Kashiwaya Inn — Dive into the local
Feel like your life is gently “sliding” into Nagiso — as if you were born in this village, just taking a long, slow vacation.
What is Kashiwaya?
Kashiwaya is not a “tourist facility” first. It’s a small base to experience the deep local — the everyday rhythm of Nagiso, the old houses and warm light, neighbors’ food, and the quiet confidence of the Kiso valley.
Below are five chapters that explain what your stay feels like.
- 1. Concept — Dive into the local
- 2. House — 140-year-old kominka
- 3. Food — Local caterer
- 4. Drink — Kiso Kaido Beer
- 5. Activities — Cycle guide
Concept
The goal is simple: a stay that feels like you’re borrowing a local life. Not a checklist of “must-see” spots — more like waking up slowly, making tea, walking the old road, and letting the village set your pace.
- • One group / one house feel (quiet and private)
- • Long-stay friendly — slow is the point
- • A base for Nakasendo, Tsumago & the Kiso valley
House
Kashiwaya is a kominka with time in its wood. Renovated carefully, it keeps the atmosphere of an old home while adding only what’s necessary for a comfortable stay.
Food
Dinner can be arranged with local partners — food that belongs to this area, made for real life, not for show.
Drink
A quiet drink fits this house. Kiso Kaido Beer is made only for Kashiwaya — a small taste of the old road and the people connected to it.
Activities
Explore at village speed. With local routes and guidance, the valley opens up in a way cars never can.
Kashiwaya is supported by
This place exists because people kept caring for it — across generations, renovations, and restarts.
Fourth-generation owner of Kashiwaya, founded by the Ichikawa family.
He has kept the house alive while moving between overseas, Tokyo, and Nagiso — protecting it through changing times.
Eldest son of Shu Ichikawa.
Based in Tokyo, he runs a hair salon and a brewery, and developed three Kashiwaya-exclusive beers.
Moved from Tokyo in 2015 and renovated three kominka in Nagiso — one of them is Kashiwaya.
He now runs “Yui-an,” an iconic kominka hostel that has become a symbol of Nagiso.
The current operator of Kashiwaya.
After visiting Nagiso many times from Nagoya, he began a dual-base life and apprenticed under Hiroshi Kumagai while working two jobs.
He inherited the partnership with Shu Ichikawa and relocated to Nagiso in 2025 to relaunch Kashiwaya.
Inspired by a year living in West Virginia, USA, his mission is to recreate that deep “dive into the local” experience here in Nagiso.