Nagano City is the mountain-ringed capital of Nagano Prefecture. It has been famous for the pilgrimage to the magnificent Zenkō-Ji since the Kamakura period. Thanks to the bullet train that was upgraded in 1998, the city has received a wide number of tourists for its popular shrines and the famous Togakure Ninja School. This is the perfect place for kids if you want them to have a glimpse of Ninja’s past. Only an hour and a half away from Tokyo, Nagano City has gained immense traction for its small-town feel, a wide array of restaurants and bars, and other fun activities that a family can enjoy together. Even the climate of the city is favourable with cool summers and cold winters. So, if you are planning to spend your family vacation in a unique way, then do check out the best ryokans in Nagano, Japan, for an unforgettable experience.
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 08, 2024.
1. Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan (from USD 101)
Located at a short distance from the popular Zenko-ji Temple, this traditional Japanese-style inn has been around for more than 100 years! Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan offers not just customary décor of paper screens and tatami mats, but also facilities like massages, public bath, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can also enjoy multi-course Japanese breakfast and dinners. It is a 10-minute ride from JR Nagano Station and a short walk from Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum.
Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan
Address: Daimon 49
700 meters (0.5 ft) from Zenkō-ji
2. Oshi Ryokan (from USD 59)
Reasonable pricing for a traditional ryokan experience with optional meal packages.
Authentic Japanese rooms with kotatsu tables, fluffy futons, and a large soaking tub. Beautiful garden views and traditional decor. Helpful staff and bear bells provided for hiking.
Conveniently located near Togakushi shrines and bus stop, with easy access to hiking trails and the birthplace of soba noodles. Serene mountain views and cultural experiences nearby.
Delicious and well-prepared traditional Japanese meals, served in a private dining room. Vegetarian options available. Fresh and tasty food, with generous portions.
Situated just a stone’s throw away from Togakushi Shrine, Oshi Ryokan is an idyllic accommodation built in traditional Japanese style in a beautiful mountain region. The main structure is 250 years old and is known to cater to pilgrims. Fitted with tatami mats and futon beds, the rooms are designed with all the basic amenities such as flat-screen TV and a low table. The bathroom is shared with other guests. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like golf during summers and skiing during winters. The property is easily accessible, thanks to the Togakushi Hokousha Bus Stop which is only a one-minute walk away. Get the best of the town’s historic charm and enjoy homemade meals in the main dining room to have a complete cultural experience.
Oshi Ryokan
Address: Togakushi Houkousha 2332
12.54 km (7.8 mi) from Zenkō-ji
3. Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan (from USD 138)
Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan is only 250 m (820.2 ft) away from Zenkō-ji Temple that offers basic Japanese rooms equipped with a western bathroom, a green tea maker, and a tatami floor. Guests would enjoy the simple décor of the place with ease of accessibility as Zenkojishita subway is only 600 m (1968.5 ft) away. Other attractions include Shinano Art Museum, which is also a short walk from the property. You can also enjoy Japanese breakfast and dinner in the dining room area.
Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan
Address: Motoyoshi 484
266 meters (0.2 ft) from Zenkō-ji
4. Yokokura Ryokan (from USD 79)
Affordable rates for traditional 150-year-old Japanese ryokan.
Spacious traditional rooms, nice hot baths, close to Mirror Lake and Togakushi temples.
Perfect location for visiting Togakushi shrines, surrounded by beautiful trees.
Fantastic breakfast, nearby dining options may have limited hours due to COVID.
Located approximately 15 mi (24 km) away from Zenkō-ji Temple, Yokokura Ryokan has a lavish accommodation that provides its guests with 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, and other basic amenities. The rooms are equipped with a low seating area and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom system at Yokokura Ryokan is a shared facility. Guests have the option of ordering traditional Japanese breakfast or enjoying a continental meal in the dining area. Togakushi Shrine and Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden are within a short distance from the property.
Yokokura Ryokan
Address: Togakushi 3347
12.62 km (7.9 mi) from Zenkō-ji
5. Umeoka Ryokan (from USD 35)
Located approximately 1 mi (1.7 km) from Zenko-Ji Temple, Umeoka Ryokan offers traditional accommodation with free private parking and a restaurant on site. Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden and Togakushi Shrine are a short walk from the ryokan. You can also visit Nagano Big Hat and Mizuno Museum which is within a 3 mi (5 km) radius. Do try the Asian breakfast that is available at the ryokan every morning. Other popular attractions close to the property include Midori Nagano, Jōyama-kōen and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery.
Umeoka Ryokan
Address: Higashitsurugamachi 1549
1.32 km (0.9 mi) from Zenkō-ji
6. Yadoya Shiroganeya (from USD 306)
Reasonable pricing for a traditional Japanese inn experience.
Authentic onsen, comfortable rooms, and personalized recommendations for local activities.
Conveniently located near Lower Togakushi Shrine, with easy access to scenic hiking routes.
Delicious, locally sourced meals prepared by the friendly and hospitable host's mother.
Located in Nagano, this temple is within a short distance of Togakushi Shrine and a 30-minute drive from Zenko-ji Temple. Yadoya Shiroganeya offers comfortable accommodation with free Wi-Fi as well as free parking. The property is only 2.3 mi (2.9 km) away from Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden and approximately 3 mi (5 km) from Togakushi Shrine Okusha. So if you are travelling to Nagano for a spiritual trip, then this is will be the perfect place to stay. Don’t forget to try the typical Japanese breakfast from the á la carte menu.
宿屋白金家 yadoya-shiroganeya 1日1組限定2名から8名様まで 全館貸切り 伝統的建造物の旅籠宿 Traditional culture experience
Address: Togaku 2126
12.64 km (7.9 mi) from Zenkō-ji
7. Oumeitei Tsuji Ryokan (from USD 137)
Located only five-minutes away from Togakushi Shrine, Oumeitei Tsuki Ryokan is a chic Japanese accommodation designed in a traditional style. You will love the aesthetic display of wildflowers and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. The place also features large windows that allow plenty of natural sunlight and full view of the well-manicured Japanese garden. Each room is fitted with traditional tatami floor and futon bed. Guests can also try yukata robes and relax in the seating area in conventional Japanese style. Don’t forget to relax in the public baths and request for a massage at a nominal charge. All the interesting sightseeing activities such as Togakushi Forest Botanical garden, Lake Kagami, and Togakushi Ninja Village are within a short distance from the property.
Oumeitei Tsuji Ryokan
Address: Togakushi3360
12.62 km (7.9 mi) from Zenkō-ji
8. Hotel New Yama (from USD 26)
Hotel New Yama is only a 15 minutes’ walk from Nagano Train Station. The rooms are simply but comfortably designed. The guests can either choose to stay in traditional rooms or book a western one as per their budget. Zenkō-ji Temple is only 10 minutes away and the Gondo Train Station is located 5 minutes away by foot. Each room is air-conditioned and features a TV, fridge, and an electric kettle. You can also try the Japanese Yukata robes for a complete Japanese local experience. Guests can also use on-site launderette for free.
Hotel New Yama
Address: Gondocho 2290
918 meters (0.6 ft) from Zenkō-ji
The traditional inn experience at Nagano, Japan
There are many attractions in Nagano city that are ideal for families. From Chibikko Ninja Village to the ski resorts in winter, there are plenty of ways to have fun with kids on a holiday. In warm weather, the city attracts visitors for its historical monuments and the snowy winters turn it into a beautiful ski resort with more than 100 ski centres and 40 ice rinks. Planning to vacay differently this year? Review this list to book the best ryokans in Nagano, Japan.
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