move over the mountains revealing the sun.

I feel I am failing to describe the calmness, warmth and beauty this place has to offer. You should really check this out in real life!!

For people who are smell sensitive: I found this place perfectly clean - and very pleasant.

If you are sound sensitive: please note that there is some big kitchen equipment like fridges and freezers that give a hum. I could handle it during the day, but in the room behind the kitchen the hum is quite present. This is the room with private bathroom. The other two rooms and the 'dormitory' are superquiet from what I experienced. So ask for this when booking 😊

There is a cat too!

All in all I wouldnt have wanted to miss this place - it has been one of the best I encountered on all of...

Hostel Yui-an is a special place.  My husband and I stayed for 2 nights in December while traveling throughout Nagano, and we're so happy we did so.  We were welcomed with such warmth from the owners and staff, and we really enjoyed getting to know them.  It's an old, traditional, historic building tucked away in the mystical mountains and it's been beautifully renovated with such vision, creativity, and skill.  I was in awe of the architecture and details within the building.  My husband and I were very comfortable and cozy in our private room, I LOVED soaking in the Japanese soaking tub both nights, and nothing could beat waking up with a delicious cup of coffee and peering out onto the mountain landscape in the morning.  Dinner was unbelievably delicious and fresh and I enjoyed drinking their homemade plum wine!  Yum!  We enjoyed learning about how they farm on their land, we met their chickens and ate the freshest eggs ever, and we even saw how they have started an indigo dying business... Wow!  We even asked where they purchase the pottery they use for tableware because we were so impressed by the beauty of it.  Hostel Yui-an has the most relaxing, peaceful, and inviting feel... It's a place we could easily stay for a while and absorb the natural wonder of the Kiso Valley.  Thank you so much for our...

Hostel Yui-an is a special place. My husband and I stayed for 2 nights in December while traveling throughout Nagano, and we're so happy we did so. We were welcomed with such warmth from the owners and staff, and we really enjoyed getting to know them. It's an old, traditional, historic building tucked away in the mystical mountains and it's been beautifully renovated with such vision, creativity, and skill. I was in awe of the architecture and details within the building. My husband and I were very comfortable and cozy in our private room, I LOVED soaking in the Japanese soaking tub both nights, and nothing could beat waking up with a delicious cup of coffee and peering out onto the mountain landscape in the morning. Dinner was unbelievably delicious and fresh and I enjoyed drinking their homemade plum wine! Yum! We enjoyed learning about how they farm on their land, we met their chickens and ate the freshest eggs ever, and we even saw how they have started an indigo dying business... Wow! We even asked where they purchase the pottery they use for tableware because we were so impressed by the beauty of it. Hostel Yui-an has the most relaxing, peaceful, and inviting feel... It's a place we could easily stay for a while and absorb the natural wonder of the Kiso Valley. Thank you so much for our...