Sekitaitei Ishida
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 51 reviews
Sekitaitei Ishida sits in the Hirugami Onsen area of Achi, Nagano Prefecture, arranged around a planted approach and a traditional Japanese garden. The sukiya-style ryokan comprises 17 individually designed guest rooms and features a Noh stage built of hinoki cypress where nightly Kyōgen and Noh performances are presented for staying guests. Public spaces favor wood and tatami; a small theater room and a bar beside the stage extend the cultural programming, while room types range from compact single-room plans to larger suites, some with semi-outdoor bathing.
As a ryokan with onsen in Nagano, Sekitaitei Ishida offers indoor baths, open-air rock baths and a private family bath available free to guests when unoccupied; the spring is a simple sulfur (alkaline) water noted for skin-beautifying qualities and commonly used to ease muscle, joint and nerve discomfort. Bathing hours run from late afternoon into the night with a routine overnight closure, and men’s and women’s baths are switched between evening and morning; the family bath may be used without advance reservation, making this a ryokan with private onsen Nagano suitable for couples and families who value privacy.
Meals emphasize Shinshu kaiseki built on seasonal mountain ingredients, served in the dining room or in private dining spaces, with a staffed bar and a small retail corner supporting the dining experience. Practical amenities include free outdoor parking with EV charging, on-site massages and a reception that arranges local transport and rental-car advice. The property combines traditional architecture and performing-arts programming with straightforward guest services intended for relaxed, culturally focused stays.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sekitaitei Ishida
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, personalized service
Many guests highlight exceptionally warm, attentive and personalized hospitality throughout their stay — staff are helpful from check‑in to check‑out, respond flexibly to requests, assist with special needs (e.g. wheelchair), and create memorable touches like notes and performances.
Outstanding onsen (hot springs)
The onsen and bathing facilities are repeatedly praised as relaxing, high quality and atmospheric — including outdoor and semi open‑air baths surrounded by nature; guests described the water, cleanliness and calming ambiance as outstanding.
Excellent, memorable cuisine
Multiple reviews praise the food as superb — some calling it Michelin‑level — noting delicious, carefully presented meals and an authentic dining experience that many found a highlight of their stay.
Authentic traditional atmosphere and cultural experience
Reviewers appreciated the ryokan’s authentic Japanese style and cultural immersion — the traditional decor, calm/zen vibe and curated experiences made stays feel genuinely cultural and special.
Clean, comfortable rooms and thoughtful amenities
Guests frequently mention clean, spacious and comfortable rooms that blend traditional and modern elements, plus thoughtful extras (e.g. prepared items for stargazing); accessibility and overall upkeep were noted positively in many stays.
Negative Reviews
Some rooms show age
A few guests noted that certain rooms felt slightly aged or in need of refreshment, describing them as ‘slightly aged’ despite overall comfort.
Private onsen maintenance concerns
One review observed that a private onsen looked a little worn, suggesting occasional maintenance or refurbishment may be needed for some private bathing areas.
Portion/meal satisfaction for some guests
At least one guest found the multi‑course dinner somewhat insufficient and felt hungry afterward, and another mentioned not knowing where to get extra food — indicating portioning or after‑dinner options could be clearer.
Occasional minor cleanliness/comfort issues (insects, lighting)
Isolated issues were reported such as an insect appearing during dinner and dim lighting at the washstand that made makeup application difficult — minor but worth noting.
Higher price point
A few comments noted the property is expensive, though most felt the quality and experience justified the cost; price may be a consideration for some travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from double rooms for two up to family-style rooms that sleep as many as six using a combination of beds and futons; check the specific room description when booking.
The ryokan offers public indoor baths and open-air onsen fed by Hirugami spring water, designed for relaxation and skin benefits.
Yes — several special rooms include private or semi open-air hot spring baths; public baths are also available for all guests.
There is a complimentary pick-up/drop-off service from JR Iida Station with advance reservation; express-bus services connect from Nagoya and Shinjuku to nearby stops where the ryokan can meet guests.
The closest major airport is Chubu Centrair (Centrair), roughly 2 hours 10 minutes by car; travel from Tokyo-area airports typically takes about 3.5–4.5 hours by road or express bus.
The ryokan provides English-language information on its website and staff are accustomed to international guests and can assist in English.
Sekitaitei Ishida features an in-house Noh stage with scheduled Noh/Kyōgen performances and seasonal cultural events, and it serves traditional kaiseki meals by reservation.
Nearby highlights include Achi Shrine within a few minutes' walk and the post towns of Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku reachable by about 30–40 minutes by car, making them easy day trips.
Standard check-in is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Pets are not listed among the ryokan’s facilities, so please confirm with the property before booking; the ryokan is in a rural village, so for larger supermarkets or extensive shopping you will need to visit nearby towns such as Iida or Nakatsugawa.