Rako Hananoi Hotel
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 329 reviews
Rako Hananoi Hotel sits on the Kamisuwa Onsen shoreline with direct views across Lake Suwa, presenting a large, resort-style ryokan environment that blends traditional Japanese rooms on tatami floors with Western-style guestrooms. The property comprises a substantial number of rooms and positions itself as a regional hot-spring destination, offering options for guests who seek a ryokan with private onsen experiences in Nagano as well as public baths and open-air soaking areas for communal use.
Facilities are focused on bathing and relaxation: the hotel maintains outdoor and indoor onsen facilities, a small indoor swimming pool, and bookable private onsen baths for couples or families who prefer exclusive use. Dining outlets on the property serve multi-course Japanese menus alongside other international options, and a lakeside cafe provides buffet-style breakfast with lake views. Practical conveniences include a reservation-required shuttle from the nearby station, complimentary on-site parking, yukata rental and spa services, supporting both short stays and longer leisure visits.
Guest rooms are equipped with standard in-room amenities such as green tea, a refrigerator and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs; some room categories emphasize traditional futon bedding on tatami while others offer Western beds. On clear days rooms and public terraces frame views of the lake and distant mountains, and local attractions like Takashima Castle and the lakeside promenade are within easy reach on foot or by the hotel shuttle. Check-in typically begins in the mid afternoon and checkout is late morning, making the property a straightforward choice for families and couples seeking an accessible ryokan with onsen experience near Lake Suwa.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Rako Hananoi Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and bathing options
Many reviewers praised the onsen (including private baths), rooftop/rotemburo and large bathing facilities as very good and relaxing.
Very good breakfast buffet
Guests frequently mentioned a delicious, extensive breakfast buffet with a wide variety of choices and high quality.
Friendly, helpful staff and service
Staff were repeatedly described as polite, accommodating and attentive—helpful with explanations, special requests, taxi bookings and small gestures for families.
Great lakeside location and views
The hotel’s position by Lake Suwa and viewpoints (including rooftop terraces) were highlighted as a major plus, offering beautiful lake views.
Clean, comfortable rooms and useful facilities
Rooms, beds and public areas were often called clean and well-maintained; reviewers appreciated room amenities (Wi‑Fi, sockets, fridge), pool/jacuzzi and extras like bike rental or shuttle/parking.
Negative Reviews
Perceived high price
Several guests felt the accommodation was expensive or not fully matched by the room standard, especially for short stays.
Some areas feel dated or need upgrades
Comments noted that parts of the property looked slightly old and suggested modernising items (for example TVs); one guest mentioned pool paint/appearance concerns.
Distance from station / transport considerations
A few reviewers noted the hotel is a walk (about 20 minutes) from the station—although a free shuttle is available—so access can be less convenient on foot.
Occasional food availability / communication issues
At least one guest experienced limited food service due to a chef’s day off and wished the hotel had informed them in advance to help plan alternatives.
Inconsistent staff interactions reported by a few
While most feedback about staff was positive, one review mentioned less satisfactory interactions compared with other experiences, indicating occasional variability in service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include single, twin, Western, and Japanese-style (tatami) options; most twin/Western rooms suit 2–4 people while some lake-view tatami rooms accommodate up to 5 or 9 guests depending on the layout.
Yes — the hotel offers public indoor baths, open-air baths with lake views, specialty baths (for example a local sake bath), saunas and an indoor pool; private (reserved) baths are also available for an extra charge.
A complimentary shuttle to JR Kami‑Suwa Station is provided, but you must reserve the shuttle when booking or contact the hotel in advance to confirm your pick‑up time.
From Tokyo, travel by the Chuo Main Line limited‑express trains toward Matsumoto/Kami‑Suwa or drive via the Chuo Expressway to Suwa IC; check local timetables and the hotel access page for exact connections and transfer details.
Staff provide assistance in Japanese and can offer basic English support for check‑in, directions and local recommendations, though some materials on site are primarily in Japanese.
On‑site dining includes a Japanese/Western buffet breakfast, kaiseki multi‑course dinner service at Café Fuyo and a Chinese restaurant (Karin); breakfast requires a reservation at check‑in and arriving by 18:00 may be required to receive dinner service.
No, pets are not permitted on the property.
Yes — the hotel offers reservable private baths for an additional fee and also provides yukata rental to enhance your private onsen experience.
Takashima Castle is about a 10‑minute walk, Lake Suwa is adjacent to the hotel, Suwa Shrine is nearby, and Matsumoto city can be reached by express train in roughly 25 minutes for sightseeing.
Check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 11:00; please notify the hotel of your expected arrival time in advance, and note that guests checking in after 18:00 may not be served dinner.