Hot Springs Hotels in Nagano Prefecture, Japan

The hotel is nestled in the mountains, and the morning views from our rooms were absolutely breathtaking. On a few mornings with light drizzle, a mist swirled around the mountains, making it feel like we were living among the clouds. There was just one minor issue: the hotel initially wanted to charge 300 yen per person per day simply because it offers a public bath. As I’m not comfortable using such facilities, I didn’t visit the bath at all. However, at checkout, I was surprised to see an additional charge of over 1,000 yen for my family on the invoice. Although the amount was small, it didn’t seem fair to be charged for a facility we didn’t use. After I raised this concern, the front desk manager stepped in and kindly waived the fee. Aside from this slight issue, my stay was wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable.

We stayed on 24 to 26 Dec 25. Good hotel but far from everything else. Need to be flexible since weather was unpredictable. We had no snow -just rain for two days, but when we checked out, we had heavy snow which disrupted our travel to Toyama with many trains cancellation and delays (a car stuck on the railroad track). The hotel shuttle bus picks up at Minami-Otari station. There are four coin-operated washing machines and four dryers which were always taken on 3rd Floor. I would advise staying longer than two days and prepare for travel time as it took nearly 20 minutes for a bus ride to Iwatake each way.

The location is a bit bad because its so far away from everything with no real food options nearby. If you have a car this is not an issue. The buffet however is outrageously expensive at 8000 yen per person.  The detergent they used on the sheets seems to have irritated my skin.  However their customer service was absolutely fantastic as was their hot spring

Location: Near to Karuizawa train station (approximately 15 min walk to hotel west) and 10min walk to shopping mall. 5 min shuttle bus to reach ski area. Room: Clean and comfortable. But the bath powder is like toilet detergent scent. Amenities: there is Family mart operates until 11pm in hotel west. Service: Front desk lady can’t really speak English and hard to communicate. The man at cloakroom is unfriendly. Shuttle bus service: Shuttle bus service provided within the shopping area, hotel east and west. However, the instruction is unclear to us. When we queued up for the bus to station, the hotel staff did not inform us the bus was here and to align the bus but just change the next bus arrival timing. Until entire lane of the guests missed the bus. We had to walk all the way to station with our huge luggage. Snow Park: No clear direction or sign board to go snow park from hotel east. The snow park area is kinda small and suitable for young kid (below 7 years old). It is boring for kid above 7 years old.

Awesome hotel under the hotel group chain. Location is excellent however not that near to local dinning places (average about 15mins drive). Hospitality and services were beyond expectation. Booked room was as described and as shown in hotel's website. In reality, the room was very spacious and comfortable. My family and I had a little car trouble on day of check out, and the hotel staff were kind, patient and extremely helpful in resolving the issue. Kudos to the staff going beyond their job scopes I believe.

There was a female staff at the hotel who immediately helped with the check-in procedures as soon as we arrived. She was also very enthusiastic to help with the luggage, but we said no as we were not used to having others help us carry things. This hotel is very historic, but the interior decoration is very new and clean, the central garden is also very beautiful, and the interior of the room is also very new and clean. Our room can see Lake Suwa. Dinner is not eaten in the room or in the restaurant, but in an independent room. It is the first time I have received such high-end treatment. Dinner is Sukiyaki and a variety of food, the experience is very good.

Staying at Shoho in Matsumoto was an unforgettable experience that truly deserves five stars. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Nagano Prefecture, this hotel seamlessly blends traditional Japanese elegance with modern luxury. From the moment we stepped into the lobby, we were enveloped by a warm and inviting ambiance that set the tone for the rest of our stay. Our room was a perfect sanctuary—spacious, meticulously clean, and adorned with subtle touches of Japanese artistry. The panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from our window were nothing short of breathtaking, especially when the mountains were bathed in the soft glow of sunrise. The traditional tatami flooring and comfortable futon bedding provided an authentic experience without sacrificing comfort. One of the standout features of Shoho is its exceptional onsen facilities. Soaking in the natural hot springs while gazing at the picturesque scenery was incredibly rejuvenating. The rotenburo (outdoor bath) offered a tranquil escape where the stresses of daily life simply melted away. The hotel's attention to detail extended to these spaces, with beautifully crafted woodwork and stone elements enhancing the overall atmosphere. Culinary delights awaited us at every meal. The kaiseki dinner was a masterpiece—a multi-course feast that highlighted seasonal and local ingredients. Each dish was artfully presented and demonstrated a profound respect for Japanese culinary traditions. The breakfast buffet was equally impressive, offering a wide array of both Japanese and Western options to suit all palates. The staff at Shoho went above and beyond to ensure our stay was exceptional. Their genuine hospitality was evident in every interaction, from assisting with our luggage to offering insightful recommendations on local attractions. Despite any language barriers, their kindness and professionalism shone through. The hotel's location is ideal for exploring the rich cultural heritage of Matsumoto. We were just a short drive from the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Strolling through the historic Nakamachi Street with its classic white-walled storehouses turned boutique shops and cafes was a delightful way to spend an afternoon. In addition to its proximity to cultural sites, Shoho serves as a great base for nature enthusiasts. The nearby Kamikochi Valley offers stunning hiking trails that showcase the unspoiled beauty of the Japanese Alps. Returning to the comfort of the hotel after a day of exploration was something we looked forward to, especially knowing a soothing onsen soak awaited us. In summary, Shoho encapsulates the essence of Japanese hospitality. Every aspect of our stay was thoughtfully curated to provide comfort, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. We left feeling deeply refreshed and with a greater appreciation for the wonders of Matsumoto. Shoho is more than just a place to stay—it's an experience that lingers long after you've departed. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and luxurious retreat in Japan.

The staff is friendly and the hot springs are excellent. The proximity to Kamisuwa Station is also a plus. Fish is often served for breakfast. I hope you all have a wonderful experience.

The hotel's location was good, just walking distance to Yudanaka Station. We hadn't booked dinner, and to our surprise, the restaurant options nearby were very limited in the evening. The large public hot spring bath offered beautiful views of the distant mountains. The outdoor bath temperature was just right.

The inn is exquisitely decorated, with a classic, elegant style. It's spotless and tidy, and the rooms are filled with Japanese charm; even the lamps and telephones are reusable vintage items, which is quite unique. The men's and women's hot spring baths are alternated for guests' use. There's also a separate open-air bath, which is very comfortable. Breakfast and dinner were delicious, beautifully presented, and the service was attentive. I would love to stay here again if I had the chance to return.