Hotel Higashidate
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 13 reviews
Hotel Higashidate sits on the Shiga Kogen plateau above Hoppo Onsen in Yamanouchi, Nagano, and presents a mountain-facing retreat with direct access to local slopes and a gondola. Set at high elevation with panoramic views of the Northern Alps, the property is positioned for year-round outdoor activity from alpine skiing and snowshoeing to summer hiking. As a ryokan with onsen Nagano visitors can expect an emphasis on hot-spring bathing framed by wide mountain panoramas rather than an urban hotel experience, and the location is used as a base for nearby natural attractions and trails.
The thermal facilities centre on the Hoppo Hot Spa, an open-air observation bath designed to frame the alpine skyline, supported by an indoor hot-spring bath and a sauna; several suites and select guest rooms also feature private observation baths that allow couples a secluded soak. Meals follow a regional focus, with multi-course menus built around Shinshu produce and local meat, and room categories range from traditional tatami-style options to larger suites and a restored kominka residence. The property advertises 24-hour bathing in its communal facilities and offers on-site services geared to winter sports enthusiasts, including ski-to-door access and proximity to a lift network.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Higashidate
Positive Reviews
Excellent traditional meals
Multiple guests praised the Japanese-style breakfasts and multi-course dinners as fresh, varied and delicious, with different mains and sides each day and private dining available in some room types.
Private and in-room onsen options
Several reviews highlighted having a private onsen in-room as a standout feature (some rooms include a private onsen and massage chair), and the shared onsen, sauna and outdoor bath were also appreciated when not crowded.
Very helpful, attentive staff and owners
Staff and the owners were described as extremely friendly and accommodating — assisting guests during heavy snow, arranging late meals on arrival and going above and beyond in many situations.
Excellent ski location and facilities
Guests liked the ski-in/ski-out location, proximity to gondolas (close to lifts 15/16), ski locker rooms that open onto the slopes, and on-site ski rental availability.
Quiet property with great views and tasteful spaces
Reviewers noted the hotel is very quiet, has superb views of Shiga Kogen from balconies and the lobby, a tastefully designed lobby with complimentary drinks, and pleasant common areas.
Negative Reviews
Some rooms are dated
A number of guests commented that older rooms are showing their age and would benefit from renovation; newly renovated rooms were noted as significantly better (and more expensive).
Limited dining options and strongly traditional cuisine
The property offers primarily traditional Japanese meals and few nearby restaurants or evening options; guests who do not enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine may be disappointed.
Outdoor onsen view/privacy and potential shared-onset crowding
One guest noted the women's outdoor onsen has no view (likely for privacy), and another warned the shared onsen might be less enjoyable if busy.
Lift access timing
The on-site lift/top gondola from the hotel opens around 9am, which may limit very early skiing; guests can ski down to other lifts that open earlier.
Remote location and language difficulty for non-Japanese speakers
The hotel is somewhat out of the way with little evening entertainment; guests who don't speak Japanese reported relying on translation tools and found communication more challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type: most rooms are intended for two adults, while some Japanese-style family rooms and suites sleep up to five or six using futons; the property does not provide cribs or extra beds and is adults-only.
Yes — the property offers public indoor and open-air hot spring baths plus a sauna, and several room types include a private open-air bath; public bathing facilities are available around the clock.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the hotel is reachable by taxi or local bus from the nearest stations and may provide pick-up by prior arrangement in exceptional cases, so contact the hotel before arrival.
The closest regional airport is Matsumoto (roughly 100–120 km), but many guests arrive by train to Nagano/Yudanaka and continue by bus or taxi to the ryokan.
Japanese is the primary language; staff can usually assist in basic English for arrival and common requests, but complex requests may require translation help.
Meals focus on traditional Japanese cuisine using local ingredients, with set multi-course dinners and a Japanese-style breakfast; on-site dining options are limited, so notify the hotel in advance for dietary needs.
Nearby highlights include Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shiga Kogen and Ryuoo ski areas, local hiking routes and regional museums such as nearby sake or cultural sites.
Take a train to Yudanaka or Nagano then a local bus or taxi to the property; the hotel provides very convenient ski access in winter with gondola/lift connections for skiers.
Check-in is generally between 15:00 and 17:00 and check-out between 07:00 and 10:00; guests are asked to inform the hotel of their expected arrival time in advance due to limited reception hours.
Some room types include a private in-room open-air onsen, pets are not permitted on the property, and the nearest convenience stores or supermarkets are in Yudanaka or the town below—staff can advise on the closest shopping options.