Hotel Takimoto
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 49 reviews
Hotel Takimoto sits on the high plateau of Shiga Kogen in Nagano prefecture, offering mountain-facing rooms and direct access to the ski area from its location in Takamagahara. Perched around 1,680 metres, the property frames wide views across the national park and operates year-round for winter sports and summer hiking; local attractions such as the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park and extensive trail networks are within easy driving distance. This ryokan with onsen in Shiga Kogen blends lodge-like comfort with straightforward access to alpine recreation.
Rooms range from compact single units to larger western and mixed western–Japanese layouts, many angled toward the valley to maximise the view; a handful of larger rooms include small kitchenettes useful for longer stays. Public facilities emphasise relaxation after outdoor days: an on-site hot spring bath is available for guest use, and communal spaces include a stone fireplace and a self-service wine area beside the dining room. Dinner is built around the owner-chef’s kaiseki-fusion menus using regional ingredients, while a buffet-style breakfast offers choices to suit varied diets.
Operational details are straightforward: standard check-in begins mid-afternoon with check-out in the morning, and the property provides free on-site parking and Wi‑Fi to support both ski groups and longer seasonal stays. The scale and layout favour travellers seeking a relaxed, lodge-style base rather than an urban hotel — staff focus on kitchen-led meals and informal hospitality, and the public onsen serves as the central communal feature after days on the slopes or trails. As a ryokan with onsen Nagano, it represents a practical option for visitors prioritising mountain access and seasonal scenery.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Takimoto
Positive Reviews
Prime ski-side location
Many guests praised the hotel's location — a short walk to the main lift, ski-up access to the door in some spots, and convenient bus stop connections to Nagano. Easy walking distance to nearby bars and restaurants.
Relaxing onsen and bathing facilities
The large onsen/hot pool was repeatedly highlighted as a major benefit: clean, enjoyable after a day on the slopes and in some cases available 24/7, providing daily relaxation for guests.
Friendly, attentive staff and service
Staff were frequently described as very friendly and helpful — assisting with check‑in, ski passes, equipment hire, lessons and general guest needs, creating a welcoming, family‑style atmosphere.
Excellent breakfast and high quality food
Many reviewers enjoyed a plentiful buffet breakfast with a wide choice of Japanese and Western items. Overall food quality was praised and dinner was described as delicious (though some noted it can be pricey).
On-site ski services and cozy communal facilities
Guests valued on-site ski rental (new, high-quality equipment), the ability to book lessons with staff, heated ski storage, and communal spaces such as a lounge with an open fireplace (marshmallow toasting) and extra entertainment like table tennis.
Negative Reviews
Dated rooms and some cleanliness issues
Several reviewers noted the property and rooms are somewhat old or in need of updates; a few reported minor cleanliness issues (for example an initially unclean toilet that was cleaned after notifying staff).
Limited and sometimes expensive dinner options
Multiple guests said evening dining choices were limited — both on-site menus and nearby restaurants — and that hotel dinners can be expensive; half‑board meals were sometimes repetitive for longer stays.
Some rooms lack private showers/bathrooms
A number of reviews mentioned that certain room types do not include a shower or private bathroom, which some guests found inconvenient despite access to the onsen.
Firm/hard beds
Several guests commented that mattresses are quite firm and would prefer a softer option or mattress toppers for greater comfort.
Limited parking and occasional room temperature/noise issues
A few guests reported the car parking area is small. Other occasional issues included rooms that were difficult to adjust temperature-wise (felt too warm) and isolated reports of noise from other guests or the property feeling very quiet/off‑season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single and twin layouts to family rooms; some family rooms combine beds and futons to accommodate up to five guests. Contact the hotel for exact room capacities and bedding arrangements.
Yes, the hotel has an on-site natural hot spring and public bathing facilities; the spa/onsen is available to guests and is located in the basement. Use hours are generous but may vary by season, so check with the hotel on arrival.
The property does not operate a regular airport or station shuttle. Guests typically arrive by public bus to the Takamagahara stop (about a two-minute walk) or by private car; confirm local bus timetables in advance.
The nearest regional airport is Matsumoto (Shinshu‑Matsumoto), roughly 120 km away; major international access is usually via Tokyo airports followed by train or bus connections. Travel times vary widely depending on route and season.
The hotel has English-language information on its site and some English-speaking staff and instructors are available. For specific language needs, notify the hotel in advance.
Expect a ryokan-style mountain stay with a mix of Western and Japanese rooms, a lounge with a fireplace, and locally influenced kaiseki‑style and buffet dining options. The property caters to ski and nature visitors with wellness and communal spaces.
The hotel sits in Shiga Kogen with direct ski-area access and is within driving distance of Jigokudani Monkey Park and the hot‑spring towns of Yudanaka and Shibu. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking and snow sports are common nearby.
Take a train to Yudanaka (or Nagano) then a local bus toward Shiga Kogen and alight at Takamagahara; the stop is about a two‑minute walk from the hotel. Bus frequencies and last services can be limited in the evening, so plan connections carefully.
Standard check‑in begins at 14:00 and check‑out is by 10:00. Guests should inform the hotel of estimated arrival time in advance; dinner‑inclusive plans typically require arrival by the early evening to be served.
The property offers public onsen facilities; private/reserved baths are not guaranteed and should be requested directly. Pets are not normally accommodated—confirm with the hotel—and the nearest full supermarkets and wider shopping are in Yudanaka or surrounding towns a drive away.