Fujiiso
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 40 reviews
Fujiiso is a traditional sukiya-style ryokan set above a deep mountain gorge in the Yamada Onsen area of Takayama village, Nagano. The property’s low-rise layout and rooms are arranged to face the Matsukawa Gorge, offering seasonal panoramas from moon-viewing terraces and balconies. Guest rooms range from classic tatami suites to a special western twin, all combining period details with modern comforts such as private bathrooms and modest living spaces designed for relaxation and quiet. Public areas include a wide lounge counter that frames the valley and smaller conversation rooms for reading or music.
Bathing at Fujiiso centers on natural hot springs drawn from Yamada Onsen: large communal baths feature a hinoki cypress tub in the men’s bath and granite fittings in the women’s bath, while roofed outdoor baths allow open-air soaking in every season. The ryokan operates both indoor and covered outdoor options and describes its spring as a sodium-calcium chloride mineral water noted for a light, restorative feel. Facilities emphasize careful maintenance and periodic renewal of timber tubs; the property presents a clear example of a ryokan with onsen Nagano.
Meals highlight local Shinshu ingredients—seasonal vegetables, regional beef, mountain fish and rice—served in courses that reflect changing harvests and the ryokan’s culinary traditions. Staff manage logistics for nearby attractions, including routes to the area famous for the winter macaques, and the accommodation provides parking and a travel lounge with local information. For travelers seeking a calm, culturally rooted stay in Nagano Prefecture, Fujiiso positions itself as a discreet, service-oriented ryokan with onsen in Nagano Prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Fujiiso
Positive Reviews
Outstanding, attentive staff and service
Multiple reviews highlight exceptionally helpful, polite and personalized service — staff who assist with reservations, luggage, dinner service and special requests, making stays feel welcoming and effortless.
Delicious, carefully prepared meals
Guests repeatedly praise the food as creative, high-quality and well-presented, with several mentioning memorable dinners and traditional multi-course meals served with attention to detail.
Excellent onsen and bathing experience
The indoor and outdoor onsen areas are described as relaxing, therapeutic and well maintained; bathing is noted as a major highlight of the stay.
Stunning natural scenery and peaceful location
Reviewers value the ryokan’s setting — panoramic mountain and forest views, tranquil atmosphere, and easy access to nearby nature attractions that enhance the overall experience.
Clean, comfortable traditional rooms with privacy
Many guests mention comfortable rooms (traditional style with western beds in some), good hygiene standards, a sense of privacy, and an authentic yet comfortable ryokan atmosphere.
Negative Reviews
Limited western breakfast options and coffee
Several guests missed having western-style breakfast choices and coffee available during breakfast hours; some opted to skip breakfast at the property for that reason.
Aged rooms/bathroom maintenance issues
A number of reviews note old or dated bathroom fixtures, uncomfortable bathrooms and requests for renovations; a few mention noticeable smells or general need for better upkeep in places.
Inconsistent food items for some dishes
While many praised the cuisine, at least one review described the food as a mixed bag, with some dishes less enjoyable than others, reducing a perfect score.
Price concerns for solo travelers
Some guests found the ryokan relatively expensive, particularly for single travelers who felt it became costly when booked alone.
Controversial menu items (protected species)
One reviewer strongly objected to specific menu items (shark, turtle, dolphin/whale) and asked that such offerings be discontinued, describing this as a reason they would not recommend the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room layouts vary; some rooms combine western beds and futons and can sleep up to five guests depending on the room type. Children are not permitted, so check the specific room occupancy when booking.
Yes — Fujiiso provides large communal indoor and roofed outdoor hot-spring baths (men’s hinoki cypress and women’s granite baths) open to staying guests. Guests are asked to indicate gender at booking and to bathe carefully as spring water can be very hot.
The ryokan does not run shuttle buses. For airport travel, reach Nagano by shinkansen then use local train, bus or taxi to the property; the hotel can arrange a special taxi service from Nagano Station if requested in advance.
From Tokyo take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then the Nagano Electric Railway to Suzaka Station and continue by taxi or local bus to Yamada Onsen. Contact the ryokan with your arrival details if you want them to help arrange meeting instructions.
Staff speak Japanese and English.
Fujiiso is a traditional sukiya-style ryokan with valley views and an on-site restaurant (Tobe Chaya) serving Japanese dishes made from local ingredients; inform the property of any dietary needs in advance.
Notable nearby visits include Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani (Snow Monkey Park); both are reachable by combinations of taxi, train and bus and the staff can advise on routes and timings.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out from 08:00 to 11:00; you must inform the ryokan of your arrival time in advance, and the property has restricted access between 21:00 and 08:00.
The property offers communal indoor and outdoor baths; for private or family-use options you should contact the ryokan directly to request availability. Pets are not allowed on the premises.
On-site parking is available without extra reservation (capacity noted on the property) and complimentary Wi‑Fi is provided. The ryokan is in a small mountain village with limited shops, so ask staff for the nearest convenience store or supplies.