Shoho
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 630 reviews
Shoho perches on the wooded slopes above Matsumoto in the Utsukushigahara onsen area, offering broad views of the Northern Alps from public terraces and many guest rooms. The property combines traditional ryokan elements with modern conveniences, positioning itself as a ryokan with onsen in Nagano that operates both expansive communal baths and a garden rotenburo. A complimentary shuttle links the hotel with JR Matsumoto Station on a fixed timetable, while on-site parking and bicycle rental make the property accessible for self-driving or exploratory stays.
Guest accommodation ranges from tatami-floored suites with futons to Western-style rooms with beds, and select units feature private open-air bathtubs or attached bathing areas for in-room soaking. Communal facilities include large indoor baths, an outdoor garden bath, saunas and massage services; private reservable baths are available for guests seeking added privacy. Rooms are supplied with standard amenities including flat-screen TVs, refrigerators and yukata robes, and the front desk offers multilingual assistance alongside family, twin and single configurations.
Dining emphasizes seasonal Shinshu produce, served as multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinners, while breakfast is presented buffet-style with both Japanese and Western choices. The hilltop location places the property within convenient reach of Matsumoto’s cultural sites and the Utsukushigahara highlands for hiking and scenic drives. As a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano Prefecture that balances bathing culture, sauna and massage offerings with scheduled transport links, Shoho is suited to travelers seeking a structured onsen stay near Matsumoto.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shoho
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and bathing options
Multiple high-quality onsen areas (indoor, outdoor, panoramic and private in-room baths), plus sauna and private onsen options — guests frequently praise the hot baths and the views from them.
Very good food (dinner and breakfast)
Meals receive strong praise: kaiseki dinners, varied buffet breakfasts and well-presented children’s plates. Many guests described the dinner and breakfast as delicious and of high quality.
Attentive, helpful staff and service
Staff are described as very welcoming, attentive and helpful; personalized touches (private dining with waiter, prompt taxi arrangements, good childcare plates) were noted by several reviewers.
Spacious, comfortable and clean rooms
Rooms are often large, clean and comfortable with quality tatami, western beds in some rooms, good amenities and in many cases private onsen or outdoor tubs with scenic views.
Scenic, peaceful location
Guests appreciate the hotel’s hilltop location and panoramic views of the city and mountains — a peaceful setting that many find ideal for relaxation and creates memorable stays.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited nearby conveniences
The hotel is set away from the city centre on a mountain; there are few shops or restaurants within walking distance, so guests rely on the shuttle, taxis or driving.
Shuttle timing and transport constraints
Although a shuttle is provided, its limited schedule (specific morning/evening departures) can be inconvenient for some travellers and caused timing stress for guests wanting flexibility.
Some rooms show wear or maintenance issues
A number of reviews mention older or slightly dated room equipment, lack of modern showers in some rooms, occasional sewer or smoke-like odors and the need for small maintenance fixes.
Noise and unpleasant smells in places
A few guests reported corridor noise, fried-food smells drifting into rooms, or odd room odors on arrival that required attention or freshening.
Limited English and few on-site nightlife options
Many guests noted staff have limited English; additionally, there is little evening entertainment or bar options (some mentioned karaoke closing early), which may limit on-site nightlife for international visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from twin and double rooms for two up to Japanese-style rooms that can sleep up to five guests on futons; family rooms are also available. Please check the room description when booking for exact capacity.
Shoho has large indoor baths, outdoor garden rotenburo with mountain views and sauna facilities; yukata and towels are provided in guest rooms. Note that guests with visible tattoos may be refused access to public baths.
Private onsen baths and private dining rooms are offered and can be reserved through reception; please request this when you arrive or at booking. Availability may be limited so early requests are recommended.
Yes; a free shuttle runs from JR Matsumoto Station to Shoho at 16:00 and 17:00 and returns from the ryokan to the station at 09:00 and 10:00. No reservation is required for the shuttle.
Matsumoto Airport is about a 30-minute taxi ride to the ryokan; from Tokyo take the Azusa/Shinano limited express to JR Matsumoto Station (approx. 2.5 hours) and use the free shuttle or a 20-minute taxi. Follow the ryokan’s directions for bus or car access from the station.
Yes, staff can assist in English and Japanese to help with check-in, directions and basic requests. Multilingual support is available for international guests.
You can expect traditional elements such as kaiseki multi-course dinners, yukata robes, tatami-style rooms with futons (depending on room type), and a calm onsen atmosphere. The hotel also offers cultural touches like private dining rooms and seasonal local cuisine.
Check-in is from 15:00 with the latest check-in around 19:00; check-out is until 10:00. If you plan to arrive late, contact the ryokan in advance to confirm arrival procedures.
Pets are not permitted at Shoho. There are few shops or restaurants within immediate walking distance, so the nearest convenience stores and supermarket facilities are in Matsumoto city; plan accordingly.
Shoho serves traditional kaiseki dinners and a buffet-style breakfast; private and seasonal dining options are available. If your reservation does not include meals, you should reserve dinner or breakfast at least one day in advance and check in before 19:00 if you plan to dine on site.