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 March 21, 2026.
1. Ichinokurasou
Delicious and plentiful meals, including Lamb and pork Yakiniku, lots of sides, soup, all-you-can-eat rice, and tea for 2500 yen. Enjoy meals in during snowy days.
Reasonably priced at 4000 yen per person per night, plus a heater fee of 1800 yen per room per night. Meals are also reasonably priced.
Conveniently located within a 20-minute drive from most resorts in Hakuba. Less than a 10-minute drive to a liquor/grocery store. Tranquil forest surroundings.
300-year-old renewed ryokan with spacious rooms, kotatsu, mountain water bath, and convenient car park. Drying room for gear available.
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.
Ichinokurasou
Address: Hokujo 23930
27.62 km (17.2 mi) from Zenkō-ji
2. Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan (from USD 172)
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.
Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan
Address: Daimon 49
700 meters (0.5 ft) from Zenkō-ji
3. Oshi Ryokan (from USD 37)
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.
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.
Shosenkaku
Address: Shinonoi Komatsubara 2475
9.03 km (5.7 mi) from Zenkō-ji
5. Azuma no Yu (from USD 129)
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.
Azuma no Yu
Address: Yanagimachi 64
1.52 km (1.0 mi) from Zenkō-ji
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.
Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan
Address: Motoyoshi 484
266 meters (0.2 ft) from Zenkō-ji
7. Yokokura Ryokan (from USD 107)
Fantastic breakfast, nearby dining options may have limited hours due to COVID.
Affordable rates for traditional 150-year-old Japanese ryokan.
Perfect location for visiting Togakushi shrines, surrounded by beautiful trees.
Spacious traditional rooms, nice hot baths, close to Mirror Lake and Togakushi temples.
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.
Yokokura Ryokan
Address: Togakushi 3347
12.62 km (7.9 mi) from Zenkō-ji
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.
Umeoka Ryokan
Address: Higashitsurugamachi 1549
1.32 km (0.9 mi) from Zenkō-ji
9. Hotel Wakasato (from USD 35)
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.
Hotel Wakasato
Address: Wakasato 5-9-1
3.82 km (2.4 mi) from Zenkō-ji
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
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