Discover the serene, snow-covered side of the Japanese Alps this winter. When Kamikochi closes its official summer hiking season (mid-November to mid-April), a tranquil and majestic winter wilderness emerges in the Northern Alps. The summer crowds vanish, leaving behind crisp mountain air, towering snowscapes, and deeply relaxing thermal hot springs. Whether you prefer the ease of public transit (highway bus + taxi) or the flexibility of renting a car, Sawando Onsen serves as

乗鞍高原（一の瀬園地）の名所「大カエデ」の紅葉見頃時期は、温暖化等の影響によりここ10年間で約1週間遅くなっています。10年前（2015年頃）は10月中旬（10/15前後）がピークでしたが、現在は10月20日〜25日頃がベストシーズンです。また、さわんど温泉周辺の紅葉は10月下旬〜11月初旬へと移行しています。

"Where is the best place to refresh and soak in a hot spring after hiking in Kamikochi?" Many travelers wonder this when planning their trip. While the famous Hirayu Onsen is located on the Gifu side beyond the Abo Tunnel, Sawando Onsen is the ultimate, convenient hot spring hub located right on the Nagano/Matsumoto side! Today, we are excited to introduce "Azusagohan-no-yu", a popular day-trip hot spring facility situated right at the gateway to Sawando Onsen. Here is everyt

When traveling to Kamikochi, Norikura, or the Japan Alps (Mt. Yarigatake & Mt. Hotaka) by private car or rental car, you must park your vehicle at the base area due to strict year-round private car restrictions. The main gateway on the Nagano/Matsumoto side is the Sawando Area (Sawando Onsen). Here, you will find both Municipal (City-run) and Private parking lots, each offering different payment methods and rules for vehicle types (motorcycles, camper vans, etc.). This compre

When planning a trip to Kamikochi or Mt. Norikura in the autumn, the most common question we receive is: "When is the best time to see the autumn leaves?" To answer simply: In this area, you can enjoy stunning autumn foliage anytime from late September through early November—a span of about a month and a half. The secret behind this long season lies in the difference in altitude. Starting from the high peaks at 3,000 meters above sea level down to Sawando Onsen (1,000 m) and

Imagining a trip to Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture) often brings to mind peaceful natural landscapes, steaming hot springs, and exquisite local cuisine served far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled in the quiet sanctuary of Sawando Onsen—halfway between Matsumoto and Takayama, and just a 5-minute walk to the Kamikochi bus terminal—Keiryuso Siorie is an intimate 8-room boutique ryokan that harmonizes the fine art of Creative Kaiseki dining with heartfelt Japanes

Hello from Keiryuso Siorie in Sawando Onsen. We are delighted to announce that our popular "Breakfast Bento Box Option"—designed for guests departing early for Kamikochi or Norikura—has been completely renovated! Packed with the fresh flavors and vibrant colors of seasonal Shinshu ingredients, this newly updated bento box is both delicious and visually beautiful. It is the ideal choice for early morning hikers or anyone wishing to get a smooth, early start to their day. Keiry

Positioned halfway between historic Matsumoto Castle and the traditional streets of Takayama, Keiryuso Siorie is a charming, boutique hot spring ryokan with just 8 guest rooms. Situated in peaceful Sawando Onsen—only a 5-minute walk from the Sawando Bus Terminal—our ryokan serves as the perfect serene base for exploring Kamikochi, the Norikura Highlands, and Shirahone Onsen. If you are seeking a quiet, high-quality mountain escape away from crowded tour buses, here is why Kei

Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, the Norikura Highlands and Kamikochi area are celebrated for crystal-clear mountain air, pristine waterfalls, and vibrant seasonal landscapes. Choosing the right place to stay is the key to an unforgettable alpine journey. For travelers seeking peace and authentic hospitality away from large tour groups, an intimate, small-scale ryokan offers the ultimate sanctuary. Located in peaceful Sawando Onsen—just at the doorstep of both Kamik

Fine Kaiseki Dining & Pure Serenity: A Boutique Ryokan Experience in the Shinshu Mountains Surrounded by the tranquil peaks of the Japanese Alps in Nagano (Shinshu), taking time to savor a beautifully crafted Kaiseki dinner offers a rare escape from the rush of daily life. At Keiryuso Siorie, located in peaceful Sawando Onsen, the rich culinary traditions of Shinshu merge seamlessly with refined Japanese hospitality. Here is what makes a stay at our intimate 8-room ryokan an

Sawando is the essential gateway for travelers heading to the breathtaking sights of Kamikochi. During peak travel seasons, it attracts many visitors, but traffic and bus line congestion actually follow very predictable patterns throughout the day. Here are some insider tips on how to avoid the crowds and enjoy a seamless journey to Kamikochi when staying with us at Keiryuso Siorie. The iconic view of Kappa Bridge and the Hotaka Mountain Range over the crystal-clear Azusa Riv

Thank you very much for your continued patronage of Keiryuso Siorie. We are delighted to announce that online reservations for stays between November 16, 2026 (Mon) and April 16, 2027 (Fri) are now officially open on our official website. Winter in Shinshu brings a magical blanket of snow, serene tranquility, and rich culinary delights. We have prepared special winter dining options and tailored stay plans to ensure an unforgettable mountain retreat. Winter Dining: Fresh Seaf

Surrounded by the majestic peaks of Chubu-Sangaku National Park, a tranquil getaway awaits you along a pristine mountain stream. Imagine immersing yourself in a serene space where time slows down, and every moment is heightened by the flavors of "Creative Kaiseki" cuisine—traditional multi-course dinners reimagined with seasonal, local ingredients. A growing number of travelers are journeying to our doors seeking exactly this: a perfect harmony of Nagano's breathtaking nature

Hello from Keiryuso Shiorie. Today, we are delighted to share some exciting news with you. We are pleased to welcome a new Executive Chef, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our kitchen and our inn. Our new chef has spent many years refining his skills at traditional Japanese inns across Japan. When we asked why he chose Shiorie, his answer was simple: "I wanted to settle down and create my own cuisine here." He also shared another dream: "I want to create original di

Thank you for choosing Keiryuso Shiorie. We are pleased to announce that we have resumed accepting multi-night stays, as our meal service is now fully available. We currently accept reservations for up to 4 consecutive nights.If you would like to stay 5 nights or longer, please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to accommodate your request. A longer stay allows you to experience the mountains at a slower pace. Wake up to the sound of birds, spend your days exploring

【Kamikochi Column Vol. 6】 Hello from Keiryuso Siorie. On days with heavy rainfall, we often receive anxious inquiries from our guests, such as: "I heard that the road to Kamikochi is closed. Can I still reach the ryokan?" "Should I cancel my trip?" First and foremost, we want to reassure you: Even if you hear that the road is "closed," please do not panic right away. In many cases, there is absolutely no need to give up on your travel plans! ■ Road Closures for Kamikochi Don'

【Kamikochi Column Vol. 5】 Hello from Keiryuso Siorie! "What kind of clothes should I pack for Kamikochi?" This is one of the most common questions our guests ask us. First-time visitors often wonder if they need heavy mountaineering gear. The good news is: if you are sticking to the main walking trails—such as Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge, Myojin Pond, or Tokusawa—casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are completely fine! Iconic view of Kappa Bridge with the Hodaka Mount

【Kamikochi Column Vol. 4】 What is the Best Time to Visit Kamikochi? Hello, this is Keiryuso Shiorie. “What time do you recommend going to Kamikochi?” This is one of the most common questions we receive from our guests. While we would love to simply say, "First thing in the morning!", the reality is a bit more nuanced. ■ Early Morning: Quiet, Serene, and Beautiful In the early morning, the air in Kamikochi is crisp, the crowds are thin, and it feels incredibly refreshing. On a

【Kamikochi Column Vol. 3】 Hello from Keiryuso Siorie. "It’s forecast to rain tomorrow. Can we still enjoy Kamikochi?" This is a question we frequently receive from our guests, especially during the rainy season. Of course, Kamikochi on a clear, sunny day is absolutely wonderful. However, there are actually many unique charms that can only be truly appreciated on a rainy day. ■ No Need to Force Yourself to Walk Far on Rainy Days Just because it is raining does not mean you nee

【Kamikochi Column Vol. 2】 Hello from Keiryuso Siorie. In our last post, we focused on choosing the right accommodation for your Kamikochi trip. From this post onward, we would like to share tips on how to actually enjoy your time sightseeing in Kamikochi. First, guests visiting Kamikochi for the first time frequently ask us: "Where should I walk?" "I don’t have much time, but can I still see the classic views of Kamikochi?" Kamikochi is much vaster than you might imagine, and