鬼無里の湯 ホテル&コテージ
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 32 reviews
鬼無里の湯 Hotel & Cottage sits in a quiet mountain valley in Kinasa, offering a blend of a small hotel and independent cottages set among forests and rice-terraced slopes. The property is built around a local thermal source from the Okusubakawa area: a simple sulfur cold spring that is heated on site, yielding a clear, gently textured bathwater and indoor bathing facilities for guests and day visitors. As a ryokan with onsen Nagano, the emphasis is on restorative soaks and a slow pace framed by seasonal landscapes rather than urban convenience.
Accommodation choices range from compact hotel rooms with traditional tatami and Western beds to standalone cottages equipped for self-catering, barbecue and family stays; cottages are popular for groups seeking privacy and flexibility. On-site amenities include a restaurant serving regional ingredients prepared in homestyle and kaiseki-influenced formats, basic guest services such as free parking and Wi‑Fi, and a shuttle service from the local bus terminus by prior arrangement. Public bathing is the core facility, and cottage guests also have access to the baths as part of their stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 鬼無里の湯 ホテル&コテージ
Positive Reviews
Relaxing, high-quality onsen
Multiple guests praised the hot spring for being deeply warming and enjoyable, noting it’s a highlight of the stay and leaves you feeling warmed through.
Warm, attentive staff
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned very polite, caring and helpful staff who provide considerate service and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Good food with local flavours
Many reviews complimented the meals—breakfast and dinner—with a variety of local Nagano dishes and well-prepared, tasty offerings often described as a strong value.
Clean, comfortable and spacious rooms/cottages
Guests found rooms and cottages tidy, roomy and comfortable (tatami rooms highlighted), with good heating and satisfactory cleanliness throughout.
Peaceful, scenic and private location
The ryokan’s secluded mountain setting, snow scenery and quiet surroundings were praised for being restful and providing an authentic rural experience.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and difficult access
Several guests noted the property is far from major hubs, with winding mountain roads; winter conditions can make driving challenging and may require chains in addition to studded tires.
Essentials and meal logistics not always included
Some visitors were surprised to pay extra for towels/toiletries or had to walk to the lobby to rent items; food must sometimes be requested the day before, which led to missed breakfast for at least one stay.
Dated or small cabin bathrooms and hot water issues
A few reviews mentioned cabin bathrooms are a bit dated or small, and some found onsen/bath water uncomfortably hot at times, limiting long soaks.
Occasional maintenance and supply lapses
Guests reported minor supply or upkeep issues (empty tissue boxes, low paper cups at the water station, older tatami) suggesting timing of staff checks and restocking could improve.
Safety/access features lacking around cottages
One reviewer pointed out missing railings on ramps outside cottages, making certain areas feel potentially unsafe—especially for families or in snowy/icy conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard Japanese rooms sleep 2–4 people, western rooms 2–3, and cottages accommodate up to 2–6 guests depending on the unit.
Yes — the property uses the local Oku-susobana hot spring; guest bathing hours are generally 15:00–23:00 and 06:00–08:30, with day‑use open roughly 11:00–21:00 (last admission around 20:00).
You can take a public bus from JR Nagano Station to the Kinasa area (about one hour), and the hotel can arrange a short pickup from the bus stop by reservation — confirm timing with the hotel in advance.
The nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (about 79 km). From major hubs take train to Nagano Station then a local bus to Kinasa, or drive from Nagano IC; a car is often the most convenient option.
Staff can provide English assistance, though availability may vary; contact the hotel before arrival if you need detailed support in other languages.
The ryokan offers tatami-style rooms and local Shinshu cuisine, including set meals and a traditional-style breakfast; the on-site restaurant and café serve regional dishes focusing on seasonal ingredients.
Nearby highlights include Togakushi Shrine and the Togakushi area, Hakuba/Happo-one and other ski resorts, and local nature spots such as the Oku‑susobana valley and seasonal wildflowers or autumn foliage.
Yes — free on-site parking with about 40 spaces is available, and a car is recommended for flexibility when visiting surrounding attractions.
Cottages are available as whole units and some properties allow pets — you should request pet permission and reserve the cottage in advance; the hotel has a small on-site shop for souvenirs and basics, but larger supermarkets are in Nagano city.
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 10:00. The restaurant serves lunch (≈11:30–14:00), café hours in the afternoon, and dinner (≈17:30–20:30), with last orders typically about 30 minutes before closing.