Daikichi Minshuku
Tsumago, Kiso Valley
The Daikichi is a very honest, slightly ramshackle, rustic, rural property; a real Japanese minshuku guesthouse to revel in. Its dark-wood, latticed framework fits perfectly with the character of the delightful town which surrounds it, and a stay here makes the perfect beginning or end to a hike on the Nakasendo Way.
After trekking the 8km from Magome, the Daikichi’s shared onsen is perfect for soothing any aching muscles (and, for the shy, can be booked privately). Having worked up an appetite, you can enjoy a beautifully presented evening feast of local specialities and swap travel tips with fellow guests, as dinner is a communal affair. The accommodation is compact and traditional, so suits those who enjoy more minimal, cosy quarters, but if you come suitably prepared it may be one of the accommodation highlights of your trip.
Location
Close to the centre of this historic town within the Kiso Valley, surrounded by rice terraces and forested valleys, this property is in a perfect location for finishing or starting a walk around Tsumago.
A little more detail
Rural guesthouse, rather than ryokan
Well-balanced communal facilities
A handful of compact rooms
Set evening menu
From a client…
The warm welcome and traditional inn experience was exactly what we had hoped for.
Image gallery
Why we love it
Discover what to expect from staying at Daikichi Minshuku
Real
The reality is that many Japanese residents don’t usually stay in very expensive ryokan when they go on staycation, and this is a much closer representation of traditional accommodation. A fantastic experience.
Locally owned
Many ryokan are owned by rather detached corporate brands, and while they can be delightful places to stay, it’s refreshing to stay somewhere locally run. This is very much the Selective Asia way: tangible, immersive and a bit different.
High-quality, Home-cooked Food
While exquisite, it is very much home cooking. Rustic, reflective of the local area, intensely fresh, homely, and sometimes challenging (grasshoppers). Even the wine is from a local vineyard.
