The 15 Best Ryokans in Nagano
Looking for a ryokan stay in Nagano? You’re in the right place!
Staying in a ryokan is one of the best ways to soak up traditional Japanese culture while visiting Nagano. These inns offer more than just a bed for the night because they deliver a full cultural experience. They’re quiet and peaceful, with onsen baths to soak in after a day of exploring Nagano – what could be better?
Nagano’s ryokans range from luxurious retreats to cozy, budget-friendly inns, and they’re scattered across scenic towns and alpine villages. We’ve rounded up the top picks to help you find your ideal stay, so let’s get into it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the ryokan and area we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE area to stay in is Downtown Yamanouchi. This is the place to be if you want to visit the Snow Monkey Park, relax in onsens, and truly sink into a traditional stay!
We recommend staying at Shimaya. It offers Japanese-style rooms, hot spring baths, and shuttle service, all for a reasonable price!
Where to Find the Best Ryokans in Nagano
In case you’re not sure what a ryokan is, it’s a traditional Japanese inn. Ryokan rooms usually feature tatami floors and futon beds, and many properties offer on-site onsens and kaiseki dinners, which are beautifully presented multi-course meals that showcase seasonal ingredients.
Nagano has a long history of ryokans thanks to its abundance of natural hot springs and mountainous landscapes. Travelers have been visiting the region for centuries to enjoy both the healing waters and the serene alpine scenery. Today, a stay in a Nagano ryokan is a perfect way to experience traditional Japanese hospitality, and they’re generally spread across four main areas.
- Downtown Yamanouchi – This lively area is the gateway to the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and it offers easy access to Shibu Onsen’s atmospheric streets and hot spring baths. Shimaya is a lovely family-run ryokan that offers a traditional stay with easy access to local attractions.
- Outer Yamanouchi (Shiga Highlands) – A stunning, mountainous area surrounded by ski slopes and forested hiking trails. Chalet Shiga is like a cross between a ryokan and an alpine chalet!
- Downtown Nagano – This part of town is centered around Nagano Station and Zenko-ji Temple and it offers both convenience and culture. Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan is a traditional and wallet-friendly choice around here.
- Shinano – A serene lakeside area near Lake Nojiri which is ideal for nature walks and peaceful stays. Elan Hotel Lake Nojiri offers a comfortable lakeside stay and an excellent breakfast!
Important Tip
Multiple Nagano trips have taught us that this city doesn’t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning. The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.
The sweet spot for booking Nagano accommodations is 3-4 months out—enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you’re locking in plans excessively early.
The Best Ryokans in Nagano
Downtown Yamanouchi
Downtown Yamanouchi (around Yudanaka Station) is our favorite place to stay in Nagano. It’s the perfect base for exploring Nagano’s most famous attractions while still enjoying the charm of a traditional Japanese town!
This area sits at the foot of the mountains and serves as the gateway to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you can see wild monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. How cool is that? Meanwhile, the streets are lined with cozy cafes, local shops, and historic ryokans. The whole town has a really warm and inviting atmosphere, so it’s just a pleasure to spend time here.
Shibu Onsen is another major highlight of this area. It’s a historic hot spring town with nine traditional public bath houses. In fact, it’s said that visiting all of them will bring you good fortune! Perhaps for this reason, you sometimes see bathers wandering between onsens in their yukata, as well as monkeys from the neighboring forests wandering around!
The area is also convenient for public transport, so it’s easy to explore other parts of Nagano from here, like Nagano City and the Shiga Highlands. This area is a real standout, and the perfect place for a peaceful ryokan stay.
Pros
- Close to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and Shibu Onsen’s historic streets
- Easy access to restaurants, shops, and public transport
- Traditional ryokans and onsen experiences right in town
Cons
- Can get crowded during peak tourist seasons
- More expensive area
Suminoyu – $$$
Suminoyu is a top-rated ryokan in Downtown Yamanouchi, and we love it for its blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. The rooms feature classic tatami flooring and futon bedding, giving you an authentic Japanese experience, but our favorite part is the open-air rooftop onsen where you can soak while gazing out at the snow-capped mountains. There are also private baths that you can reserve for a more intimate experience.
Dining here is exceptional too, with breakfast and dinner included with every stay. A kaiseki dinner is a quintessential part of any ryokan stay, and they really know how to do it here, with beautifully-presented seasonal dishes served in the private dining room.
Prices range between $300 and $400 USD per night, but this place fills up fast so be sure to book in advance!
Check availability and book this luxury ryokan here!
Shibu Hotel – $$$
Shibu Hotel is a charming, family-run ryokan nestled in the heart of Shibu Onsen. It combines traditional Japanese touches like tatami rooms and futon bedding with warm, welcoming service that makes every guest feel at home.
One of the main highlights of this ryokan is the onsen experience. Shibu Hotel has both public and private baths that are perfect for relaxing after a day at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park or exploring the old-timey streets of Shibu Onsen.
Perhaps best of all, the kaiseki dinners here include world-renowned Shinshu beef, which is a local specialty of the Nagano prefecture. All in all, this ryokan is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a truly authentic stay in the heart of one of Japan’s most traditional areas.
Prices here typically range from $350 to $600 USD per night and booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Read the glowing reviews and book your stay here!
Shimaya – $$
Shimaya is a cozy and comfortable ryokan in Downtown Yamanouchi, offering a traditional and relaxing stay. The rooms feature tatami floors and soft futon bedding, and you can even enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner right in your own room! There are pretty onsen baths on site, and you can opt to enjoy either a Japanese or an American breakfast in the dining room in the mornings.
Yudanaka Station is just a short walk away which is ideal for exploring the rest of Nagano. There’s even a free shuttle to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and other local attractions, which is so convenient and makes this place great value for money, too!
Prices generally range from $150 to $200 USD per night.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Wafu-no-Yado MASUYA – $$
Wafu-no-Yado MASUYA is a welcoming ryokan in Downtown Yamanouchi that offers an authentic stay with a lot of heart. You’ve got all of the traditional elements of ryokan stay here, like tatami flooring and futon bedding, as well as charming onsen baths. Some rooms come with their own private onsen which is a really nice touch if you feel like treating yourself!
This is a super relaxing spot and you can opt to include breakfast or breakfast and dinner. We recommend doing both if possible, as then you’ll get to enjoy the beautifully presented kaiseki dinners and that’s what staying in a ryokan is all about.
Prices typically range from $150 to $400 USD per night depending on your dates and room category.
See all the options and book your stay here!
Hotel Omodaka – $
Hotel Omodaka is a budget-friendly ryokan located in Downtown Yamanouchi, just a short walk from Shibu Onsen and convenient for visiting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Its location makes it easy to explore the charming streets and hot spring baths nearby.
This ryokan keeps things simple but comfortable, with tatami rooms and futon bedding that give you an authentic Japanese experience without breaking the bank. There’s an onsen where you can enjoy a relaxing soak after a day of sightseeing, and the staff are warm and welcoming.
Prices typically range from $100 to $180 USD per night for a double or twin room.
Book your stay at Hotel Omodaka here!
Yudanaka Yasuragi – $
Yudanaka Yasuragi is an affordable and very well-rated ryokan in Downtown Yamanouchi. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a traditional experience on a budget! The rooms feature classic ryokan decor and there’s a soothing onsen on site. But just a heads up – this is a small ryokan so rooms book up fast.
The ryokan is conveniently located just a short walk from Yudanaka Station, which makes it easy to reach Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park or wander through the atmospheric streets of Shibu Onsen.
Prices here typically range from $100 to $150 USD per night.
Read the great reviews and book your stay here!
Outer Yamanouchi
Outer Yamanouchi, also known as the Shiga Highlands, is a stunning mountainous region surrounded by forests, ski slopes, and hiking trails. It’s ideal for travelers who love nature and outdoor adventures because it offers a peaceful retreat away from the busier town centers.
In winter, the area is a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding, with Shiga Kogen being one of Japan’s largest and most popular ski resorts. Meanwhile, during the summer months this place is an amazing place to go hiking and mountain biking thanks to its rolling green mountains.
The area is especially popular in winter for skiing and snowboarding but summer brings opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the alpine scenery.
The highlands are dotted with traditional ryokans and lodges, many of which focus on relaxation and onsen experiences. Staying here really allows you to unwind while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and forests.
This area is perfect for anyone looking for tranquility, fresh mountain air, and outdoor activities. It’s a bit farther from Nagano City but if you’re looking for a truly serene escape, Outer Yamanouchi is definitely worth it.
Pros
- Stunning natural scenery
- Excellent for outdoor activities
- Peaceful and tranquil
Cons
- Farther from Nagano City and public transport connections
- Fewer amenities compared to the town centers
Hotel Takimoto $$$
Hotel Takimoto is a luxurious ryokan tucked away in the scenic Shiga Highlands, offering an elegant blend of traditional Japanese design and modern comforts. While it’s not a “strict” ryokan, it does have a lovely on-site onsen and the kaiseki-style dinners are top notch.
The rooms have Western-style beds, and quadruple and family rooms are available, so this place is great for groups. You get three meals a day included with your stay which is ideal since Outer Yamanouchi doesn’t have a ton of dining options.
Prices range between $235 and $600 USD per night.
Book your stay at Hotel Takimoto here for an unforgettable ryokan experience!
Hotel Sanraku – $$
Hotel Sanraku is a charming 3-star ryokan located in the heart of Shiga Kogen ski resorts. It’s the perfect choice for ski enthusiasts because you get ski-to-door access and there’s a ski rental shop on site.
Then, after you’ve tired yourself out on the slopes you can retreat to this calm and traditional base to soak in the onsen and refuel with a kaiseki dinner. But what we love the most about this ryokan is the fact that it’s run by a friendly local family who really show their guests what Japanese hospitality is all about!
Prices typically range around $150 – $250 USD per night depending on the season, with twin and quadruple rooms available.
Check availability and secure your stay here!
Chalet Shiga – $$
Chalet Shiga is a lovely chalet-ryokan hybrid nestled in the Shiga Highlands. In fact, it’s a ski-to-door property during the winter!
We think it offers a nice balance between traditional Japanese charm and modern comfort. The rooms have Western-style beds but some rooms have tatami areas with floor seating where you can enjoy an authentic dining experience.
There’s also a warm, cozy bar on site and an onsen where you can warm up with a soak on a cold winter’s day, or soothe sore muscles after a long hike! Each stay includes breakfast and dinner, and there’s free tea and coffee in the lounge all day.
Prices range between $270 and $350 USD.
Secure your stay here before it sells out!
Sachinoyu Hotel Shiga Kogen – $
Sachinoyu Hotel Shiga Kogen is a charming, budget-friendly ryokan located in the heart of the Shiga Highlands. It’s a great option for travelers who want a traditional Japanese experience without spending too much. The rooms have that classic ryokan style with tatami floors and zataku tables, but they have more Western-style beds.
The onsen is a highlight, as it’s perfect for warming up after skiing in winter or relaxing after a day of hiking and exploring the alpine scenery in summer. Guests can also enjoy the included breakfast and dinner, which both put a heavy emphasis on seasonal Japanese flavors.
Prices typically range from $125 to $250 USD per night.
See available dates and book your stay here!
Related Read: Need help planning your trip? See our 1 or 2 day Nagano itinerary to find our favorite activities, hidden gems, and can’t miss sights, all organized for you!
Downtown Nagano
Downtown Nagano is the heart of Nagano City. This area is centered around Nagano Station and the historic Zenko-ji Temple. It’s compact and easy to navigate, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for convenience but there are also a lot of cultural experiences available here, too, like temples, shrines, and even ninja-themed attractions!
One of the best things about staying in Downtown Nagano is that the city has excellent public transport links which make day trips to nearby ski resorts and onsen towns easy. Within the city itself, Zenko-ji Temple is a standout attraction. It dates back over 1,400 years and is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites. Its architecture is super impressive and the serene grounds are the perfect place for a thoughtful stroll.
Downtown Nagano also offers lots of local markets and cultural spots like the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum, which showcase the region’s history and arts. This area is ideal for first-time visitors and anyone who wants city comforts combined with easy access to nature. While it doesn’t have the alpine scenery of the Shiga Highlands, staying in Downtown Nagano offers a lively and convenient base for exploring both the city itself and the wider Nagano region.
Pros
- Central location with easy access to Zenko-ji Temple
- Excellent public transport connections for day trips around Nagano
- Compact and walkable
Cons
- Less scenic and tranquil compared with mountain or onsen areas
- Can feel busy and crowded
Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan – $
Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan is an affordable and charming option in Downtown Nagano. It’s a true ryokan in every sense of the word, with all of the traditional decor and experiences you would expect. From soaking in the onsen to enjoying a kaiseki dinner in the dining room, this is a place where you can relax and unwind in traditional Japanese style.
The ryokan is conveniently located just a short walk from Nagano Station, making it easy to explore Zenko-ji Temple, local shops, and nearby attractions. Public transport connections are excellent, so you can also take day trips to surrounding onsen towns and the Japanese Alps with ease.
Prices typically range from $115 to $200 USD per night.
Book your stay here to secure a cozy and cultural experience!
Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan – $
Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan is a budget-friendly and traditional option in Downtown Nagano. It’s another great spot for a classic ryokan experience in this bustling area. There’s a lovely onsen here and breakfast is delicious – no wonder it has such great reviews.
The ryokan is just a short walk from Nagano Station, making it easy to visit Zenko-ji Temple, local shops, and cafes. Its location also allows for convenient day trips to nearby onsen towns or the Japanese Alps, thanks to the excellent public transport connections. Basically, it’s a nice, calm spot to retreat to after exploring!
Prices generally range from $120 to $225 USD per night depending on whether you opt to include breakfast and dinner.
Book this cozy and central stay here!
Shinano
Shinano is a peaceful, lakeside area in Nagano Prefecture. It’s centered around the scenic Lake Nojiri, so we think it’s an ideal destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. There are so many outdoor activities on offer here, from leisurely lakeside walks and cycling during the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
Shinano is also home to a handful of traditional ryokans and hotels, and the lush countryside and views of Mount Myoko create a very relaxing backdrop. This is the ideal place for couples on a romantic trip or anyone who wants to unplug for a while! While Shinano is a bit farther from Nagano City, that can be a real draw of this area.
As for what to get up to, Lake Nojiri offers plenty of water activities. You can swim or go wakeboarding here, relax in a lakeside sauna, and snap photos of the Uga Shrine. There are lots of hiking trails around that highlight the area’s alpine charm, too, so if you’re dreaming about spending days out in the fresh air and then retreating to a relaxing ryokan at night, Shinano is the perfect spot for you.
Pros
- Stunning scenery
- Plenty of outdoor activities available all year round
- Peaceful and quiet
Cons
- Less convenient for public transport and city sightseeing
- Fewer amenities compared with more urban areas
Elan Hotel Lake Nojiri – $$
Elan Hotel Lake Nojiri is a comfortable and modern ryokan-style hotel located right by the scenic Lake Nojiri. The rooms feature a mix of tatami flooring and Western-style beds, and the views cannot be beaten!
The location is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities. You can swim, go wakeboarding, or simply stroll along the lakeside, and the nearby Uga Shrine offers a charming cultural stop. Public transport connections are available, but having a car can make it easier to explore the surrounding countryside and alpine areas – and there just so happens to be free parking on site!
Prices typically range from $115 to $180 USD per night, depending on the season and room type.
Check all rates and book your stay here!
Hotel Taiko – $$
Hotel Taiko is a classic ryokan located near Lake Nojiri in Shinano. We love it because it offers a peaceful and authentic stay surrounded by nature. The rooms are traditional yet comfortable and the onsen is a major highlight.
Staying here makes it so easy to access outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports on the lake. There’s also a ski and snowboard rental shop on site and the hotel sells ski passes at a discounted rate for guests, which is a nice perk!
Rates typically range from $150 to $250 USD per night.
See all room categories and book your stay here!
Kofukan – $
Kofukan is a wallet-friendly ryokan located near Lake Nojiri in Shinano. Despite its affordable price tag, it feels elegant and traditional and the friendly staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
The location makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports on the lake. In winter, nearby slopes offer skiing and snowboarding, and the staff can help with equipment rentals and any local information you need.
Rates typically range from $90 to $250 USD per night.
Book your stay here for a cozy lakeside retreat!
Top Activities to do in Nagano
Now that you’ve found the perfect area and ryokan to stay in, you can start planning your Nagano itinerary! Whether you’re here for the monkeys, the history, or the traditional charm, you’ll be happy to find a lot of unique activities in Nagano. Here are a few of our favorites to add to your bucket list!
- See the snow monkeys – This top-rated tour makes visiting the Snow Monkey Park easy if you don’t have a rental car. We also go to see the famous Zenko-ji Temple, enjoy a sake tasting, and learn all about it from our guide.
- Go on a food tour – Discover Nagano’s top izakayas on this food tour! Our local guide took us to the best izakayas in the city and ensured we tried Nagano’s famous dishes. We were stuffed by the end!
- Visit a wasabi farm – Nagano is famous for wasabi, so learn how it’s made on this farm tour! From farm to table, we saw the entire process and got to taste some authentic Japanese wasabi. Be warned – it burns!
- See the snow walls of Tateyama-Kurobe – If you’re visiting during the spring, this full-day tour is a must! You’ll see the impressive snow walls on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the stunning Kurobe Dam. It’s a unique experience, to say the least!
Related Read: Looking for more memorable ways to spend your time? Check out our list of the best things to do in Nagano for snow monkey tours, relaxing onsens, and other great activitie
Renting a Car in Japan
Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Japan
- Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
- Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
- Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
- Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
- Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Visiting Nagano is already a bucket-list experience, but staying in a traditional ryokan takes it to the next level! There’s nothing better than relaxing in an onsen and enjoying a kaiseki dinner after a full day of exploring – especially during the winter. Just be sure to reserve your ryokan stay a few months in advance, as the best ones book out quickly!
If you need help planning the rest of your trip, see all of our Japan blogs. We’ve been all over the country and have put together helpful guides on where to stay, multi-day itineraries, and some travel tips that we learned the hard way. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!
