志賀高原 白い温泉 渓谷の湯
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 26 reviews
Located on the slopes of Shiga Kogen in Nagano prefecture, this mountain ryokan sits beside a clear stream and woodland, offering a restrained, nature-led setting for bathing and rest. The property operates both an indoor large bath fed by a simple spring and a milky sulfur open-air bath whose hue can change subtly with the source; both are presented separately for men and women. Framed by forest and the sound of the river, the public bathing areas are the defining amenity, making it straightforward to describe the property as a ryokan with onsen in Shiga Kogen for travelers prioritizing thermal waters and mountain scenery.
Accommodation choices range from traditional tatami rooms to several suites that include source-flowing, semi-open-air baths directly attached to the guest room; these in-room baths let guests bathe privately without renting a separate facility. The building also provides a wood‑fired lounge, on‑site dining serving local Shinshu ingredients, a spring-water tasting point, free Wi‑Fi and complimentary parking, plus a short shuttle from the nearby mountain station. There is no independently rentable communal private bath for hire, so anyone seeking exclusive use should book a room fitted with its own semi-open-air hot spring — a practical example of a ryokan with private onsen Nagano.
The location places visitors immediately at the Giant ski area for winter ski‑in access and offers direct trails and gondola links for summer hiking and autumn foliage viewing, so bathing options shift with the season: snowy views from the open-air sulfur bath in winter and verdant valley vistas in summer. Day‑use bathing hours are limited and can vary by season, and the property recommends checking availability before travel; meals are served in dining rooms designed to balance privacy and conviviality, reflecting the establishment’s focus on restorative stays anchored by its hot springs and mountain setting.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 志賀高原 白い温泉 渓谷の湯
Positive Reviews
Excellent food and meals
Multiple guests highlighted outstanding dinners and breakfasts, often calling the cuisine a trip highlight and noting generous multi-course meals served at the ryokan.
Friendly, attentive staff
Reviewers praised the staff’s hospitality and helpfulness; some English-speaking team members went out of their way to explain dishes and make stays memorable.
Great onsen facilities (public and private)
Guests appreciated the natural hot springs—both indoor and outdoor public baths—and many enjoyed having a private in-room hot-spring bath, noting the therapeutic sulfur water and mountain views.
Comfortable, well-equipped rooms
Rooms were described as spacious, clean and relaxing, with some featuring private baths, massage chairs and pleasing mountain views, allowing guests to unwind without stress.
Convenient for ski lovers and scenic location
The ryokan’s location near cable cars and in mountain surroundings was valued by skiers and guests seeking a relaxing onsen experience amid nature, with privacy and minimal crowding reported.
Negative Reviews
Slow communication via booking platform
At least one reviewer reported that communication through Booking.com was not very responsive, which affected pre-arrival coordination.
Access and transport limitations
Several guests noted the property can be difficult to reach without a car; the connecting cable car may not run late in the day or off-season, and some nearby attractions may be closed outside peak season.
Some common areas feel outdated
A few reviewers felt that certain shared spaces could use refreshed decoration or updating to match the quality of rooms and services.
Room light/privacy issues (no curtains)
One guest mentioned a room had no curtains, causing very early morning light to disturb sleep—an issue for light-sensitive guests.
Shower operation problems
A reviewer reported the shower required repeatedly holding a button (otherwise water would stop), indicating a potentially inconvenient or temperamental fixture in some rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 12 rooms. Room types typically accommodate one to three guests, with twin, triple and futon configurations available; some rooms include a private semi-open-air bath.
There are two source baths: a milky sulphur outdoor rotenburo and a gentler indoor large public bath. Some rooms feature a semi-open-air (half-roten) private bath, but there is no separate rentable private onsen.
The ryokan offers free pickup from the nearby 'Shiga Kogen Yama no Eki' bus stop (about a 7‑minute drive); please contact the hotel in advance to arrange collection.
The nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (about 116 km). Common public routes use Nagano or Yudanaka by train/bus to the Shiga Kogen area, then a local bus to 'Yama no Eki' for the ryokan pickup.
Some staff speak English and can assist with basic requests, but English proficiency is limited; contact the ryokan ahead of arrival for any detailed assistance or special needs.
Dinner is a traditional multi-course kaiseki using seasonal Shinshu ingredients (including Shinshu beef) and breakfast is served; guests with food allergies should notify the ryokan at the time of booking so staff can advise on feasible accommodations.
The ryokan is a good base for nature walks, mountain scenery and skiing; popular nearby sites include Jigokudani Monkey Park and local Shiga Kogen ski areas and trails.
By car it is about 30 minutes from the Shinshu‑Nakano (Shinshu‑Nakano IC) via local roads; by public transport take train/bus toward Yudanaka/Shiga Kogen and transfer to the bus to 'Yama no Eki', then use the ryokan's free pickup.
Standard check‑in is from mid‑afternoon and check‑out is in the morning (commonly check‑in around 15:00 and check‑out by 10:00); please confirm exact times with the ryokan when you book.
Pets are not accepted at the ryokan. There is no separate rentable private onsen, though some rooms have private semi‑open‑air baths; nearby towns and the 'Yama no Eki' area have small shops and convenience facilities—ask reception for directions.