Tateshina Grand Hotel Takinoyu
8/10 Excellent - Based on 283 reviews
Tateshina Grand Hotel Takinoyu sits on the Tateshina highland beside a mountain stream in Chino, offering a multi‑generational stay across about 160 rooms. The property combines traditional Japanese ryokan service with family‑oriented facilities: a multi‑area kids’ park, indoor play zones, an on‑site fishing park where guests can have their catch prepared, two restaurants and a range of leisure options. Practical conveniences include free on‑site parking, a scheduled shuttle from JR Chino Station and year‑round operation, making it a straightforward base for exploring the Venus Line and nearby lakes.
Guest accommodation ranges from traditional tatami rooms to upper‑floor Sky Comfort and a small selection of riverfront terrace rooms that feature private open‑air baths; dedicated terrace rooms sit along the stream. Meals emphasize regional mountain produce and seafood served in buffet and set‑dinner formats across two dining venues, with seasonal menus and an extensive buffet selection. Additional guest services include a 24‑hour front desk, luggage storage and accessible facilities, supporting both short stays and longer highland retreats.
As a ryokan with onsen in Tateshina, the hotel presents three distinct bathing experiences: a restored mountain‑stream open‑air bath alongside the river, a garden‑style large public bath and reservable private baths for families or couples. Public bathing follows an alternating gender schedule and includes mist and dry saunas; day‑use bathing is available during set hours. For travellers seeking seclusion, a limited number of rooms and private rental baths are offered, positioning the property as a practical ryokan with private onsen in Nagano.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tateshina Grand Hotel Takinoyu
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsens (indoor and outdoor)
Multiple guests praised the onsen facilities — especially the open-air baths — noting relaxing hot soaks, pleasant cedar scent, beautiful views and that the baths met or exceeded expectations.
Very good food and wide buffet selection
Many reviewers enjoyed the dinner and breakfast buffets, commenting on the variety and quality (several highlighted a tender steak and many food choices), with some saying meals were a highlight of their stay.
Friendly, helpful staff and occasional upgrades
Guests reported polite and helpful staff who assisted with requests (for example booking taxis) and, in some cases, upgraded rooms — contributing positively to the overall experience.
Family-friendly facilities and activities
The property offers many family-oriented amenities (kid playgrounds, activities and private onsen options) that families with children appreciated; reviewers said it’s a fun place for extended family stays.
Scenic, relaxing location and ambience
Visitors liked the hotel’s natural setting, river/waterfall views and overall peaceful atmosphere; several noted spacious tatami-style rooms and that the location is good for enjoying nature.
Negative Reviews
Crowded and noisy dining experience
Multiple guests reported crowded dining areas, long waits for the buffet, noisy meal times (including many young children) and limited available dinner time slots, which affected convenience and enjoyment.
Rooms dated or inconsistent; some cleanliness issues
Several reviews mentioned older or dated rooms (especially in annex/old buildings), occasional odors, small cleanliness problems (hair found) and at least one report of cockroaches — indicating inconsistent room condition.
Staff communication, language and billing problems
Some guests experienced poor communication (unanswered emails), language barriers with English, unclear or unexpected extra charges for meals/children and difficulties obtaining receipts, which led to frustration.
Accessibility and facility limitations
A few reviewers noted practical issues such as rooms in annex buildings without elevators (difficult with strollers/luggage), parking located a distance away, and limited in-room charging ports.
Perceived poor value or pricing concerns
Several guests felt the hotel — particularly the dinner buffet or overall stay — was overpriced relative to the quality observed, and a few described management or operational shortcomings that reduced perceived value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from standard doubles and twin rooms to Japanese-style rooms with futons; some suites and larger Japanese rooms sleep up to 6–8 guests using futons. Choose a room type for exact capacity when booking.
The hotel offers a riverside open‑air bath, a garden large bath with rotating men’s/women’s use, and three rentable private open‑air baths; day‑use bathing is also available. Baths overlook the stream and surrounding forest.
Yes — three different private (reserved) open‑air baths are available and can be reserved through the front desk or at check‑in. Availability and booking procedures are handled by the hotel.
The property provides a free shuttle service; guests should contact the hotel directly for pickup points and timetable. The nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (about 50 km) and JR Chino Station is reachable by local bus or a roughly 20–30 minute taxi ride.
The hotel’s website offers English pages and the front desk can assist English‑speaking guests, though staffing levels vary; contact the hotel in advance if you need specific language support. Written materials and menus may also be available in English.
The hotel features two restaurants and serves a buffet breakfast (and buffet/dinner plans on many dates) plus Japanese à la carte or set options; special menus can be arranged for guests who bring fish from the on‑site fishing park. Please check your reservation for included meals.
Yes — the hotel promotes baby‑friendly rooms and services, a covered kids’ park, family rooms and a children’s arcade, plus activities like the on‑site fishing park. Baby amenities and kid‑focused rooms are offered; request them when booking.
Nearby attractions include the Tateshina highlands and scenic drives, Lake Shirakaba (about 15 km), and local ropeways and hiking; the hotel also lists nearby sightseeing suggestions and can advise on day trips. Many guests use the hotel as a base for nature and mountain activities.
Pets are not permitted in the property; service‑animal needs should be discussed with the hotel in advance. Please confirm any special requests before arrival.
Check‑in is typically in the mid‑afternoon (commonly from 3:00 PM) and check‑out is in the morning (commonly by 10:00 AM); the reception is open 24 hours for assistance. If you expect a very late arrival, inform the hotel ahead of time to confirm arrangements.