🕓 2025/1/8
#Hotels
Table of Contents
About Nagano
Nagano Prefecture is known as a region where beautiful nature and rich culture harmonize. Home to the Japanese Alps, this prefecture is blessed with majestic mountain landscapes, hot spring resorts, and natural beauty that changes with the four seasons, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad.
Nagano Prefecture is also famous for historic landmarks such as Zenkoji Temple, as well as popular tourist destinations like Karuizawa and Kamikochi. Furthermore, the food culture featuring local ingredients, including regional cuisine, wine, and soba noodles, is also highly appealing.
Here we introduce three carefully selected premium hotels for those visiting Nagano Prefecture.
- 3 Select Japanese-Style Ryokan in Nagano Prefecture
- Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya
- Shoraiso
- ■ The Appeal of Shoraiso
- ■ Access Information for Shoraiso
- ■ The Appeal of Chosenkaku Kameya
- ■ Access Information for Chosenkaku Kameya
- 3 Select Hotels in Kagawa Prefecture (Must-Stay Japanese-Style Ryokan)
- [2025 Select] Must-Stay in Yamanashi! 3 Japanese-Style Ryokan (Carefully Selected Hotels)
- 3 Select Hotels in Hiroshima Prefecture (Must-Stay Japanese-Style Ryokan)
3 Select Japanese-Style Ryokan in Nagano Prefecture
Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya
Source: Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya Official Website
■The Appeal of Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya
Located in the heart of the Shibu Onsen district in Nagano Prefecture, “Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya” is a long-established ryokan that has been offering guests an exceptional stay for approximately 140 years since its founding in 1879 (Meiji 12). Here we introduce the features of “Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya,” where you can fully savor the charm of traditional Japan while enjoying a truly special experience.
1. Diverse Room Types
“Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya” is a long-established ryokan founded in 1879 (Meiji 12), boasting over 140 years of history. Many of its buildings were constructed in the early Showa period, and traditional Japanese architectural techniques can be felt throughout. In particular, the main building “Saigetsu-ro” is designated as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property, and its four-story wooden exterior is a precious example of the beauty of Japanese architecture. It is also said to be one of the models for the anime film “Spirited Away,” which is one of the reasons many tourists visit.
2. Abundant Hot Spring Benefits
Kanaguya owns four private hot spring sources, allowing guests to enjoy free-flowing natural hot spring water. The water quality includes two types: sulfate springs and simple thermal springs, which offer excellent benefits for skin beautification, relaxation, and relief from muscle pain and neuralgia. The inn features four distinctive bathing areas, with the “Roman-buro” (Romantic Bath), built in 1935, being particularly popular among guests for its retro wooden atmosphere.
3. A Historical Building Tour
Kanaguya offers exclusive building tours for overnight guests, with guides explaining the history and architectural details of the buildings. During this tour, you can learn about the historical background of buildings including Saigetsu-ro, and how Kanaguya has contributed to the local culture. The antique furnishings and decorative items displayed throughout the inn are also among the highlights.
4. Cuisine Made with Local Ingredients
“Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya” serves kaiseki (multi-course Japanese) cuisine centered on Japanese dishes made with seasonal local Nagano ingredients. The dishes featuring fresh Shinshu vegetables, mountain vegetables, and locally caught river fish offer a simple yet deeply flavorful dining experience. During winter, hot pot dishes made with local specialty vegetables are particularly popular, warming both body and soul.
5. Prime Location in the Shibu Onsen District
Kanaguya is located in the Shibu Onsen district of Nagano Prefecture, making it an ideal base for hot spring hopping and strolling. The Shibu Onsen district is charming with its cobblestone streets and traditional buildings, creating a historical atmosphere throughout the entire hot spring town. Guests can also enjoy visiting the local public bath houses (sotoyu), making Kanaguya the perfect base for fully experiencing the region’s attractions.
■Access Information for Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya
- Official Website: http://www.kanaguya.com/
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes by Nagaden bus from Yudanaka Station
- Address: 2202 Hiraon, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GrmvxVvg6NkL67777
Shoraiso
Source: Shoraiso Official Website
■ The Appeal of Shoraiso
“Shoraiso” is located in the Shinshu Takayama Onsen area of Nagano Prefecture and is known as a healing retreat enveloped in tranquility and nature. Its serene atmosphere and facilities that harmonize the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture have been beloved by many guests.
1. The Ambiance of a Historic Hot Spring Inn
Since its founding, “Shoraiso” has welcomed many travelers amid the abundant nature of the Shinshu Takayama Onsen area. Its distinctive wooden architecture and tranquil spaces allow guests to experience the beauty of Japanese tradition. Among the hot spring district, it holds a hidden gem-like presence, and its historical ambiance is one of its greatest charms.
2. The Rich Hot Springs of Shinshu Takayama Onsen
The fifth-generation proprietor, Mr. Hiroshi Ono, was deeply impressed by the “Tenpyo-buro” bath at Arai Ryokan in Shuzenji, Izu, and built the grand bath “Momoyama-buro,” incorporating the finest elements of Azuchi-Momoyama period temple architecture. The design was by Mr. Kiyoshi Okitsu, who also designed the Zenkoji Temple ossuary, and the construction was led by local master carpenter Mr. Masanushi Ichimura. The bath took approximately three years to complete, starting in 1951.
The washing area features Inada stone from Kasama, with a lavish cultural-style design. Additionally, the adjacent garden open-air bath is beautifully crafted in harmony with nature and was completed in 1952. In 2003, these facilities were designated as Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, recognizing their historical value.
3. Guest Rooms in Harmony with Nature
The guest rooms at “Shoraiso” are designed with a focus on Japanese aesthetics, offering panoramic views of Shinshu’s abundant nature from the windows. The spacious tatami-floored Japanese-style rooms allow guests to relax in peaceful tranquility. Some rooms are equipped with private open-air baths, enabling guests to enjoy hot springs in a private setting.
4. Savoring the Flavors of Local Shinshu Cuisine
The kaiseki cuisine generously featuring local ingredients is another major attraction of “Shoraiso.” Guests can enjoy seasonal delicacies including Shinshu soba noodles, fresh mountain vegetables, and locally sourced river fish. During winter, special menus featuring Shinshu beef and Shinshu miso are served, earning high praise from many guests.
■ Access Information for Shoraiso
- Official Website: https://shoraiso.com/
- Access: Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Yudanaka Station
- Address: 3071-1 Hiraon, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9hY3bq9g9LKRXdJ9A
Chosenkaku Kameya
Source: Chosenkaku Kameya Official Website
■ The Appeal of Chosenkaku Kameya
“Chosenkaku Kameya” is a long-established ryokan situated in Shimosuwa Onsen, known as one of Japan’s oldest hot spring areas, located in Shimosuwa-machi, Nagano Prefecture. Its tranquil presence and refined hospitality steeped in history are its hallmarks, and it has been beloved by many guests.
1. A Long-Established Ryokan with Over 400 Years of History
“Chosenkaku Kameya” was founded during the Edo period and boasts over 400 years of history. Deeply connected with Suwa Taisha Grand Shrine, the inn offers guests a space that evokes the traditions of old Japan. It is also known for having hosted many historical figures, including Emperor Meiji and numerous literary figures and artists. Throughout the inn, historical furnishings and artworks are displayed, allowing guests to savor an atmosphere that transcends time.
2. The Renowned Waters of Shimosuwa Onsen
Shimosuwa Onsen is considered one of Japan’s three oldest hot springs, with a history spanning over a thousand years. “Chosenkaku Kameya” offers free-flowing hot spring water from its own source, renowned for its gentle touch and skin-beautifying effects. The spacious main bath and atmospheric open-air bath allow guests to experience luxurious moments of becoming one with the nature of Shimosuwa. Private baths are also available, enabling guests to enjoy the hot springs in a private setting at their leisure.
3. Elegantly Appointed Guest Rooms
The guest rooms are designed in the sukiya-zukuri style, cherishing Japanese aesthetics, with spacious layouts that provide guests with comfort. Some rooms offer views of Lake Suwa, and the sunset and early morning scenery are especially renowned as breathtaking. Rooms with private open-air baths are also available, offering the luxury of enjoying hot springs in your own private space.
4. Seasonal Cuisine Featuring Local Ingredients
“Chosenkaku Kameya” serves kaiseki cuisine generously featuring seasonal local Shinshu ingredients. Guests can savor the region’s distinctive flavors, including Shinshu soba noodles, fresh mountain vegetables, river fish, and locally grown produce and fruits. Each dish is carefully prepared and presented with beautiful plating to delight the palates of visitors. A rich selection of local sake and wines is also available, allowing guests to enjoy excellent food-and-drink pairings.
■ Access Information for Chosenkaku Kameya
- Official Website: https://www.ckameya.com/
- Access: Approximately 13 minutes on foot from Shimosuwa Station
- Address: 3492 Yokomachi Kinoshita, Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano 393-0019
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QydSRT7EkNBAXVSZ7