Name: Tokonamiso Ryokan
Address: 4644-71 Azuma Nagisomachi, Nagiso, Nagiso, Nagiso, 399-5302, Japan
Rating: 8

Air conditioning

Smoke-free property

Heating

Garden

General

Room service

Fridge

Family room

Bathrobe

Linens

Toiletries

Rooms

Safe-deposit box

Services and amenities

Vending machine

Kitchen

Kettle

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet access

Internet

Transfer services

Transfer

Barbecue grill(s)

Karaoke

Hiking

Recreation

Free parking

Parking nearby

Parking

Beach/pool towels

Pool and beach

Event facilities

Business

Sauna

Beauty and wellness

Family/Kid Friendly

Kids

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Location

At the hotel

Room amenities

Tokonamiso Ryokan

Nagiso

child-bed

child-bed-fee

external-private-bathroom

private-bathroom

shared-bathroom

10-beds

11-beds

12-beds

13-beds

14-beds

15-beds

16-beds

17-beds

18-beds

19-beds

2-beds

20-beds

21-beds

22-beds

23-beds

24-beds

25-beds

26-beds

27-beds

28-beds

29-beds

3-beds

30-beds

31-beds

32-beds

33-beds

34-beds

35-beds

36-beds

37-beds

38-beds

39-beds

4-beds

40-beds

5-beds

6-beds

7-beds

8-beds

9-beds

king-bed

queen-bed

limited-time

lounge

treatment

no-window

bay-view

bosphorus-view

canal-view

city-view

courtyard-view

garden-view

golf-view

harbour-view

inland-view

lake-view

land-view

mountain-view

ocean-front

ocean-view

oceanside

panoramic-view

park-view

partial-ocean-view

partial-sea-view

partial-view

pool-view

river-view

sea-front

sea-view

street-view

sunrise-view

sunset-view

water-view

with-view

annex

basement

main-building

1-bedroom

2-bedrooms

3-bedrooms

4-bedrooms

5-bedrooms

6-bedrooms

not-guaranteed

wired-internet-access

smoking

sauna

duplex

safe

mini-bar

breakfast-for-1

breakfast-for-2

pets-allowed

wi-fi

kitchen

We stayed here July 17-19, 2019. It was my first time visiting the area, and we chose it so we could hike the Nakasendo Trail. Since the inn is closer to Tsumago, we took a train from Kyoto to the Nagiso Station. From there, we took a taxi to the bus stop in Tsumago where hotel pickups are. (Tell the taxi driver you would like to go to the bus stop that takes you to Tokonamiso.) The hotel shuttle runs at specific times, and you should confirm with the hotel that you will be using it. While we waited we ended up walking up the path the main street in Tsumago and got some snacks and did a little shopping.(There are lockers at the bus stop for your luggage.) I knew the hotel did not provide dinner unless you reserve the box dinner, so we loaded up on some yaki beef and other foods, and also had brought some food from Kyoto station.

The bus driver was personable and we enjoyed the lush, scenic drive to the inn. If I remember correctly, it was about 20 minutes. Check in was smooth, and the front desk personnel were polite and kind. At one point during my stay I needed to print something for work, and they were very accommodating. The small gift shop in the lobby has some lovely souvenirs and sweets.

The grounds are shared by two hotels--Fuki no Mori and Tokonamiso. The Fuki no Mori is more modern and is where the check in, lounge, eating areas, and onsen are located. We were walked to our room in a separate, older looking building, down a short incline. I really liked the vibe--the lobby there was open with some benches, and had a kitchenette with a large refrigerator for guest use, as well as water. Shoes are not allowed to be worn inside, so you leave them in a shoe shelf as you enter.

The room was very spacious, and the only furniture was a low table. There were built in cabinets and shelves for luggage. There were inner doors that you could slide open to let in or block out the light. Everything was clean, and the futon (that you set up by yourself) were very comfortable. To respond to the other reviewer about it being dirty and old, I disagree. I found it to be very clean with more of a retro vibe that seemed intentional, not neglected. The wifi worked well.

There is a beautiful lounge area near the onsen with teas and a panoramic view of the forest. It's stunning and peaceful. I ended up meditating there twice. The best part of the inn were the onsen. They are accessed through the main building where reception is located. There are two areas, and the women use one side and the men the other. Make sure you look at the signs as every night they will switch sides so you can experience both. Each side has its merits. Both were clean, peaceful, and well kept with both indoor and outdoor options, and gorgeous scenery. I would go back to Japan just to visit their onsen again.

The next day we took the shuttle to the bus depot, where we took another bus to Magome and started our day hike. We loaded up on snacks in Magome, and at some point not too far into the walk, stopped at a soba shop. After many enjoyable hours of hiking, we reached Tsumago, enjoyed the sights and stores, and walked the path to the shuttle to return to the ryokan. Make sure you confirm the times for shuttle pick up before you leave.

When we returned we had our box dinner, reserved 3 days in advance. It was fine--I would say it was fairly standard and I enjoyed it, but more for the entire experience of wearing yukata, sitting on the floor and enjoying the Japanese style room, and less for the actual food.

A little bit about language.... I'm American and have a good working knowledge of Japanese. Most employees only speak Japanese. If I didn't speak it, I'm sure Google translate would suffice.  I could have stayed a week. I know I will be back someday. Enjoy!

A Peaceful Oasis

We loved our stay at Tokonamiso. After a hot walk  from Magome along the Nakasendo trail that day we were picked up by the hotel shuttle bus from Tsumago. Beautiful friendly staff checked us in and told us that we were welcome to use the sister hotels onsen. This was our first onsen experience and oh what a treat.. Everything is spotless and beautiful, set in a secluded mountainous location. Noa had emailed us prior to our arrival organising our shuttle bus to and from the accommodation and also booking our bento box dinner and breakfast options as there are no restaurants or food stores close by. Our meals were served in the sister hotel in a beautiful private seating area.  We felt like we had the luxury of the sister hotel but at our budget price and we were treated no differently. An absolute delightful experience from start to finish.

Sensational

We loved our stay here. Though the breakfast (2000¥) and dinner options (5000-6000¥) were a little over our budget, they were very special and a good way to experience a more traditional japan. We also had the multi course dinner with delicious plum wine. The staff is very communicative and try to meet your needs. The room was very clean and the futon bed was really good too. The onsen was amazing, real treat. We used the shuttle bus service to walk the nakasendo trail, which was well arranged and a recommendation as well. 

A mini vacation in our vacation

This place is magic. It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape. The rooms are clean, very big and with a super-comfortable futon. The Onsen are excellent (highly recommended) both indoor and outdoor. Looking at the stars in the freezing night while enjoying the peace and calm of the hot spring is such an unforgettable experience. But without a doubt, best strength is definitely the kind staff. Noa was super friendly and attentive guy and made our stay a pleasant surprise. 

Unforgettable place

A lovely facility midway between Tsumago and Magome. Tokonomiso is just down a short path from the far more expensive sister property, Fuki-no-mori, but you can share the facilities (onsen). They have an indoor and outdoor onsen that operates from 6am to 11pm each day. The rooms are Japanese style with tatami mats and futons. Each room has its own toilet and sink, but shower facilities are shared at Fuki-no-mori. There is a TV, safe, tea set and electric kettle/thermos, along with a toiletry kit and yakata robe. There is free and strong wifi in the lobby only. 

It's not an easy place to get to, and the property was not responsive to my emails about shuttle times from Tsumago. I had to get the information centre in Magome to call on my behalf and reserve a spot on the shuttle that day. They provide a shuttle service from Tsumago (but will drop you off at Nagiso station when you depart) at 9am and 10am in the mornings and 4.10pm and 5.10pm in the afternoons. My suggestion is to stay for at least two nights, as the journey to and from Kiso Valley can be long, do that you can use the onsen the day you arrive, a full day and in the morning before you depart.

If you are driving, there are no English signs directing you to the property, so a GPS in the car or on your cellphone would be necessary to find the place. For meals which I believe are quite expensive, you need to book in advance. However, there is a communal fridge, microwave and free coffee and tea. There is nothing in the area for food, so you need to bring your own food (and utensils), if you are not ordering their meal plans. There's no supermarkets in Tsumago, but a small convenience store in Magome where you can buy food and drinks.

A Bit Far From Both Towns on the Trail, But Good Value for the Area

Rooms are clean, but empty and there is no shower or onsen in this place. You need to walk 100 meter to the nearby place for that... 
Staff is friendly and nice. 
There is absolutely nothing around, so if you do not order meals here, you will need to drive at least 30-40 minutes to the nearest place ! 
Bed-making is self-service. 
Very bad internet connection, actually, almost no connection !

Rooms are clean, but empty and there is no shower or onsen in this place. You need to walk 100 meter to the nearby place

This was really our disappointment of the trip, so much that we left after one night and cancelled the second night (without refund).
You stay in a side building at 100m from a main hotel, which feels extremely empty and has no atmosphere at all. There is no staff in the building, the “lounge” is terrible with blue light and few old uncomfortable chairs. Wifi is only available in that part of the building. We didn’t feel at ease and welcome at all.
The only nice thing are the onsen in the main hotel.


Far below expectations

We arrived at this traditional hotel in the evening. The building is very old and neglected. The rooms are Japanese-style Ryokan. Sleeping on a mattress lying on the floor. Before entering the room is mandatory to take off the shoes. The hotel's rape is from warm natural water. Breakfast is traditional Japanese. There is nothing to eat for a Western person.
Does not justify the high price.

Tokonamiso Ryokan

Main amenities of the hotel

Available rooms