Chino Tabi
Chino Tabi
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
We organize unique tours and activities in Chino, Nagano, the area between the Yatsugatake Mountains and Lake Suwa. Through our programs, you can meet the locals and experience the authentic Japan. Follow us inside artisans’ labs, local farmers’ houses and producers’ workshops. Discover the natural beauty of this mountain area and experience local life as an insider. All of our tours can be customized to meet your needs and interests.
Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
35 reviews
Excellent
34
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
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Fjgourlay
London, UK1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Family
Absolutely wonderful experience! The team at Visit Chino were brilliant at helping us choose an itinerary for our time in the area before we arrived.
We stayed in the smaller farmhouse and it was perfect, everything we needed, incredibly comfortable — luxurious even — with the warmest welcome.
We ate some of the best food we had throughout our whole trip in Japan during our stay (recommend getting the local food deliveries!), we visited a local Onsen, met people and got a glimpse into life in this beautiful village — all things we could not have done without the brilliant team at Visit Chino.
Very easy to access from Tokyo by train and the team were incredibly accommodating to our six month old son who was travelling with us. We’ll be back for sure — to explore the area in a different season, and get off the beaten tourist trails once again!
We stayed in the smaller farmhouse and it was perfect, everything we needed, incredibly comfortable — luxurious even — with the warmest welcome.
We ate some of the best food we had throughout our whole trip in Japan during our stay (recommend getting the local food deliveries!), we visited a local Onsen, met people and got a glimpse into life in this beautiful village — all things we could not have done without the brilliant team at Visit Chino.
Very easy to access from Tokyo by train and the team were incredibly accommodating to our six month old son who was travelling with us. We’ll be back for sure — to explore the area in a different season, and get off the beaten tourist trails once again!
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We are so happy that you enjoyed our cozy Hanato farmhouse and were able to try the delicious local delivery services. Our guides had a wonderful time with you, especially Nakaima-san, who has fond memories of your time cooking and playing music together. Thank you again for visiting us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back soon!
The Chino Tabi Team
Written March 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Silver_says
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
One of the best part of our Japan trip!
Booking and planning the itinerary was really easy through Megan and we managed to fit in everything we wanted to do.
Our trip had two homestays where we slept on futons and went to local onsens. We met some really amazing people (and gorgeous cats), cooked lots of local cuisines, ate lots of delicious food, went on a walking tour around the village, made miso from scratch and learned so much from everyone.
Our hosts Serata-san and Ariura-san were warm and inviting and made us feel so welcomed.
Highly recommended for those who want to get away from the main busy city, absorb traditional local culture and learn from amazing and inspiring grannies! 😍
Booking and planning the itinerary was really easy through Megan and we managed to fit in everything we wanted to do.
Our trip had two homestays where we slept on futons and went to local onsens. We met some really amazing people (and gorgeous cats), cooked lots of local cuisines, ate lots of delicious food, went on a walking tour around the village, made miso from scratch and learned so much from everyone.
Our hosts Serata-san and Ariura-san were warm and inviting and made us feel so welcomed.
Highly recommended for those who want to get away from the main busy city, absorb traditional local culture and learn from amazing and inspiring grannies! 😍
Written October 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We do our best to provide a personlized plan that suits our guests, and we're so glad to hear that you enjoyed connecting with the locals! The food here really is something else, thanks to the climate, altitude, and culture! The combination makes for a truly unique exprience not found along the standard tourist routes. Escape the artificial hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy experiencing the real, natural world!
Serata-san and Ariura-san are eagerly awaiting your next visit, along with the rest of us!
-The Chino Tabi Team
Written November 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nabeela H
2 contributions
Jun 2023
The Chino Tabi team was exceptional and very patient with our requests! As we were pretty much planning our trip on the go, they were able to book and recommend the best of what we could do in our short term there. Although we wanted to do more, we managed to squeeze in a historical walk through the town and the experience was definitely memorable. We learned a lot from Eto San about the history of the village (since he spent his entire 80+years there), he also gave us a broader perspective of Japan. Our guides and translators, Megan and Sebastian did a phenomenal job and made the experience fun. We had several hearty conversations and it definitely added a lot more value to our stay in Chino.
Written June 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Nabeela,
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We do everything we can to provide our guests with a unique experience of life in rural Japan and open their minds to new perspectives by connecting them with locals. Thank you for taking such a great interest in the area! We’re glad we could help you, and only wish we could have done even more. With such a rich history and culture, it’s impossible to learn and see everything in a single trip, so we hope to welcome you back soon!
The Chino Tabi Team
Written June 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JaGBrisbane
Brisbane6 contributions
Feb 2023
We highly recommend contacting Chino Tabi to book a uniquely Japanese experience in a wonderful rural area. All the staff were very helpful and professional. Megan went out of her way to help us and provided many insights into the local culture. We had a great time learning how to make tofu, going on our first ever snow shoe hike and cooking traditional food with one of the Chino "grannies". The following lunch was absolutely delicious. If you want an authentic Japanese experience or two, Chino Tabi is the organisation to contact - we highly recommend them.
Written March 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We are so glad that you enjoyed our activities and were able to get a feel for the local culture, especially the amazing food! It was a pleasure meeting you all, and we hope to see you again soon!
The Chino Tabi Team
Written March 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ミユキ ク
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Solo
I went to make miso over a campfire with a homestay in an old folk house.
There aren't many places where you can make miso over a campfire, so when I found this place, I immediately wanted to go! I immediately consulted with them. They responded immediately and the reservation was very smooth.
The old folk house I stayed in was a 150-year-old folk house. It is a house that makes use of its original structure. It is cold at this time of year, but thanks to the owner's thoughtfulness, I was able to spend two days and one night comfortably.
The owner is a good cook, and I enjoyed a very delicious home-cooked meal.
For the bath, I was guided to a hot spring ♨️ where the water flows directly from the source.
The spring quality and temperature are very good, and I feel warm for a while after taking a bath.
I also enjoyed talking with the owner, and the two days and one night went by in a flash. I will stop by again.
Thank you to all the staff who guided me this time and to the owner.
There aren't many places where you can make miso over a campfire, so when I found this place, I immediately wanted to go! I immediately consulted with them. They responded immediately and the reservation was very smooth.
The old folk house I stayed in was a 150-year-old folk house. It is a house that makes use of its original structure. It is cold at this time of year, but thanks to the owner's thoughtfulness, I was able to spend two days and one night comfortably.
The owner is a good cook, and I enjoyed a very delicious home-cooked meal.
For the bath, I was guided to a hot spring ♨️ where the water flows directly from the source.
The spring quality and temperature are very good, and I feel warm for a while after taking a bath.
I also enjoyed talking with the owner, and the two days and one night went by in a flash. I will stop by again.
Thank you to all the staff who guided me this time and to the owner.
Written February 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
richard p
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Highlight of our trip! If you’re looking for a glimpse into authentic Japanese country life, sensitively managed and at one with the local community, with impeccable service, beautiful accommodation and wide range of activities - this is it. The team couldnt have been more helpful, whatever issues we threw at them (eg realising I’d forgotten my driving licence so needed multiple taxi bookings short notice). Loved it and will be back from more (this time with driving licence..). Thanks!
Written November 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was our pleasure, Richard! We're glad we were able to accommodate the changes and still provide a satisfying and unique view into life in the local countryside and mountains. We are excited for you to experience the extra freedom of exploration that driving will bring. There is still so much more waiting to be discovered! Thank you again for staying with us, and we look forward to seeing you again soon! - The Chino Tabi Team
Written November 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah Dietz
Ilkley, West Yorks8 contributions
Apr 2023
What a wonderful afternoon at the Flying Teahouse of Chino, it exceeded all our expectations! Kiichi and Megan planned the tour so well, introducing us to the landscape and traditions which influenced Fujimori's astonishing work. Then we had great fun climbing into the teahouses, enjoying the views framed so beautifully by the windows and a very memorable tea ceremony in the Too Low Teahouse.
Written May 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much, Sarah! This made our day. We're glad to hear that you gained a deeper understanding of Fujimori sensei's work and enjoyed your time in the teahouses. We loved meeting you all and hearing about your beautiful teahouse and garden. Best wishes, and we hope to see you again soon!
The Chino Tabi Team
Written May 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah C
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
We had a wonderful stay in Chino! I had a great experience working with the tourism office to arrange our stay at Tateshina Kitchen House. Our host Ayumi was excellent and very welcoming. I would highly recommend visiting Chino and Tateshina Kitchen House to anyone who is planning a trip to Japan 😊
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your homestay with Ayumi, and were able to experience the joys of local life. We loved having you all, and hope to see you again soon!
The Chino Tabi Team
Written April 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie S
Vienna, Austria5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Our homestay in Chino was really great. If you are interested to get to know the real Japanese culture and meet super nice people, then I can just recommend this. We stayed with a super nice couple, cooked together, went to the Onsen and learned a lot more about the area and Japanese customs.
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We are so glad that you enjoyed your homestay and were able to experience the local culture. The Takei family loved hosting you. 😊
Thank you again for visiting us, and we hope to welcome you back soon!
The Chino Tabi Team
Written April 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michal M
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
This whole experience with Chino Tabi was an absolute blast. The first part, planning the trip was easy because of all the support I received. I did not know the best way to plan all the activities I wanted to do, and the team at Chino Tabi helped put my itinerary together in order to get the most out of it.
The Kinkei house was very clean and comfortable. The house was a great balance of traditional and modern. The view was great and I loved the sound of the stream nearby. Also the amount of light in the house was wonderful. They do have coffee; but more straight drip. Since I do love my coffee in the morning, I think the only thing I wish I had was a espresso machine. I don't mind drip at all, but I do love my latte's :-)
The activities were all wonderful, and I enjoyed therm all. They all are different, so it just depends what you are looking for. Bike riding was more physical, Soba making more educational, and the dinners more about cultural connection.
Its an amazing way to spend time in the country side because of the connections you have with the locals. Everyone and everything was top notch. All questions were answered. I was absolutely recommend the whole experience.
The Kinkei house was very clean and comfortable. The house was a great balance of traditional and modern. The view was great and I loved the sound of the stream nearby. Also the amount of light in the house was wonderful. They do have coffee; but more straight drip. Since I do love my coffee in the morning, I think the only thing I wish I had was a espresso machine. I don't mind drip at all, but I do love my latte's :-)
The activities were all wonderful, and I enjoyed therm all. They all are different, so it just depends what you are looking for. Bike riding was more physical, Soba making more educational, and the dinners more about cultural connection.
Its an amazing way to spend time in the country side because of the connections you have with the locals. Everyone and everything was top notch. All questions were answered. I was absolutely recommend the whole experience.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You're too kind, Mike! We did our best to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and I'm glad to hear that we lived up to your expectations!
We'll keep your suggestion about espresso in mind, but there's just something so wonderful about the primitive nature of hand-ground, hand-dripped coffee. The slow, methodical pace makes for a wonderful meditative ritual that perfectly matches the atmoshpere of the farmhouses, on par with a tea ceremony. Those moments of quiet peace and reflection as one sips a freshly hand-brewed coffee looking out over the Yatsugatake Mountains are something special.
We're also happy to hear that you enjoyed the activities! You hit the nail on the head - it's all about connection. Our goal is to provide authentic experiences of life in the Japanese countryside while creating lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. We hope the experience changed your life for the better, and we'll always welcome you back!
The Chino Tabi Team
Written October 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience