Rakki OnsenRyokan 楽奇温泉旅館
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 527 reviews
Rakki OnsenRyokan sits in the Yudanaka Onsen district of Yamanouchi, Nagano, a short walk from the local station and within easy reach of the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and regional ski areas. The property presents a practical mix of Japanese‑style rooms—spacious tatami rooms with futon bedding and balconies overlooking the surrounding hills—and straightforward communal spaces including a small restaurant and bar. Its location makes it a convenient choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Yamanouchi while maintaining quick access to shops and local transport.
The thermal facilities are a key feature: a guest onsen and public bath are provided on the lower level, allowing communal bathing typical of regional ryokans; guest feedback commonly highlights the availability and cleanliness of these baths. Onsite amenities extend to recreational options such as table tennis and a hospitality desk that arranges local transfers; staff are noted for practical assistance with transfers to nearby attractions. The property also offers free on‑site parking and family‑oriented room configurations, which can be useful for groups travelling seasonally for hiking or winter sports.
Functioning as a practical base for outdoor activities in Nagano, the ryokan provides straightforward access to Ryuoo Ski Park and local hiking trails while preserving the traditional rhythm of a small hot‑spring inn. Breakfast and evening dining focus on simple, locally influenced dishes served in a communal dining area, and the scale of the property supports prompt, personalised service. For travellers planning time among the regional sights, this compact ryokan with onsen Nagano combines location, basic leisure facilities and a direct, service‑focused approach to guest care.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Rakki OnsenRyokan 楽奇温泉旅館
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive service
Many guests praise the hosts and reception staff as extremely friendly, helpful and accommodating — offering rides to the Snow Monkey Park, lending boots/umbrellas, assisting with luggage and responding quickly to requests.
Authentic, comfortable Japanese rooms
Reviewers frequently mention the ryokan’s traditional charm with large, bright rooms, comfortable futons/beds and typical Japanese-style decor that contributed to a pleasant stay.
Convenient location and parking
The property is noted as being very close to the train station (easy walking distance) and convenient for visiting the Snow Monkey Park; on-site parking or nearby parking options were also appreciated.
Onsen available and relaxing
Guests enjoyed access to the onsen (including some private-time availability) and found it a welcome addition to the stay, allowing relaxation after sightseeing.
Good breakfast/food and cleanliness
Several reviews highlight a very good, often generous breakfast and meals, as well as good overall cleanliness of rooms and common areas.
Negative Reviews
Women’s onsen small or underwhelming
Some guests reported the female onsen felt small and less attractive than pictured, suggesting a discrepancy between photos and the women’s bathing area.
Aged building and cosmetic issues
Multiple reviewers noted the exterior and some interior areas looked dated or in need of maintenance or cosmetic updates, though service often compensated for this.
Temperature and bathroom comfort issues
A few guests experienced cold rooms or very cold bathrooms, and one mentioned the futon size could be small for taller people; pillows were also called uncomfortable by one reviewer.
Occasional unpleasant smells and maintenance problems
At least one review mentioned a sewer or kitchen smell in the toilet area and other comments hinted at sporadic maintenance shortcomings affecting perceived value for money.
Limited local activities / occasional restaurant closure
Outside the main attraction (the snow monkeys) there is little to do in the village according to guests, and one visitor noted the hotel restaurant was not open during their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from doubles to large Japanese‑style rooms with up to eight futon beds, and there are family room options; cribs and extra beds are not available.
Yes — the property offers hot spring facilities including a public onsen and a hot tub (shared baths rather than private in‑room baths).
A dedicated private onsen is not listed as standard; please contact the ryokan before arrival to ask if a family/private bathing option can be arranged.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed, but some booking listings and guest reviews note staff can provide local pickups or rides on request; contact the ryokan to arrange transport in advance.
The ryokan is about a 2‑minute walk from Yudanaka/Yudanaka Onsen station (Nagano Dentetsu); Matsumoto Airport is roughly 100–105 km by road, so most guests travel by train to Yudanaka and walk or take a short local transfer.
The ryokan primarily operates in Japanese, and listings indicate staff can assist in English and Chinese; many guests report helpful, though sometimes limited, English support.
Expect traditional Japanese‑style rooms with futon bedding, mountain views where offered, and an on‑site restaurant serving breakfast and local meals; the kitchen can usually accommodate dietary requests if notified in advance.
The ryokan is close to Jigokudani Monkey Park (about 4.7 km), the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen areas, and ski resorts such as Ryuoo Ski Park (around 10 km).
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) with a latest check‑in commonly around 23:30; check‑out is by 10:00 AM — confirm exact times with the property for your booking.
Pets are permitted at the property — contact the ryokan for their pet policy and details. Convenience stores and local restaurants are within a short walk of Yudanaka Station, while larger supermarkets are a short drive away.