Once Shimizuya was a busy inn full of Meiji Period pilgrims. These days it is still welcoming visitors to Akasawa-juku as an information center and rest space. You can relax with a cup of tea or coffee before or after you explore the ancient post town. Views of the village and Japan Alps from the windows are lovely in every season. There is also a small shop where you can purchase unique local souvenirs such as food (for example, honey) and handcrafts.
- 1 min read
Shimizuya Information Center
Relax in an old Meiji Period inn in Akasawa-juku

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Visitors watching the clouds from the second floor

The beautifully polished balcony makes you want to sit there

The second floor overlooks the red iron roof of Osaka-ya Inn

An exhibition of paintings of the village and surrounding area on the second floor

The first floor feels open and airy

The peaceful calm of the first floor tatami space

Red spider lilies in a tall vase

A small shop sells local products like honey, hand made lamps and ink stones for calligraphy

Drinks and ice-cream on the menu

Old saws are displayed on the wall, in memory of many fine lumberjacks and carpenters who once lived and worked in Akasawa-juku

Ancient carpentry on one corner of the verandah....

....and modern carpentry on the other corner

Looking down at Shimizuya from the hillside

Ready for a short tour of the village in spite of the rain
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
2
25 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
3
Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Mie - Sponsored -
4
Watching Noh in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
6
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
7
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
8
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
9
Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway
Nagano - Sponsored -
10
PokéPark Kanto Set to Open in Spring 2026
Tokyo
-
1
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
2
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3
July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
4
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
Tenjin Matsuri
Osaka -
7
Kamakura Fireworks
Kanagawa -
8
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
9
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
10
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka