Izumigo AMBIENT Azumino Hotel
7,2/10 Very good - Based on 224 reviews
Izumigo AMBIENT Azumino Hotel sits on the slopes above the Azumino plain, framed by the Northern Alps, and combines multi-room hotel accommodation with standalone cottages. Guest rooms range from twin and tatami-mix layouts to maisonettes and suites, many offering living areas and kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators for self-catering. On-site facilities include a buffet-style restaurant serving local highland produce, a small souvenir market, coin launderette and complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, while parking and a shuttle service connect the property to the nearest train station for regional sightseeing.
The property operates large communal hot-spring facilities with indoor and open-air baths that look out toward the surrounding mountains and valley; these public baths are paired with sauna options and paid spa treatments. For guests seeking seclusion, the resort’s cottages are equipped with their own private hot springs, allowing a true ryokan with private onsen in Nagano experience within a cottage rental. Together the hotel and cottages make the site function both as a ryokan with onsen in Azumino and as a mixed resort catering to group and independent travelers.
Practical details emphasise convenience for exploring central and northern Nagano: the hotel positions visitors within driving distance of Daio Wasabi Farm, the Azumino art line and national park trails, with longer transfers available to Kamikochi and alpine routes. Services geared to families and groups include multi‑bed layouts and maisonette units, 24‑hour reception, and in‑house dining options that showcase seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—features that suit travellers who plan active days in the mountains and prefer a base combining hotel services with hot-spring bathing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Izumigo AMBIENT Azumino Hotel
Positive Reviews
Scenic location and mountain views
Multiple reviewers praised the hotel’s setting in the hills/woods and its views of the mountains and valley, describing it as a beautiful, peaceful place to get away from crowded cities.
Relaxing onsen experience
Guests highlighted the onsen as a major plus — enjoyable baths and a nice hot spring atmosphere (some also observed outdoor baths facing the forest).
Helpful and attentive staff
Several reviews mentioned staff were helpful, responsive and provided prompt, efficient service that improved the stay.
Spacious rooms and flexible layouts
Many guests appreciated large rooms, tatami areas and rooms with kitchens, noting they were suitable for families and groups and provided good usability.
Good dining options and buffet entertainment
Positive comments were made about the variety and presentation of meals — kaiseki dinner and buffet/ all-you-can-eat offerings were enjoyed by numerous guests and described as entertaining.
Negative Reviews
Property is dated and needs renovation
Numerous reviewers said the establishment feels tired or old, citing peeling wallpaper, damaged walls, stained or torn carpets and that overall refurbishment is needed.
Cleanliness and pest concerns
Some guests reported cleanliness issues including stained carpets, unpleasant smells in lower corridors/parking, and at least one report of bugs in a bedroom; a few felt the onsen cleaning could be improved.
Small outdoor onsen area and limited parking
Several guests noted the outdoor hot spring can feel small and faces a slope/forest; indoor parking was described as tight so many had to park outside.
Check-in/out system problems and inflexibility
Multiple reviews mentioned confusion or malfunction with self-check-in/out machines, delays at reception and lack of flexibility for meal bookings or early check-out via automated systems.
Inconsistent meal quality and meal booking issues
While many praised the buffet, others were disappointed by pricey but poor breakfast or difficulty obtaining meals if not pre-booked, leading to inconsistent dining experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary from single/twin units to maisonette and family layouts; some rooms include futon bedding for children. Check the specific room type for exact maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes — the property has natural hot spring facilities including large indoor and outdoor baths and a dry sauna for guest use. Showers and shared bathing areas are available; contact the hotel if you need private-bath options.
A free shuttle operates between Hotaka Station and the hotel but requires advance reservation. For airport transfers, guests typically travel via Matsumoto (train or taxi) and then use the shuttle or a taxi for the final leg.
Take the Azusa limited express from Shinjuku to Matsumoto (about 2.5 hours), then the local JR Oito line to Hotaka (about 30 minutes), followed by the hotel shuttle or taxi. By car, the hotel is roughly 20 minutes from the Azumino interchange on the expressway.
The hotel provides English-language information on its website and the front desk offers basic English support. For complex requests, guests are advised to contact the hotel ahead of arrival.
Rooms include modern Japanese-Western styles, tatami areas and some with kitchens or maisonette layouts; cottages are available for a more private stay. Meals emphasize local Azumino ingredients, and communal onsen bathing reflects traditional Japanese ryokan culture.
Nearby highlights include Daio Wasabi Farm, Hotaka Shrine and Hotaka Park, with Kamikochi and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route accessible as longer day trips. Many sites are within a 20–90 minute drive depending on destination.
The hotel offers free on-site parking and vending machines, plus a coin launderette and a small on-site mini-market. Local taxis serve the area and the free shuttle links with Hotaka Station (reservation required).
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. If you need an earlier arrival or late departure, request it in advance and the hotel will advise availability.
Private cottage stays may include private bathing; inquire directly for private onsen bookings. Pets are not allowed, there is a small on-site mini-market and restaurant serving buffet-style breakfast and dinner using local ingredients, and vending machines are available for essentials.