Matsumoto is not that much further north than Tokyo, but it has a very different climate and it still has plenty of things to do. During your visit, you can explore Matsumoto-jō Castle and offer your prayers at Yohashira-jinja Shrine. You can even admire artworks of famous Japanese artists at Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Nagano prefecture, where Matsumoto is based, is famous for housing the Japanese Alps. This volcanic mountain range may stretch across a wide portion of Japan but Nagano is where the highest points can be found. Because of this increased altitude, the area is a lot colder and perfect for skiing as well as other winter sports. The Japanese Alps are volcanic and heat many pockets of water in the region. This has led to an abundance of hot springs that are a massive tourism draw for the local area. So, check out the best onsen ryokans in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Fukashiso (from USD 156)
Affordable traditional ryokan with exceptional dining experience.
Private onsen, free shuttle bus, attentive staff, and Japanese ambiance.
Quiet suburban neighborhood surrounded by mountains, with shuttle to station.
Delicious kaiseki dinner, accommodating to dietary preferences, and extensive breakfast buffet.
Fukashiso is a serene oasis, just a 15-minute car ride from National Treasure Matsumoto Castle. In the air-conditioned room, you are welcomed by the tatami flooring, and cozy Japanese futon bedding invites you to relax after a day of sightseeing. At the same time, the TV and Wi-Fi provide indoor entertainment.
The public and private baths highlight the ryokan, offering a chance to soak in the healing waters. The baby bath toys add an extra element of fun to bath time. The common baths are separate for both genders and there is also a family bath available here. The Restaurant Alps Ginza serves authentic Japanese cuisine, showcasing the best local produce and flavors. The kid-friendly buffet caters to the tastes of the little ones.
The shuttle service and bicycle rental make it easy to explore the surrounding areas, while the souvenir shop lets you bring back a piece of Japan. The traditional Irori hearth adds a touch of warmth and coziness to the communal spaces.
2. Shoho (from USD 334)
Shoho is a slice of paradise that boasts a range of superb facilities and amenities, such as a free shuttle service. The Japanese and Western accommodations offer the perfect blend of traditional and modern comfort, with air-conditioned rooms featuring a flat-screen TV for entertainment. For the ultimate indulgence, some rooms have a sauna and an open-air bath, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters.
The indoor or outdoor hot-spring bath is also available, providing a serene escape. If you need some pampering, the massage services will melt your tension away, leaving you feeling rejuvenated. The restaurants serve delectable Japanese cuisine, while the garden terrace is perfect for soaking up the tranquil ambiance. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the area by bicycle, available on-site rental. The karaoke rooms offer a lively evening to spend with friends or family.
3. Awanoyu (from USD 502)
Perhaps one of the most famous onsen ryokans in the area is Awanoyu. Its giant and milky white hot spring bath alone is enough to attract all kinds of travelers. The indoor baths are made of wooden cypress and the hot water baths, Nuruyu and Atsuyu, are ideal during cold temperatures. Note that there are separate open-air baths for men and women.
The rooms are designed after traditional Japanese houses, complete with futon beddings and tatami floor seating. Besides the alluring mountain views and excellent hospitality, the ryokan offers amenities such as karaoke, flatscreen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Families like to stay here for their delicious kid-friendly meals, and couples particularly enjoy the massage services.
4. Keiryuso Siorie (from USD 120)
Keiryu-so Shiorie is a smartly designed ryokan that adheres to Japanese aesthetics wherever possible. The whole building is picturesque and serene. The rooms are set out in a traditional Japanese style, meaning they have tatami mat floors, low-height tables and seating, and comfortable futon beds.
The property also has both indoor and outdoor onsen baths that guests are free to use at their leisure. These are gender segregated and can be booked for private use. The water comes from Sawando onsen, which is mildly alkaline.
The ryokan is especially proud of their Kaiseki meals. These meals are brought to diners in a succession of small courses that add up to one big meal. This way you can sample a whole host of delightful Japanese dishes, experiencing many different tastes all in one meal. They have both French and Japanese meals available all made with the freshest local ingredients.
5. Yumoto Saito Ryokan (from USD 161)
An exemplary ryokan with helpful staff and spacious rooms. Yumoto Saito Ryokan has Japanese-style rooms with a semi open-air bath, making your ryokan experience in Matsumoto great. It also has tatami mat flooring and low-seating tables.
There is also a large public bath, open-air bath, and private bath with hot milky water inside that can be used by all guests. This water is tinged white by natural volcanic elements that are said to be therapeutic. It’s a great, secluded health spa.
Yumoto Saito Ryokan
Address: 4195 Azumi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano Prefecture
Access: From Matsumoto Station (JR Chuo-to Line): Take a Kamikochi Line train bound for Shin-Shimashima and get off at Shin-Shimashima Station (about 30 minutes). Then take a Shirahone Onsen Line Bus bound for Shirahone Onsen and get off at the Shirahone Onsen bus stop (about 50 minutes). It is about 10 minutes on foot from there. By car: Exit the Nagano Expressway at Matsumoto IC and continue along National Route 158 until Sawando, then Prefectural Route 300 for about 60 minutes (40 km).
6. Hotel Tamanoyu (from USD 140)
This ryokan has the individual bonus of being wheelchair accessible. Not a lot of places in Japan are easily accessible for the disabled. Unlike many Western countries, there are no laws or social pressures about catering to wheelchair users so many businesses just don’t. Hotel Tamanoyu has you covered though and they are always happy to have guests with limited mobility.
This ryokan in Nagano has an onsen that is available for all guests. There is an indoor open-air bath made of cypress, separate for men and women. These baths with weakly alkaline water are open 24 hours.
The rooms are more traditional, featuring futon beds. Select units also have open-air baths with beautiful views. Sometimes, the ryokan hosts classical music concerts.
7. Ryokan Matsukaze (from USD 23)
A super convenient ryokan that is perfect for those who want to get around easily. The ryokan is just a 10-minute walk away from Matsumoto station and then another 10-minute walk away from Matsumoto castle. It’s a great location and the staff are always happy to help guests if they need to book anything or plan their excursions to the local sights. It features Japanese-style rooms with futons and tatami flooring mats. Also, the units feature shared bath facilities.
8. Hotel Shirakabaso (Kamikochi) (from USD 117)
Hotel Shirakabaso (Kamikochi) is famous for the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Located right next to Kamikochi mountain and with great views of the whole mountain chain, this ryokan is a fantastic place for photographers and anyone who enjoys a good mountain view. They are very proud of their in-house restaurant that serves local specialty cuisine that is made with 100% local foods.
Unwind in the large public bath featuring wooden buckets and chairs. Designed with wooden logs, the bath has natural waters sourced from the Alps. Enjoy the authentic Japanese life by booking the traditional rooms with futons, low-level tables, and cushioned chairs. From here, you can admire the beautiful Mount Hotaka and relish its views.
Hotel Shirakabaso (Kamikochi)
Address: 4468 Azumi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano Prefecture
Access: From Matsumoto Station (JR Chuo Higashi Line): Take a Kamikochi Line train to Shin-Shimashima Station. Get off there and take a bus bound for Kamikochi to the Kamikochi bus stop (about 65 min). It is about 5 min on foot from there. For guests arriving past 17:00, please make sure to contact the hotel in advance. 0263-95-2131 <u>Important Note:</u> It is not possible to drive to the hotel because private automobiles are restricted in the Kamikochi area. Guests must leave their vehicle at a parking area, then travel the remaining distance by bus or taxi. - From the Takayama area: Park at the Hirayu Parking Lot before the tunnel. Take a bus or taxi from there. Bus fare is JPY 1,130 one-way, JPY 2,000 round-trip. Parking costs JPY 1,000 per night. Buses run until about 17:00, so guests arriving later must take a taxi, which costs about JPY 4,000. - From the Matsumoto area: Park at the Sawando Parking Lot, and take a bus or taxi from there. Bus fare is JPY 1,200 one-way, JPY 2,000 round-trip. Parking costs JPY 1,000 per night. Buses run until about 16:00 so guests arriving later will have to take a taxi, which costs about JPY 4,000. (All times and prices listed above are subject to change; please confirm that information beforehand.)
9. Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu (from USD 40)
Guests of Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu can choose from Western-style or Japanese-style rooms traditional interiors and tatami mats. Both are spacious, it just depends on the type of bed you prefer. Head to the Fukashi-no-Yu Public Bath, which has melted water from the Northern Alps. There are separate baths for both genders.
This ryokan also has the traditional Japanese game mahjong offered to guests as entertainment. There is also Wi-Fi but playing mahjong is a true Japanese experience. Head to I;caza to relish delicious dishes made with Nagano terroir ingredients.
Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu
Address: 4-8-9 Ote, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano Prefecture
Access: From Matsumoto Station (JR Shinonoi Line) East Exit: Take a bus bound for Asama Onsen via Nitta from Matsumoto Bus Terminal and get off at the Agetsuchimachi bus stop (about 10 minutes). It is about 1 minute on foot from there. By car: Exit the Nagano Expressway at the Matsumoto IC and continue along Route 158 for about 25 minutes (7 km) towards Matsumoto Castle.
10. Ryokan Seifuso (from USD 45)
Another Japanese-style accommodation is Ryokan Seifuso in Matsumoto. Guests get to experience the unique, Japanese feel of a hotel room that has woven reed tatami mats on the floor and surprisingly comfortable futons. From the rooms, you can get amazing views of the surrounding mountains and enjoy the fresh mountain air. This ryokan also has real vegetarian meals available in its restaurant. This is something not always available in Japan.
To de-stress, head to the public bath with mineral-enriched water. It has separate timings for men and women and can be booked for private baths as well.
11. Izumiya Zenbe (from USD 48)
This ryokan has been operating since 1876 and it has maintained the Japanese charm that kept them in business for so long. Guests are treated to kind and polite staff that are willing to help you with any problems you may have. The rooms carry a traditional Japanese style, as do the whole building and the outdoor onsen.
Izumiya Zenbe has three private baths and a 24-hour indoor bath. The therapeutic water comes from Utsukushigahara Onsen, which is good for your, joints and stiff shoulders. Note that the type of bath is based on the room you book.
12. Myojinkan (from USD 697)
Relaxing in an onsen bath is an essential part of the Japanese experience. Myojinkan understands this and generously offers a hot spring bath with restorative water. Having your head and shoulders exposed to the refreshing breezes whilst the lower part of your body stays nice and warm in the water is a fabulous feeling. Additionally, the ryokan offers spa treatments such as a facial cleanse or a massage that guests are welcome to.
They have Western-style rooms and have rental bicycles that you can use to get to town. The Japanese-style Yamashina room has futon beds, private bath, and traditional decor.
13. Tsuki no Shizuka (from USD 52)
This beautifully rustic ryokan is ready for guests who want to experience traditional Japan. You can stay here and sleep in a classical Japanese-designed room, eat high-quality local specialties at the restaurant, and relax in a traditional Matsumoto onsen. The large public bath sources water from Tsukubai onsen and there are separate tubs for males and females. The healing water is known to relieve people from neuralgia, poor circulation, sprains, and more.
There are also massages and rental cars available for those willing to pay a bit extra.
Tsuki no Shizuka
Address: Satoyamabe Yunohara 101
14. Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan (from USD 312)
Great value for money with included meals and shuttle services.
Beautiful outdoor and indoor onsens, free shuttle services to Kamikochi and Matsumoto, comprehensive hiking shop.
Convenient access to Mt Yake trail, nestled in a natural and scenic location near Kamikochi.
Exquisite traditional Japanese meals, accommodating vegetarian diets, and the option for bento lunches.
One of the best ryokans in Matsumoto, Nagano, is Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan. Guests are welcome to enjoy the daily Asian cuisine breakfast at the dining hall, which overlooks the foggy and mesmerizing mountains. The open-air hot spring bath is nestled right in the middle of lush greens and towering trees, giving a one-of-a-kind mystical experience. As a highly secluded area, the ryokan is a popular choice among couples who are on a romantic getaway. The place is also ideal for families, and child meals are available upon request.
Enjoy a relaxing getaway in Matsumoto
This snowy little part of Japan is great for history buffs and art connoisseurs. If you’re looking for somewhere to experience Japanese culture but also want to ride down a couple of slopes, then this is the place for you. So, book one of the best onsen ryokans in Matsumoto listed above and soak in the healing waters to heal and rejuvenate.
Frequently asked questions about onsen ryokans in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture
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