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

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

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

【Kamikochi Column Vol. 1】 Where Is the Best Place to Stay for Sightseeing in Kamikochi? When planning a trip to Kamikochi, one of the first questions many travelers have is, "Where is the most convenient place to stay?" Two areas that are most frequently compared are Shirahone Onsen, known as a hidden hot spring deep in the mountains, and the Sawando area, located right at the gateway to Kamikochi. In this blog post, we would like to explain the differences! To sum it up, if