Suzuranso
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 25 reviews
Suzuranso sits on the Komagane highlands in Nagano Prefecture as a compact countryside retreat that blends traditional Japanese lodging with practical modern comforts. Set amid pine and broadleaf trees with views toward the Southern Alps and a nearby lake, the property offers a mix of Japanese-style guest rooms — roughly two dozen in total — some of which face the mountains. Easily reached by car from Komagane Station in about 10–15 minutes, Suzuranso functions as a ryokan with onsen Nagano visitors use as a base for the Komagatake Ropeway, local walks and seasonal alpine activities.
The inn’s bathing facilities draw on the Hayataro Onsen supply, a smooth, alkaline spring prized locally for its skin-conditioning feel; public male and female baths are the primary bathing option and the property does not provide private reserved baths. Bathing is arranged around morning and evening sessions to accommodate guest flow, and the house complements the onsen with essentials such as onsite parking, luggage and ski storage, complimentary Wi‑Fi and multilingual reception support. Rooms are simple and traditionally styled, with shared bathing facilities forming the heart of the guest experience.
Meals emphasize regional produce in carefully plated, multi-course meals that reflect Shinshu culinary traditions and change with the seasons; the dining approach leans toward creative kaiseki-style presentations rather than buffet service. The atmosphere is intentionally calm and family-friendly, suited to hikers, skiers and those seeking forest-bathing and mountain views. Quiet grounds, direct access to outdoor trails and proximity to local attractions make Suzuranso an uncomplicated, well-situated ryokan with onsen Nagano travellers often cite when planning a nature-focused stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Suzuranso
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviewers highlighted welcoming, kind and patient staff who enhanced the stay and made guests feel relaxed and well looked after.
Good onsen (hot spring) quality
Several guests praised the onsen as comfortable and high-quality, noting it left skin feeling smooth and provided a relaxing bathing experience.
Authentic Japanese-style accommodation
Guests appreciated the traditional Japanese experience—tatami rooms and futon-style mattresses on the floor—which many found to be an enjoyable cultural experience.
Peaceful, scenic location
Reviewers mentioned an excellent mountain setting and a quiet atmosphere; close enough to the central area for convenience yet tranquil for relaxation.
Well-presented, carefully prepared meals (for some)
Some guests described the food as carefully prepared and very good—one even called it 'fit for royalty'—indicating that certain visitors found the cuisine excellent.
Negative Reviews
Futon/on-floor sleeping can be uncomfortable
Several guests reported discomfort with sleeping on futons or mattresses on the floor, particularly older guests or those with back issues; some were surprised by this arrangement.
Meals: small portions and underwhelming flavor for some
Multiple reviews criticized the meals for small portions and bland flavors, with at least one guest saying the food did not meet expectations and felt not worth the price.
Perceived poor value/expensive for some plans
A few guests felt the pricing (for example, breakfast-only plans) was high relative to what was offered, leading to concerns about value for money.
Inconsistent dining experiences
While some praised the cuisine, others were disappointed—reviews show variability in opinions about meal quality and portion size, suggesting inconsistent experiences between guests.
Insufficient pre-arrival information about bedding style
At least one reviewer warned future guests they would be sleeping on the floor, implying that clearer communication about traditional sleeping arrangements would help avoid surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small Japanese-style rooms to family and quadruple rooms; many rooms sleep up to four guests using beds or futons. Extra rollaway beds or baby cots are not available, so please select a room type that fits your party size.
Yes — Suzuranso has a hot spring public bath fed from the local Hayataro/early-Taro spring; guests may use the shared onsen during opening hours. Guests with visible tattoos should check policy before using public bathing areas.
The property does not advertise a regular hotel shuttle; the ryokan is about a 10-minute taxi ride from Komagane Station and reachable by local bus to the nearby Komagaike stop. For airport transfers, use a rental car, taxi, or public train to Komagane Station plus a short taxi.
The nearest airport is Shinshu–Matsumoto Airport (about 60–70 km away). From the airport take regional train or car toward Komagane, then a short taxi or local bus to the ryokan; driving from Komagane IC takes roughly five minutes.
Yes, staff at Suzuranso can assist in English and Japanese. The property provides basic multilingual support for guest enquiries and sightseeing arrangements.
Suzuranso offers a traditional Japanese-style ryokan stay with tatami rooms, futons (or mixed tatami/bed rooms), yukata, and kaiseki-style dinners; a Japanese breakfast is served on site. Special arrangements for early-morning hikers (onigiri/packed breakfasts) can be made for climbing departures.
The ryokan is a convenient base for the Komagatake Ropeway and the Senjojiki cirque, lakeside walks at Onuma, local distillery tours, and seasonal hiking or skiing in the Central Alps. Day trips to Takato Park and regional cultural sites are also easily arranged.
Suzuranso is near the Komagaike bus stop for the ropeway, offers free on-site parking (limited spaces), and can sell or include ropeway/bus tickets; the property also offers luggage storage for ropeway users. Local taxis and buses run from Komagane town for nearby sightseeing.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 (latest check-in published around 19:30) and check-out is by 10:00 (some early departure windows are listed). Guests are asked to inform the ryokan of their expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not permitted at Suzuranso. The nearest convenience stores and shops are in Komagane town a short drive away (typically 5–10 minutes), and staff can advise where to buy supplies.