Miyota(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Oyata Town, the top choice for families is Oyata Highland Resort, a nature-immersed, Japanese-style resort with private onsen baths and panoramic views of the Kiso River valley. The property offers kid-friendly activities like forest guided walks, handmade pottery workshops, and an organic farm experience. Guests can explore the nearby Oyata Town Natural Museum within a 5-minute walk. Breakfast features local specialties such as fresh Nagano strawberries and yam porridge, highlighting regional cuisine. This serene mountain retreat blends comfort, sustainability, and authentic rural charm—perfect for creating lasting family memories.

The ideal area for staying in Oyata Town is Ue-Oyata, nestled along the Kiso River tributary with clean air and minimal noise. This district hosts most high-quality ryokans and guesthouses, including Mori no Yado Ayameya, a centuries-old wooden inn featuring Edo-period architecture and a century-old cherry tree in its courtyard. It’s just a 10-minute walk to Oyata Town Center Square, where you’ll find craft markets, tea houses, and seasonal straw man exhibitions. At night, enjoy unspoiled stargazing due to zero light pollution—ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. Plus, it's only 40 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station, making it perfect for short trips.

One must-try cultural experience in Oyata Town is the traditional bamboo weaving workshop hosted at the Oyata Craft Hall. Led by local artisans, visitors learn to make baskets and lanterns using sustainably harvested Shinshu bamboo from the region. The process emphasizes harmony between craft and spirit. Additionally, the annual Oyata Autumn Festival features period costumes, lantern parades, and tasting events for wild mountain vegetables. Participants can wear yukata or traditional aprons, immersing themselves in Meiji-era village life. These events preserve local craftsmanship and foster meaningful community engagement.

Top-rated hot spring hotels in Oyata Town include Oyata Onsen Yuno-hana-tei, a century-old ryokan famed for its natural sulfur-rich waters that soothe skin and muscles. The entire structure is built from wood, with an open-air bath overlooking the Oyata Gorge, offering breathtaking morning mists and evening sunsets. Each evening, guests join a "Onsen Night Talk" session where elders share local legends and history. Another excellent option is Shirakaba-so Ryokan, known for its "Forest Healing Program," combining forest bathing with onsen therapy using essential oils derived from local ferns. Both offer homemade kaiseki meals made with ingredients from local organic farms.

Recommended hiking trails in Oyata Town include the Kiso River Source Trail, a 6-kilometer route through pristine forests and river gorges. Starting near Oyata Bridge, it passes First Falls and reaches Emerald Lake, where visitors may spot wild Japanese macaques and rare fern species. Interpretive signs in English and Chinese explain geology and conservation. Another scenic option is the Oyata Shrine Approach, connecting Oomiya Shrine to Matsuo Mountain Observatory, spanning 3.2 km and ideal for early-morning hikes. The trail showcases four seasons—cherry blossoms, lush greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes—perfect for photography and mindfulness. Bring sturdy shoes and water; some sections involve steep stone steps.

Must-try dishes in Oyata Town include: Shinshu Chestnut Rice, made with locally harvested chestnuts and glutinous rice, offering a rich, sweet flavor; Kiso River Fish Sashimi, featuring fresh sea bass and trout caught daily, served with lemon and wasabi; and Oyata Vegetable Tempura, using seasonal produce like pumpkin, eggplant, and mountain parsley. Don’t miss the hand-pulled soba noodles from Sato-an, a century-old shop whose firm texture and dashi broth made from kombu and bonito are deeply satisfying. These dishes are available at Oyata Town Market or the farm-to-table restaurant Hata no Ie, supporting local agriculture and sustainable dining.

Best photo spots in Oyata Town include: Oyata Bridge at dusk, where illuminated lights reflect beautifully on the Kiso River surface; Centennial Cherry Blossom Garden, where a massive cherry tree forms a natural archway ideal for portrait and wide-angle shots; and the Shrine Torii Path, where red torii gates lined with autumn foliage create a dramatic visual depth. For serene compositions, visit the Shirakaba-so Ryokan garden, blending Zen-inspired rock gardens and moss terraces. Early morning at Emerald Lake offers misty reflections of mountains and trees—perfect for poetic imagery. All locations remain untouched by commercialization, preserving their natural beauty.

Seasonal events in Oyata Town include: the Cherry Blossom Festival in late March, featuring temporary lantern displays and shamisen performances along Oyata Bridge; the Firefly Walk in early July, where guided lantern tours follow the Kiso River to observe native fireflies; the Chestnut Harvest Festival in October, with hands-on chestnut peeling and tastings of chestnut wine and cakes; and the Snowy Onsen Marathon in winter, where runners in yukata race through snowy villages ending at Yuno-hana-tei. These festivals celebrate local traditions, ecology, and community spirit—offering immersive cultural experiences.

To reach Oyata Town, take the JR East Shinetsu Main Line to Oyata Station, then transfer to local bus or pre-booked shuttle service. If driving, use National Route 18 or the Nagano Expressway, approximately 2 hours from Tokyo. Free parking is available at Oyata Town Center Square and Yuno-hana-tei Parking Lot. For accessibility, some guesthouses offer wheelchair-friendly transfers. The town also offers a Nature Journey Pass, providing discounts on buses, trail access, and activity tickets—ideal for multi-day travelers. HopeGoo accommodations and transport in advance is strongly advised, especially during peak seasons.

Oyata Town leads in eco-tourism with initiatives including solar-powered hot water systems and energy-efficient lighting in all lodgings; restaurants banned single-use plastics, promoting reusable bamboo containers; and waste bins placed along trails with volunteer cleanup crews. The town runs a Zero Waste Program, where tourists earn local produce gifts for completing recycling challenges. Notably, the Oyata Craft Hall uses reclaimed wood, and every guest room includes a "Carbon Footprint Guide" suggesting low-impact alternatives like bike tours and walking excursions. These efforts ensure tourism supports environmental preservation and community well-being.