Kiso Valley early March ‘23

Hi, I'm just planning our long deferred Japan trip. At this stage thinking (because we can only get in via Tokyo) Tokyo 1 night, Nara 4 nights, Kyoto 2 nights, Narai (Kiso Valley) 3 nights, Karuizawa 3 nights, to start in the last week of Feb.

We are not skiers (I'm scared of heights, lol), but wondering if anyone has been around Kiso Valley that time of year, does it get a lot of snow and would it still be OK for walks etc? I've been there in December, it was pretty mild.

I can't answer your question - but found this link with an email address to the Magome Tourist office. They have a part time English speaker. I'm sure that they'd enjoy some love in the form of an email since they've had no foreign tourism since March 2020....

https://tic.jnto.go.jp/eng/detail.php?id=3557

Sweet, will try that. You're a fan of nice accommodation, right? Have a look at Byaku at Narai, which is on the list for this trip.

It looks nice - albeit a bit out of my price range (I get paid in Euros now so don't get paid as much as previously). I normally stay at the Fujioto in Tsumago which is a bit more simple but has good service and nice meals (plus some interesting side dishes!!). The owner also speaks excellent Italian and good English.

Yeah my missus wont stay anywhere without a bathroom inside the room (actually I support her on that, it is a nuisance without one) and that limits us a bit in the Kiso valley, unless we were going to resort style.