2-Star Hotels in Nagano Prefecture, Japan

This ryokan is the furthest from Main Street. But I love the hospitality from the owner and the authenticity of this place. There is a private onsen available in the ryokan, just need to pre register. They provide access to shibu onsen as well. Recommended to book your dinner with them. Restaurants in shibu onsen either close very early or not open regularly. We missed our dinner, but the owner is kind enough to prepare a simple oyakudon for us. Though this place is at the beginning of forest trail to snow monkey park. But it is close during winter. Just take note.

The hotel located in good location, with walking distance to the city center area where you can find shops, restaurants, or even Matsumoto Castle. Parking lot provided with fees but it’s quite convenient. The most favorite from this hotel is there’re plenty of amenities – shampoo, conditioner, shower gel from a lot of brands that you can select by yourself at the lobby.

The location is super convenient, really close to both the train and bus stations. There's even a Daiso in the same building, though we didn't have time to check it out. The soundproofing could be a bit better; a few times we thought someone was knocking on our door, but it was probably just people walking by in the hallway. Our stay was pretty short, so we didn't get a chance to enjoy the hotel's hot spring or read any of their manga (they had so many classics!). The room itself was huge, definitely the biggest we stayed in on this trip to Japan. Overall, it was a comfortable stay, and having restaurants nearby for dinner was a big plus.

The staff really went above and beyond to make two ignorant Canadian tourists feel extremely welcome at a traditional Japanese Ryuken. Though there was a small language barrier, we never felt that we could not communicate our needs. The hot and cold onsen was very refreshing after walking post towns along the Nakasendo Way. The river next to the hotel made for a relaxing experience and deep sleep. Somehow, I missed the option when booking to select the dinner option, there is really no other food options in the area, and the clerk (owner) said he would put a 'simple meal' together for us for a small charge which we found acceptable. The kaiseki that followed was some of the best and most authentic Japanese food we experienced in our two weeks in Japan. The woman serving us was an absolute gem and the cat that ran the establishment was adorable. Our room was very comfortable and had a nice sitting area with a view of the river. Only points of contention would be that that it's a little out of the way if you don't have a car, but is conveniently accessable by bus with ~10 minute walk. The facilities are a little dated, the onsen is discoloured, but I assume that is from the natural minerals. There was a stale smell (smoke) in the rooms which is a bit off-putting to non-smokers. It would appear smoking is allowed in the facility which might be a plus to some.

Fukashiso could be one of the loveliest accommodation that I have ever stayed at. The staff were very polite, attentive and extremely helpful and courteous. The place itself is so beautiful and quaint. Traditional garments are provided as an option if you want to dress up for dinner. Made for great photo ops! The Kaiseki was the most beautiful equivalent of a degustation I’ve tried, and it was served in a lovely separate intimate dining area. During dinner Nobu-San a fourth generation family member of the owners greeted us which was a lovely touch. Soba was freshly made at the accomodation. We stayed two nights and the Kaiseki menu was different each time. Breakfast was a nice assortment of Japanese and Western options and the coffee machine was actually pretty good. I enjoyed the onsens, there are two public ones that switch locations for men and women and a private one. They were well equipped and relaxing. Our room was on Level 1 with a private bathroom, seating area and little garden view. Overall this place is highly recommended. For a traditional ryokan experience, it was so nice. Even after we checked out, the receptionist gave us a little gift, and even walked us outside to where our car was parked. Such a warm and lovely place. Stay here for sure!

I’m so excited to share a review for this amazing couple. Kazuo-san and his wife were very kind and caring throughout my entire stay. They had the right amenities for a Bed and Breakfast that caters to ski lovers and snow boarders. The B&B is also a more traditional and heritage kind, preserving the authentic looks through time, they’ve been running this for 35 beautiful years. If you’d like, dinner is also available as an add-on, nothing beats a high value home-cooked food, made from the heart. I’ll highly recommend this location, Kazuo-san also goes the extra mile to drop you off at the pick-up points if you don’t have your own car. Beyond that Kazuo-san is also very knowledgeable and informed with the latest news, so he’s able to recommend good ski resorts, summer activities or even delve into the history of surrounding areas like Kurohime and more. I was quite shocked to see some earlier reviews by other foreigners that rated this location quite poorly when they don’t understand what they’ve booked. This is a bed and breakfast inn and it’s every inch authentic as it should be. So if you’re looking for a fuss-free stay with friendly authentic folks, this should be on your list.

My GF's review: My stay in Meiji Onsen Ryokan was my first stay at a ryokan, and I’ve never felt more welcome at any other hospitality place I’ve been to before, of which there are many. And even after the first day, I am pretty sure it will probably stay this way forever. I am very grateful for your kind welcome and I am amazed at the work that the team of your hotel does at this place. Everything feels natural and beautiful, and the atmosphere is so peaceful and special. People who work here are passionate about their job, and as a passionate person myself I feel energized and happy to see others be so amused about what they do. I will always remember my first stay here and I will compare other ryokans I go to with Meiji Onsen Ryokan, because I feel that it’s the best ryokan in Japan. Thank you so much for this amazing experience. And Okami-chan is the best girl in all of Nagano! When I come back home, I will tell everyone who she is and where she is from - Meiji Onsen Ryokan, Chino, Nagano, Japan! 🇯🇵 (As a fantastic bonus, it’s even allowed to go in with uncovered tattoos! Not every ryokan can match up to that!)

In order to go to the Huyin Shrine to choose this one night, the hotel is near the China Society. Although the hotel facilities are general but very clean, the dinner is a noodles banquet. The taste is very good and completely exceeds the expectations of a small hotel. The breakfast is simple (see Figures 2, 3, 4,), but the taste is also very good. Recommended

The shared cafe space is also very comfortable. Dinner was mainly Italian, and we really enjoyed the abundance of Shinshu vegetables. We didn't even need to go out, which saved us a lot of time.

This ryokan and onsen sits on a hillside above the town of Obuse, with a good view of the town.  We were greeted by a most gracious and kind hostess.  Our room was spacious and clean.  The dining room prepared an excellent and reasonably priced dinner without previous notice from us.  Our hostess was helpful at getting it ordered for us, since as naive Americans we didn't know the food well.  Pictures posted on the wall of all the dishes also helped.  Later, the onsen was simply wonderful.  The water was sulferous, and both stimulating and relaxing on the skin.  The water was a special treat; chemical composition was posted so that we could see what we were getting.  And it was blissful.  We slept well on futons, and woke to an excellent Japanese breakfast (be sure to get the breakfast, well worth it).  Our hostess made everything easy for us, with her gentle and attentive kindness.  We would love to return, but for a much longer stay.