Nozawa Onsen is a village situated in Nagano, Japan, which is famous for two things. Firstly, fantastic snow during the winter months; its a great place for a winter holiday. Secondly, it has some of the best ryokans in the area. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that offer some of the best hospitality, traditional food and unique experiences for guests to enjoy during their stay. Much more than just a hotel, ryokans offer you an insight into traditional Japanese culture, with many boasting access to onsens, fresh-made cuisine, and much more. Whatever season you choose to visit, you’ll fall in love with this charming onsen village, which is said to date back to the 8th century. To help you get the most out of your stay, here’s our list of the best ryokans in Nozawa Onsen, Nagano, Japan.
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 October 03, 2024.
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1. Residence Yasushi (from USD 78)
Delicious, meticulously prepared breakfast and afternoon tea, with options for Japanese or Western cuisine
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-appointed rooms and private onsen access
Conveniently located near the bus terminal, ski area, and town center
Modern facilities, private onsen, daily breakfast, and afternoon tea
This elegant ryokan offers some of the best options if you are looking for a ryokan with western-style beds. In fact, there are eight different room types, including suites, futon beds, and even a single room. This property can cater to all types of travelers. Also, thanks to its excellent location, it is also a very popular destination. It is nestled in the heart of a quiet area, so you are guaranteed relaxation and peace. There are twenty en-suite rooms and two onsen baths on the premises. There’s also an on-site restaurant that uses local products as much as possible and provides guests with fantastic food.
2. Tanuki Nozawa (from USD 170)
One of the more spacious ryokans on this listing, the Tanuki Nozawa has both Japanese-style bedrooms and western-style rooms. In fact, the western-style rooms are all apartments and include a bedroom, seating area, and small kitchenette. This ryokan offers great flexibility, so that you can be more self-sufficient during your stay. The Japanese-style rooms offer raised futon bedding and tatami-mat flooring with small seating area and kettle. All the rooms have WiFi access, and breakfast is offered daily to guests.
Tanuki Nozawa
Address: Toyosato 9285
3. Shirakaba (from USD 65)
This welcoming family-run business boasts both western and tatami-style rooms. They have family rooms available, making this a fantastic spot for all holidaymakers. We love that you can borrow bikes for free from this property, and relax in the coffee shop. There is also free parking available on site and WiFi throughout the property. This ryokan, although modern, still feels very traditional. It’s a great option if you’re looking for the ryokan experience, but would prefer western bedding.
4. Kawamotoya (from USD 136)
This high-rise ryokan includes a public bath, and both Western and Japanese style rooms. The Western-style room is for two people with western beds and is equipped with a small kitchenette. The Japanese-style room is available for two to four people and comes with futton bedding and either shared or private bathrooms. All of the rooms have a private toilet. There’s also an outdoor communal space.
Kawamotoya
Address: Toyosato 8955
5. Nozawa Dream Central (from USD 99)
Delicious and varied homemade breakfast options, including fresh bread and local recommendations for dining.
Great value for money with affordable rates and convenient location.
Centrally located near bus terminal, restaurants, and bars, making it ideal for exploring the village.
Clean and comfortable traditional accommodation with helpful staff and tasty homemade breakfast.
This ryokan has a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property, and a number of different sized Japanese-style tatami rooms. There is no parking available, but the property does boast a bath. After a busy day on the ski slopes or exploring the surrounding area, you can simply relax and unwind in the tub. The bedrooms are equipped with a flat-screen television and shared bathroom access. Be sure to take advantage of the morning buffet breakfast provided by the ryokan.
Nozawa Dream Central
Address: 9771-2 Oaza Toyosato, Nozawaonsen-mura Shimotakai-gun
6. Kawatatsu (from USD 119)
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this is a calming ryokan to return to after a busy day of exploring the town. This ryokan offers access to an onsen. It is worth noting that there is only one style of room and it is equipped with four futon mats and shared access to a bathroom. The property itself is bright and has a very traditional feel. WiFi is available in all public areas, but parking is charged at an additional fee off-site.
7. Berg Marukaneya (from USD 114)
Delicious and plentiful Japanese breakfast and dinner, with both Japanese and Western options. Highly recommended for the quality of meals and the accommodating staff.
Reasonable pricing for the great value offered, including discounted ski lift tickets and convenient shuttle service.
Excellent location with short walks to ski lifts, public onsens, and the village center. Free bus shuttle to the ski school is conveniently close by.
Clean rooms, traditional Japanese onsen, washing machine, and helpful, English-speaking staff. Discounted ski rentals available across the road.
This large Japanese house offers a public bath and traditional Japanese food in a friendly, peaceful environment. The on-site restaurant caters to guests looking to enjoy a delicious meal. You will also have free access to the onsen that is located at a stone’s throw away from the property. All of the rooms, of which there are two Japanese-style options, include a flat-screen television, WiFi access, and bathrooms. We love that there are additional treats included, such as slippers and toiletries. Relaxation is the key at this ryokan. Parking is available for free, but it is located nearby.
8. Minshuku Kojima
With a communal kitchenette, this is a ryokan that offers you much more flexibility and independence. However, we definitely recommend the delicious breakfast, which is offered every morning. It is the perfect way to start your day. We love that this site also caters to solo travelers, with a number of single Japanese-style rooms available. For those of you traveling in a larger group or as a family, this site has rooms which can comfortably host up to five people. Additional features includes drying room for your ski or snowboard gear, free WiFi and shared-access bathrooms. Parking is off-site only and comes with an additional cost.
Minshuku Kojima
Address: Toyosato 9726
9. Pure Nagasaka (from USD 108)
This is a great destination for couples because it only offers double futon-bedding bedrooms. The rooms are traditional and cozy, complete with a flat-screen television, complimentary toiletries, and access to shared bathroom facilities. Free parking is available on site, and WiFi is available throughout the building free of charge. Ski storage space is also available and guests can take full advantage of the on-site baths. A traditional Japanese breakfast is offered daily and is the perfect way to start your day.
10. Resort Inn Chiharu (from USD 136)
We adore everything about this traditional ryokan built on stilts. The staff is friendly and helpful. Spacious Japanese-style rooms are available with either three or four futon beds, making it an ideal option for families. All of the rooms are also equipped with a seating area, flat-screen television, desk, and shared bathroom access. The chefs at the ryokan prepare a Japanese-style breakfast every morning for the guests. Both free WiFi and free parking are available. This site is well known for its excellent customer service.
Experience a slice of tradition
Japan is known for its traditions and customs. Now is your opportunity to experience it for yourself. All you need to do is simply book one of these best ryokans in Nozawa Onsen area of Nagano in Japan, and have a memorable stay.
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