脇本陣奥谷（林家住宅） — Local services in Nagiso

The entrance ticket (600 yen per person) includes access to both the Wakihonjin Okuya residence and the Rekishi-Shiryokan Museum.

The Waki-honjin, known as "Okuya," was managed by the Hayashi family. The current building, constructed around 1877, is made entirely of hinoki (Japanese cypress). At the back of the house, in the dozo (storehouse), you can find cultural artifacts and documents—though unfortunately, there is no information available in English.

The brief guided tour of Wakihonjin Okuya lasted less than five minutes and offered very limited historical context, which was rather disappointing.

Rekishi Shiryokan is a small local history museum offering insights into the cultural and historical background of Tsumago and the Kiso Valley. The exhibits include historical documents, old photographs, and various artifacts related to daily life and travel along the Nakasendo route. Some information is...

The waki-honjin was the backup inn for the town and also the local sake brewery. The building has been beautifully restored inside and is well worth a visit. There is an English guide who was able to give a good description of the features of the building. During the Meiji period the emperor stopped here for tea and they still have the table that he used. Also included in the entry fee is an interesting museum just to the side of the main building and entry into the honjin (main inn...

This is one of my favorite museums in Japan. It's not large. However, while I was there, I was greeted by a very nice woman who guided me through a short tour in English. I've visited a few museums in Japan and the majority of them lack English descriptions. Which is fair, I am not in a place where it is common to speak English. But the whole experience was so great being able to hear a little bit of...