Oyado Nozawaya
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 98 reviews
Oyado Nozawaya is a small, family-run ryokan tucked into the lanes of Nozawa Onsen, offering a quiet, traditional stay that emphasizes simple comfort and local hospitality. Rooms follow a Japanese-style layout with tatami surfaces and futon bedding or bed options in some rooms, and most guest areas are compact and intentionally intimate to preserve a homely atmosphere. The property sits within easy walking distance of the village’s public baths and main pedestrian streets, making it a practical base for skiing, day hikes and exploring the hot-spring village; it is frequently described as a ryokan with onsen in Nozawa Onsen, Nagano.
Guest facilities are straightforward: most rooms include basic wash facilities and toilets, shared public spaces provide Wi‑Fi, and the inn operates on a small scale so services are personal rather than extensive. The property draws on a natural hot spring for its bathing facilities; while the main onsen is a communal feature, guests and third-party listings consistently note the availability of a private-bath option for small groups or couples, so it can function as a ryokan with private onsen Nagano when arranged. Visitors are expected to observe typical onsen etiquette and the house’s quiet hours.
Meals reflect the inn’s local focus, with home-cooked breakfasts and evening options that highlight vegetables grown on-site and straightforward regional dishes prepared by the owners; breakfast or dinner is usually available if requested at booking. Practical details to plan for include a small on-site parking provision, check-in from mid‑afternoon with checkout by mid‑morning, and an evening entrance lock; the scale and service model suit travellers who value a modest, authentic ryokan experience close to slopes, communal baths and village amenities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Oyado Nozawaya
Positive Reviews
Warm, family-run hospitality
Many guests highlight exceptionally friendly, welcoming and helpful hosts who go out of their way to assist (organising lift tickets, helping with directions and language using translation tools).
Excellent home-cooked Japanese meals
Breakfast and dinner are frequently praised as delicious, well prepared and filling, often featuring produce from the owner's farm and offering great value.
Clean, relaxing onsen on site
The property's private onsen is described as lovely, warm, clean and relaxing — a highlight for many visitors who appreciate not having to use public baths.
Convenient central location for skiing and town
Guests appreciate the ryokan's central position in the onsen town — close to restaurants, the bus terminal and within easy walking distance of ski lifts or gondolas (though exact walking effort varies).
Comfortable, clean rooms and good value
Rooms are noted as cosy, spacious and immaculate with comfortable beds/doonas or tatami rooms; overall the accommodation is seen as very good value with excellent service.
Negative Reviews
Futon may be uncomfortable for long stays
Several guests mentioned that sleeping on futons (Japanese-style rooms) is fine short-term but might not be ideal for extended stays if you prefer Western beds.
Shared bathing / limited en-suite facilities
Some rooms do not have private showers; guests use the onsen or shared bathing areas, which may not suit travellers who prefer a private en-suite bathroom.
Evening curfew
There is a house curfew around 10:30pm noted by one guest — understandable for a family-run inn but potentially inconvenient for those planning late nights.
Walk to certain gondola stations can be uphill
A few reviewers pointed out that the Nagasaka gondola (and possibly other lift access points) requires an uphill walk from the property, which may be noticeable with luggage or in winter conditions.
Onsen appearance/sulfur scent may surprise some
A small number of guests initially found the onsen's natural sulfur smell or darker deposits surprising, though they clarified the onsen was clean and the characteristics are due to natural mineral content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single and twin rooms to multi-person/family rooms; specific maximum occupancies vary by room type, so confirm the exact capacity when you book.
The property has an on-site hot spring bath; guests should follow standard onsen etiquette (shower before entering and no tattoos unless otherwise permitted) and note some rooms use shared bathrooms while the onsen is available to guests.
There is no dedicated airport shuttle listed; the Nozawa Onsen bus terminal is a short walk from the ryokan and taxis or local buses run from Iiyama or Nagano stations.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English is limited, so a translation app or a few prepared phrases can help with communication.
Expect a traditional ryokan layout with tatami floors and futon bedding in many rooms, modest modern comforts, and an authentic local atmosphere; some rooms have shared facilities while others include private amenities.
The ryokan is within walking distance of Nozawa Onsen village and the ski resort; public hot-spring baths, local restaurants and day-trip destinations such as Jigokudani Monkey Park are accessible by bus or car.
Nozawa Onsen’s central bus terminal is a short walk from the property; most guests arrive via Iiyama station (about 10–15 km) and complete the transfer by local bus or taxi.
Typical check-in starts in the afternoon (around 15:00) with check-out by mid-morning (around 10:00); please notify the ryokan in advance if you expect to arrive late.
Pets are not permitted at the property; small private or reserved bathing options may be available on request—ask when booking—and convenience stores and local shops are within walking distance in the village.
Breakfast is offered at the ryokan; dinner is not guaranteed on every plan but there are many nearby restaurants, and the ryokan asks guests to notify them in advance about dietary restrictions.