Shiojiri: hotel con bar

What an amazing hotel. The architecture, the attention to detail. I've stayed in nice hotels around the world and this would stand out anywhere. Certainly one of the most memorable and to find this in the Nakasendo is amazing. I remember coming across this hotel by chance off a YouTube video (channel: Abroad in Japan), and it was the push I needed to come to the Nakasendo, because I wanted to stay in a completely modern hotel. And so I built my trip around staying here. Making a non-refundable reservation at Byaku 8 months ago felt like taking a chance because there were only 3 reviews on Tripadvisor, and only a handful more on Google, and I didn't know my bearings around the area... and it was the right choice. Knowing what I know now, I'd absolutely do it all over again. A lot more reviews on Google now too. I guess no one uses this site anymore ;) Byaku is amazing. I know I already said that. They started off with 2 or 3 buildings. Now they have 16 rooms across 4 buildings. I stayed in Room 110, it was beautiful. Absolutely go for the dining-included option, because their restaurant, Kura, is where you're going to have the best meals in the Nakasendo. 1 night is not enough. 3 nights might be too much. 2 nights felt perfect. Things to do in Narai town... not much. Day hikes around using the hotel as a base. Our main highlight in Nakasendo was taking the train to Nagiso to get to Tsumago, and hiking Tsumago to Magome. Take note the local trains to/from Narai station are not very frequent so make a note of the timings!