The Expedition Hotel "Zenagi" — Hotel in Nagiso

As I write this review of Zenagi at home, I can hardly believe we lived three days and two nights in a world we never even dreamed of.

Zenagi is not just a hotel, it is a full-service luxury adventure experience that begins with a beautifully restored and historic home. The location is the picturesque town of Tadachi with period homes, small rice fields, and rolling hills, a gem which takes you back in time and most travelers would never be fortunate enough to see. Our favorite room was the west facing room which had an incredible view of the town. The interior décor looks like it comes right out of an Architectural Digest magazine, and we couldn’t expect anything less when we found out the owner is an interior designer.

Zenagi currently only arranges private stays, so we had the entire property all to ourselves. We were not used to having three chefs and four butlers all to ourselves and did not know what to expect since we do not live lives of luxury and do not appreciate the formality associated with such, but we were so thankful everyone was so down to earth and welcomed us as guests and friends to their gorgeous home.

The adventures were the main reason we decided to stay with Zenagi. We chose the Mount Ontake trek and Kakizore River canyoning as our activities. For Mount Ontake, we took a railway up to the 7th Station and hiked about 3 miles and 3000’ uphill at high elevation to the summit. It was challenging for me because I did not hike for several months, but it was accessible at my slower pace. We were so lucky to have a clear day with gorgeous views as far as the North Alps. The most incredible part of the hiking trip was our star-studded team of four guides. Taro is an Olympic kayaker and World Champion in whitewater rafting. Sachiko is a World Champion triathlete; we didn’t know she is also a TV star until someone stopped her on the trail! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience these adventures with such decorated athletes, and it was even more incredible they were so personable, down to earth, and motivating, providing the best company on a physically challenging day. As if our star-studded duo was not enough, we were also joined by a local who has been hiking the mountain for over 30 years to enrich us with the history of the mountain, culture of the shrines, and share his part in creating access to the mountain (he designed the summit marker and painted the trail map!).

For canyoning the Kakizore River, we hiked and scrambled upstream through the River filled with crystal clear water and surrounded by beautifully lush trees. It was my first time canyoning and it was pretty scary, but we had three guides who held my hand and kept us safe throughout the adventure. The logistics from providing us with proper gear, timing, and details were executed professionally and seamlessly.

The food was incredible. We were surprised by the Michelin level meals made with local, freshly foraged ingredients plated as artwork. We had three chefs over our two dinners, and every plate highlighted local ingredients and unique cooking techniques. We even loved how the kitchen creatively incorporated local ingredients into familiar dishes, transforming them into a fresh and local culinary adventure.

In sum, Zenagi was a once in a lifetime experience. Every single part of our experience, from our butlers who welcomed us, the local culinary treasures we enjoyed, and the adventures we experienced was so special. Even if we just enjoyed one facet of Zenagi – the historic residence, unique location, food, adventures, company – would be enough to make our stay worthwhile, but every single detail was just perfect making our entire experience an incredible dream we lived in reality.

Sending much gratitude to Taro, Sachiko, Saleh, Rana, Minami, Masuda, and the Zenagi Team for welcoming us to your home and living this dream with us. ~...

As I write this review of Zenagi at home, I can hardly believe we lived three days and two nights in a world we never even dreamed of.||Zenagi is not just a hotel, it is a full-service luxury adventure experience that begins with a beautifully restored and historic home. The location is the picturesque town of Tadachi with period homes, small rice fields, and rolling hills, a gem which takes you back in time and most travelers would never be fortunate enough to see. Our favorite room was the west facing room which had an incredible view of the town. The interior décor looks like it comes right out of an Architectural Digest magazine, and we couldn’t expect anything less when we found out the owner is an interior designer.||Zenagi currently only arranges private stays, so we had the entire property all to ourselves. We were not used to having three chefs and four butlers all to ourselves and did not know what to expect since we do not live lives of luxury and do not appreciate the formality associated with such, but we were so thankful everyone was so down to earth and welcomed us as guests and friends to their gorgeous home.||The adventures were the main reason we decided to stay with Zenagi. We chose the Mount Ontake trek and Kakizore River canyoning as our activities. For Mount Ontake, we took a railway up to the 7th Station and hiked about 3 miles and 3000’ uphill at high elevation to the summit. It was challenging for me because I did not hike for several months, but it was accessible at my slower pace. We were so lucky to have a clear day with gorgeous views as far as the North Alps. The most incredible part of the hiking trip was our star-studded team of four guides. Taro is an Olympic kayaker and World Champion in whitewater rafting. Sachiko is a World Champion triathlete; we didn’t know she is also a TV star until someone stopped her on the trail! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience these adventures with such decorated athletes, and it was even more incredible they were so personable, down to earth, and motivating, providing the best company on a physically challenging day. As if our star-studded duo was not enough, we were also joined by a local who has been hiking the mountain for over 30 years to enrich us with the history of the mountain, culture of the shrines, and share his part in creating access to the mountain (he designed the summit marker and painted the trail map!).||For canyoning the Kakizore River, we hiked and scrambled upstream through the River filled with crystal clear water and surrounded by beautifully lush trees. It was my first time canyoning and it was pretty scary, but we had three guides who held my hand and kept us safe throughout the adventure. The logistics from providing us with proper gear, timing, and details were executed professionally and seamlessly.||The food was incredible. We were surprised by the Michelin level meals made with local, freshly foraged ingredients plated as artwork. We had three chefs over our two dinners, and every plate highlighted local ingredients and unique cooking techniques. We even loved how the kitchen creatively incorporated local ingredients into familiar dishes, transforming them into a fresh and local culinary adventure.||In sum, Zenagi was a once in a lifetime experience. Every single part of our experience, from our butlers who welcomed us, the local culinary treasures we enjoyed, and the adventures we experienced was so special. Even if we just enjoyed one facet of Zenagi – the historic residence, unique location, food, adventures, company – would be enough to make our stay worthwhile, but every single detail was just perfect making our entire experience an incredible dream we lived in reality.||Sending much gratitude to Taro, Sachiko, Saleh, Rana, Minami, Masuda, and the Zenagi Team for welcoming us to your home and living this dream with us. ~...

We confess we go to Japan quite often, since it’s our favorite place in Asia. ||This last trip we decided to have a late birthday celebration there again, and my husband happened to find this hotel near the Nakasendo trail. ||From the booking experience to the activities, from the receptive team to the amazing Japanese food journey, our stay at the Zenagi will fondly stay in our memories. ||The property itself is breathtaking, tucked in the small village of Tadachi. ||It's 200 years old Japanese farm house with a well designed and executed modern architecture with cozy atmosphere, making you feel at home. ||A little stroll in the village and the locals’ smiles make you feel even more welcomed. The activity we choose was the Nakasendo trail, combining walking and mountain biking, and ending with a delicious soba lunch at a local restaurant. ||Mamo san guided us and was also a great tour buddy and story teller of the trail.||Special thanks to our guide Mamoru Sekiguchi, Mizuki Suzuki, who didn’t let any answer or request unresolved; the general manager Tsuyoshi Suzuki, sweet Tiffany and of course Chef Fukuoka, with his amazing dishes with only fresh unique local ingredients. We couldn’t be more happy with all the experience and definitely would...