Yuttarino-Sato Inaka
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 201 reviews
Yuttarino‑Sato Inaka sits in the Achi area of Nagano prefecture and presents itself as a purpose-built ryokan with onsen in Nagano, offering a broad program of communal bathing rather than private in‑room hot springs. The property operates 59 guest rooms and a large bathing complex that includes seven garden-style open‑air baths, eight footbaths and four indoor baths—19 distinct bathing options in total—alongside a sauna and a rock‑bath facility. Bathing areas are arranged to let visitors sample different water features and settings, and several outdoor pools and footbaths face garden or riverside views for a quieter, restorative experience.
Guest accommodation is mainly Japanese‑style with full bathrooms and basic in‑room amenities; the lodge notes that the room baths are not supplied with onsen water. Public facilities are the focus: free Wi‑Fi, air conditioning and in‑room storage are provided, and the house runs a shuttle service and on‑site parking for convenience. Dining follows a mixed approach with buffet selections and seasonally curated dishes that draw on local produce, while the property also offers spa services and communal relaxation spaces intended to complement the bathing program.
The layout and facilities make the property suitable for families and visitors seeking an active‑rest stay in the region: the building includes accessible room options and on‑site activities that range from simple leisure amenities to occasional guided or seasonal programs. With a mix of communal baths, footbath trails and a dedicated wellness area, this ryokan provides multiple ways to experience the local hot‑spring waters and to use the property as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside of Nagano.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yuttarino-Sato Inaka
Positive Reviews
Varied, high-quality buffet meals
Many guests praised the breakfast and dinner buffets for their wide selection, tasty dishes and inclusion of local cuisine, making meals a highlight of the stay.
Large, pleasant onsen facilities
The public baths and outdoor onsen were frequently noted as spacious and enjoyable, with different bath types (indoor, outdoor, cypress tub, deeper pools, foot baths) and options for private baths.
Spacious, clean rooms
Multiple reviews mention roomy, well‑kept accommodations that provided comfort and adequate space for families or couples.
Friendly, helpful staff and transport support
Staff were described as warm, accommodating and proactive—helping with medicine, arranging shuttle service or tours, organising drop‑offs and stargazing bookings.
Scenic location and atmosphere
Guests valued the hotel's setting—great views for sunrise and stargazing, a peaceful countryside environment, and an authentic traditional ryokan ambiance.
Negative Reviews
Dated interiors and public areas
Several guests felt the building and furnishings are a little old and would benefit from updating or modernisation, which affects the impression of public spaces.
Noise and thin walls/floors
Some visitors reported hearing footsteps or other noise through ceilings and walls, reducing privacy and quiet in rooms.
Communication and responsiveness issues
A few guests experienced unresponsiveness via the booking app and noted limited English at times, which made detailed communication or requests harder to manage.
Occasional food quality or variety issues
While buffets were generally praised, isolated problems were mentioned (for example, over‑salted crab legs) and a few guests found the variety or options at some meals to be limited.
Small room/onsen inconveniences
Minor negatives included practical annoyances such as few power outlets near the bed, no night light in rooms, lukewarm foot baths on occasion, presence of insects typical in rural areas, and extra charges to reserve a private family onsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most guest rooms are family-style with futons; standard family rooms sleep up to 5 and superior family rooms up to 6. No extra beds or cots are available, but children of all ages are welcome.
The property offers multiple hot-spring baths including indoor baths, outdoor (open-air) baths, foot baths and a sauna. Bathing areas are public (mixed by gender) with several pools and styles to try; hours can vary so please confirm on arrival.
Yes — the ryokan offers shuttle service to/from nearby train stations by arrangement. Please contact the property in advance to reserve pickup or drop-off.
The nearest major airport is Chubu Centrair (Nagoya), about 90–100 km away; travel typically involves a combination of airport trains and local trains plus the ryokan shuttle or a taxi. Driving is also common and parking is available on site.
Japanese is the primary language, but staff can assist with basic English and are generally helpful to international guests. Bringing a translation app or simple Japanese phrases is recommended for more detailed requests.
Meals are served in a buffet style with local and seasonal dishes on offer, and rooms are traditional with tatami/futon sleeping arrangements. The stay emphasizes a relaxed, authentic Japanese onsen-ryokan experience.
Achi Shrine and the Hirugami Onsen area (including a morning market) are within easy walking distance. Other local sights and museums are a short drive away, and the surrounding countryside is suitable for short walks and scenic drives.
The nearest railway access is on the Iida Line (Kawaji/Iida area) and the ryokan can arrange station shuttle service. Free private parking is available on site for guests arriving by car.
Standard check-in is between 13:00 and 19:30 and check-out between 07:00 and 11:00. The ryokan provides luggage storage before check-in and after check-out; confirm early/late arrival plans in advance.
Ask reception about reservable/private bathing options — they may be arranged on request but are not guaranteed. Pets are not permitted on the property; a local morning market and small shops are within walking distance, while larger supermarkets are a short drive away.