11 Best Ryokans In Nagano, Japan - Updated 2024

Katie
Katie 
Updated
| 5 min read

Nagano is the capital of the Nagano Prefecture and is a popular tourist spot. There are plenty of places to see and things to do in Nagano during both the summer and winter months. It originally began as a town focused around Zenko-Ji Temple. The city is an important historical and cultural site. In fact, in 1998, it hosted the Winter Olympic Games. We’d also recommend Togakushi Ninpo Museum and Togakure Ninja School. If you have younger children, take them to Kids Ninja Village, and they’ll have a great time exploring. After a busy day, you’ll want to rest your weary legs. You can either book an Airbnb vacation rental in Nagano or stay in a ryokan. To help you get the best out of your holiday, we’ve scoured the streets and come up with this definitive guide. Continue reading for a list of the best ryokans in 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 April 08, 2024.

1. Ichinokurasou (from USD 29)

Ichinokurasou is a traditional Japanese inn that offers majestic mountain views, Each room in this accommodation is well-equipped with air-conditioning and a heating system to provide you with comfort during your stay. You will also have your own bathroom and a flat-screen TV to keep you entertained.

Furthermore, access to WiFi and free parking spaces are also available on the premises for your convenience. Other activities you can enjoy are skiing, hiking, and cycling. You can also try horse riding, canoeing, and fishing for an additional fee.

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Ichinokurasou

Wifi Available

Address: Hokujo 23930
27.62 km (17.2 mi) from Zenkō-ji

Parking Restaurant Garden Fishing Skiing Family rooms Free parking Internet services

2. Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan (from USD 101)

This charming family-run ryokan has a history of over 160 years and is just a short five-minute walk from Zenko-ji Temple. Guests can enjoy soaking in the public baths and then reserve a massage. For an extra special stay, the public baths can be rented for exclusive use at an additional cost. The rooms are decorated in a traditional manner using neutral colors, tatami-mat flooring, paper screens, and futon beds. The accommodations are equipped with an LCD television, and there are coin-operated laundrette machines on-site. For breakfast and dinner, head to the dining room and enjoy a multi-course meal.

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Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan

Wifi Available

Address: Daimon 49
700 meters (0.5 ft) from Zenkō-ji

Parking Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Internet services Heating Fax/photocopying Luggage storage WiFi Available

3. Oshi Ryokan (from USD 38)

This stunning ryokan boasts historical architecture and is located in a peaceful mountain area. Originally a site catering to pilgrims, it is over 250 years old with a traditional thatched roof. If you are looking for a traditional stay, look no further than Oshi Ryokan. The guestrooms are located in an annex building and include tatami-mat flooring, futon bedding, a low-level seating area, and flat-screen television. The bathrooms are all shared with other guests. By choosing to stay here, you can also enjoy a wide range of fun activities, including golfing and skiing.

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Oshi Ryokan

Address: Togakushi Houkousha 2332
12.54 km (7.8 mi) from Zenkō-ji

4. Shosenkaku

There are some subtle differences between the rooms in this charming ryokan. For example, you can choose between smoking or non-smoking, with or without an open-air bath, and with or without a small seating area. All rooms feature a kettle, slippers, a hairdryer, and flat-screen television. Additional on-site amenities include a shared lounge, table tennis, and a garden. Nearby free parking is available.

Stayed at this property?

Shosenkaku

Address: Shinonoi Komatsubara 2475
9.03 km (5.7 mi) from Zenkō-ji

5. Azuma no Yu (from USD 119)

This ryokan offers both free WiFi and free parking alongside Japanese and Western-style rooms. Azuma no Yu is a great option for a family holiday as there are family rooms available. None of the rooms has an en suite bathroom. All bathing facilities are shared. You can rent a bicycle from the kind owners or unwind in the on-site sauna. Relaxation is key at this property.

Stayed at this property?

Azuma no Yu

Wifi Available

Address: Yanagimachi 64
1.52 km (1.0 mi) from Zenkō-ji

Parking Sauna Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services Lift Safety deposit box

6. Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan (from USD 67)

Serving delicious food, this ryokan is just 250 meters (820 feet) from Zenko-ji Temple. The rooms at Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan are all Japanese-style with tatami mats, futon bedding, green-tea facilities, and a Western-style bathroom. There are relaxing public baths, and massage services can be booked for an additional cost. This ryokan still uses shoji paper screens, giving the site a much more historic feel than some of the other entries on this list. For breakfast and dinner, head to the dining room to enjoy Japanese meals.

Stayed at this property?

Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan

Address: Motoyoshi 484
266 meters (0.2 ft) from Zenkō-ji

7. Yokokura Ryokan (from USD 79)

There is plenty to enjoy on-site at this ryokan, including a restaurant, a garden, newspapers, and even ski-to-door access. The reception is open 24 hours a day, and guests can use the fax machine and photocopying service. All of the rooms at Yokokura Ryokan are Japanese-style and include a flat-screen television, a low-level seating area, and access to a shared bathroom. A continental breakfast is served daily in the main dining room, perfect to give you energy for the day ahead. Free parking is available at the property but needs to be reserved in advance.

Stayed at this property?

Yokokura Ryokan

Wifi Available

Address: Togakushi 3347
12.62 km (7.9 mi) from Zenkō-ji

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Garden Skiing Family rooms Free parking Internet services

8. Umeoka Ryokan (from USD 35)

With an on-site restaurant at this establishment, guests can enjoy delicious food every day. The couple that run this family ryokan are extremely welcoming and kind. They are happy to make local recommendations and look after their guests well. You can relax and unwind in the shared lounge space or the hot tub. This property feels much more like a home, and you’ll soon feel settled in. Free parking is available on-site but will need to be booked in advance.

Stayed at this property?

Umeoka Ryokan

Wifi Available

Address: Higashitsurugamachi 1549
1.32 km (0.9 mi) from Zenkō-ji

Parking Restaurant Laundry Internet services Hot tub/jacuzzi Heating Fax/photocopying WiFi Available

9. Hotel Wakasato (from USD 36)

Hotel Wakasato has free WiFi in all the public areas and is just a short drive from JR Nagano Station. This location is ideal for a solo traveler as only single rooms are available. The rooms are smaller than average but are comfortable and welcoming. They all include en suite bathrooms, and for an additional fee, in-room massages can be booked. Complimentary toiletries are included, alongside a hairdryer and pay-per-view television channels. Traditional Japanese meals are served in the dining room, and after breakfast, be sure to take a stroll along Sai River, which is only a three-minute walk away.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Wakasato

Address: Wakasato 5-9-1
3.82 km (2.4 mi) from Zenkō-ji

10. Oumeitei Tsuji Ryokan (from USD 134)

This ryokan is filled to the brim with antiques and traditional furnishings. There is WiFi available in the main lobby area but not in the bedrooms. Thanks to the large windows, the rooms are bright and airy, with views over the pretty Japanese garden. Yukata robes are provided in each of the rooms, and you’ll love sitting at the low-level table, enjoying a cup of traditional green tea. There are public baths on-site, or for an additional fee, you can reserve a massage. There is also a gift shop, and in the main dining room, you can try the local specialty, buckwheat noodles.

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11. Hotel New Yama (from USD 52)

This affordable ryokan boasts both Japanese and Western-themed rooms. The property is a 15-minute walk from JR Nagano Train Station. The rooms are all air-conditioned and include a television, a fridge, an electric kettle, and yukata robes for guests to wear during their stay. Some of the rooms include access to free WiFi. This ryokan also offers toothbrush sets and slippers. Dining options include a set-menu Japanese breakfast, which is served daily. It is worth noting that there is a midnight curfew here.

Stayed at this property?

Book your ideal ryokan and start planning your perfect holiday to Japan

We think that you’ll have a great time exploring Nagano. By choosing one of the best ryokans in Nagano, Japan, you’re guaranteed a relaxing and unique experience. There are a number of different room types, including Japanese or Western-style accommodations, so we’re sure you’ll find your ideal match. Plus, there are some Nagano ryokans with a private onsen.

Once you’ve chosen your perfect holiday base, you must book online and start planning. Remember to tag us in your Instagram photos and make your friends green with envy.

Frequently asked questions about ryokans in Nagano, Japan


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Katie is a committed full-time global wanderer and volunteer. She possesses an unerring compass that guides her to the obscure and distant corners of the Earth, where she explores jungles,...Read more

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