Hotel Housei
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Set in the Yudanaka onsen area of Yamanouchi, Hotel Housei pairs traditional tatami rooms and futon bedding with practical modern touches. A ryokan with onsen in Nagano, it offers room categories from economy to luxury; many rooms have mountain views, a private toilet and standard amenities such as a refrigerator and kettle. Several room types are advertised with en-suite hot-spring baths for guests seeking greater privacy, while communal bathing and 24-hour reception ensure convenience for arrivals at different hours.
Bathing facilities include indoor and outdoor communal onsen and a selection of rooms that feature private baths, making it suitable as a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano for travellers who prefer an in-room soak. The outdoor onsen is noted by guests for its setting against the hills and can be enjoyed in winter snowfall; accessible facilities, ski storage and a complimentary shuttle to Yudanaka station are part of the practical offering. Staff service, garden areas and luggage storage add to the straightforward, guest-focused atmosphere.
The property runs an on-site restaurant that serves multi-course Japanese dinners that typically include sashimi and seasonal produce, and a buffet-style breakfast is available. Its location makes visits to Jigokudani Monkey Park and nearby ski areas manageable by car, while free on-site parking and station transfers simplify logistics for day trips and winter sport itineraries. The combination of traditional room layouts, varied bathing options and direct access to local attractions positions the hotel as a convenient base for exploring northern Nagano.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Housei
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (public and private)
Many guests praise the hot springs—both the public baths and private in-room onsens are repeatedly described as fantastic, relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Attentive, helpful staff and shuttle service
Staff are frequently described as kind, attentive and service-minded; several reviews note staff collected guests from the station, provided a free shuttle to Jigokudani (Snow Monkey Park) and offered helpful, friendly service throughout the stay.
Comfortable traditional rooms and amenities
Rooms are often praised for their size and traditional Japanese style (tatami, futons, yukata). Some guests found deluxe rooms especially spacious and appreciated the in-room tubs and provided onsen toiletries and conveniences.
Very good traditional meals (Kaiseki/dinner)
Dinner and kaiseki-style meals receive high marks—many guests described the evening meals as delicious, well-presented and a strong point of the ryokan; staff accommodated dietary requests like vegetarian meals.
Convenient location for attractions
The hotel’s location close to the station and near Jigokudani Monkey Park is repeatedly mentioned as a plus, with the free shuttle and easy access making visits to local attractions straightforward.
Negative Reviews
Building and room aging; maintenance issues
Several guests noted the property is older and would benefit from renovation; comments include dated decor, visible wear in corridors and at least one report of mold in a room.
Breakfast and buffet logistics
Some reviewers found the breakfast underwhelming or described buffet availability issues (e.g., limited items left, requirement to pre-book breakfast), causing inconvenience if not arranged in advance.
Occasional service/communication problems
While most staff are praised, a few guests reported isolated negative interactions (late-arrival reception confusion) and limited English from staff, making communication difficult at times.
Smells and cleanliness concerns in specific areas
A minority of reviews mentioned unpleasant odors (tobacco smell in toilets, sewer smell in bathrooms) and dustiness in common areas, suggesting inconsistent housekeeping in some cases.
Onsen temperature and room allocation issues
A few guests warned that some baths can be very hot and advised caution; there was at least one incident of an incorrect room assignment on arrival that had to be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese style with tatami and futons; standard room types list capacities from 4 up to 6 futons, so many rooms suit small families or groups up to six. Private toilets are usually in-room while bathing facilities may be shared unless you book a room with a private onsen.
Yes — the property offers indoor and outdoor onsen and some room types include a private onsen. Public baths are shared and standard onsen etiquette (wash before entering, no swimsuits) applies.
The hotel provides a free shuttle service for arrivals and departures to/from Yudanaka Station; guests commonly use the shuttle or walk the short distance from the station. Confirm pick-up details with the hotel before arrival.
Most guests travel from Tokyo airports by train: take the Shinkansen or express to Nagano and transfer to the local line toward Yudanaka, then use the hotel shuttle or walk from Yudanaka Station; the total journey is typically around three hours by public transport. Private transfers or rental cars are an alternative for faster or more direct airport transfers.
Staff are known to be helpful and can assist English-speaking guests to a reasonable extent; they can arrange local transport, sightseeing advice, and special requests if informed in advance. For complex arrangements, it is best to contact the hotel before arrival.
Expect a traditional stay with tatami flooring, futon bedding, communal onsen baths, and Japanese-style dinner service (kaiseki-style or set menus using seasonal local ingredients). The property blends traditional elements with modern comforts like free Wi‑Fi and private toilets in rooms.
Jigokudani Monkey Park (the snow monkeys) is about a 15-minute drive, Obuse and its floral gardens are roughly 25–30 minutes by car, and local ski areas are within a 30-minute drive depending on conditions. The hotel’s location in Yudanaka provides easy access to regional sightseeing and seasonal outdoor activities.
The easiest options are taxi, rental car, or the hotel shuttle to Yudanaka Station; many sightseeing spots require a short drive from the hotel. The hotel can advise on local transport and help arrange taxis or shuttle timing.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 22:00 and check-out is between 06:30 and 10:00; you must indicate your expected arrival time in advance. If you plan to arrive late or need pick-up at the station, notify the hotel ahead of time.
Some room types include a private onsen and private/family baths may be available by request — ask when booking; pet policies are not listed clearly online, so contact the hotel to confirm. Convenience stores and small shops are within walking distance around Yudanaka Station for basic groceries and supplies.