Best Places to Stay in Omachi
Omachi offers travelers a good range of accommodation options including Western-style hotels and Japanese-style ryokan lodgings. The proximity the majestic beauty of the Kurobe-Tateyama Alpine Route makes staying in Omachi a convenience to those looking to ascend the Tateyama mountain chain to see Kurobe Dam or the illustrious Snow Walls. On this page you will find the following information:
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The charming town of Omachi lives in the embrace of the nearby Northern Japan Alps and is often over-looked as a good place to base a stay. It can be easily used to go to famous sights such as the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Gorge, the three Nishina Lakes, the temples of Reisho-ji and other regional highlights such as wonderful nature areas and campgrounds. While it is true that the city does not have the traditional attractions of a larger city, Omachi is a good base entertain visitors for a day and even more in this region of rural countryside Japan.
Known as a “city of water” from the large reservoirs of freshwater that exist in the city due to the proximity to the alps, one of the great pleasures of visiting the city is seeing all the ways that water is imbued into the local culture and industry. Anything from local tales about certain springs to more practical uses such as the cultivation of many types of alcohol, miso production, and Japanese paper making (Washi) can make a stay in this local setting become a personalized visit.
WHERE TO STAY IN OMACHI?
Visitors to Omachi have two major areas to choose from depending on the type of stay they desire in the area: the Shinano-Omachi Station area and the Omachi Onsenkyo (onsen town) area. Both of these areas are easily reached via public transit, and we will talk about them in more detail below:
SHINANO-OMACHI STATION AREA – OMACHI ONSENKYO AREA
SHINANO-OMACHI STATION AREA
Centered around Shinano-Omachi Station there are several options that include guesthouses, western-style hotels, and the occasional Japanese-style ryokan. Visitors can choose from many mid-range to budget options, and offer convenience being within close walking distance from the station after arrival from your transport. Visitors looking for more traditional ryokan accommodations with onsen experiences should consider staying outside of the city proper at the Omachi Onsenkyo area below.
OMACHI ONSENKYO AREA
Just another 10 minutes by bus from Shinano-Omachi Station, the Omachi Onsenkyo is a small village area that has an array of onsen available accommodations. Although some of the onsen options do offer day-bathing so you can still experience onsen culture staying near Shinano-Omachi Station, there is just something different about relaxing on the premises of an onsen ryokan. There are mostly Japanese-style ryokans in this area, ranging from budget to more high-end accommodations, so you can walk the tatami matting and sleep in the futon bedding after soaking in the onsen to have a true Japanese experience in countryside bliss.
20 THINGS TO DO IN OMACHI & WHERE TO STAY
Many if not most visitors heading to Omachi are drawn by its proximity to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, an incredibly scenic mountain byway to reach Toyama Prefecture from Nagano Prefecture. After their visit to the stunning Snow Walls of Tateyama Kurobe, visitors discover a city with a thriving folk craft, art and nature scene. So while it’s the Alpine Route that might attract people to visit, there is certainly plenty more to offer in this area to make your journey more than a one day trip! Our ’20 Things to Do Around Omachi & Where to Stay’ page has lots of great tips and suggestions of things to do, including links to accommodation listings, in and around Omachi.
HOW TO GET TO AND AROUND OMACHI
As there is no Shinkansen line directly running from Tokyo to Omachi, the town is best reached from Tokyo by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to Nagano City and then taking the many easy to access public buses. To make it from the south from Nagoya only requires trains, but does require a transfer. Our ‘How To Get To Omachi’ page explains how to make the journey from many other popular starting points in greater detail.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Central Japan offers many, many reasons to visit! Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, to transport you to, from and between any regional destination including Toyama and beyond.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
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