Yudanaka Seifuso
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 266 reviews
Yudanaka Seifuso sits in the Yudanaka Onsen district of Yamanouchi, Nagano, housed in a Meiji‑era wooden building with an inner garden and a family‑run atmosphere. The ryokan offers a small collection of traditional tatami rooms arranged in classic washitsu style, with futons laid out for sleep and seasonal flower displays in the tokonoma; some rooms include private toilet facilities. Located a short, two‑minute walk from Yudanaka Station, the property provides straightforward rail access from Nagano and serves as a practical base for visits to the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park.
The inn features three distinct onsen fed by local springs: a stone‑lined rotenburo using Shiga Kogen rock, a retro indoor Heian bath, and a hinoki cypress bath made from aged Kiso timber. Baths are replenished continuously and are available around the clock; two of the facilities may be reserved for exclusive use on request at no extra charge, allowing small groups or couples a private soak—this ryokan with private onsen in Nagano offers both shared and bookable intimate bathing options. Seasonal touches, such as an apple bath offered in winter/early spring, underline the local character of the bathing experience.
Culinary offerings focus on local ingredients—Shinshu beef raised on regional apple feed, river fish, mountain vegetables and locally milled rice—with set dinners and Japanese‑style breakfasts available by prior arrangement and dietary requests accommodated when notified. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi in guest areas and rooms, complimentary parking, a table‑tennis room and communal spaces that preserve the property's traditional feel. Staff operate a relaxed, helpful service model and can assist with sightseeing information and logistics, making the ryokan with onsen in Yamanouchi, Nagano a convenient choice for travellers seeking an authentic hot‑spring stay near regional attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yudanaka Seifuso
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Multiple guests praised the charming, traditional Japanese house atmosphere with tatami floors and roomy, well-kept rooms — a genuine ryokan stay that many found memorable and relaxing.
Excellent onsen facilities
Reviews highlight several onsen options (outdoor, public and a private onsen) that guests loved — easy to access, superb open‑air baths and the opportunity to use a private onsen were repeatedly noted.
Warm, helpful staff and hosts
Staff consistently described as friendly and attentive — hosts went above and beyond (helping with travel, bringing guests to the monkey park, accommodating dietary needs like gluten‑free and vegetarian requests) which enhanced the stay.
Very convenient location
The ryokan is within a few minutes' walk of the train station and an easy trip or walk to the snow monkey park and nearby onsen towns, making it a practical base for sightseers.
Delicious meals and thoughtful extras
Guests enjoyed traditional multi‑course meals served in private dining rooms, and appreciated extras like free mochi, green tea supplies, daily hot water/tea and attentive housekeeping (linen/towel replacement).
Negative Reviews
Meals must be booked in advance and can be expensive
Several reviewers warned that breakfast and evening meals require prior arrangement through the ryokan and can be significantly costlier than meals at other hotels; some missed out when they hadn’t reserved.
Futon sleeping may not suit everyone
Sleeping on futons and tatami is authentic but some guests with Western preferences found it a bit uncomfortable and recommended asking for extra layers if needed.
Limited explanation of dishes
A few guests would have liked more guidance about the food (what dishes are and how best to eat them), despite enjoying the flavours.
Some areas feel dated
A small number of reviewers noted that the property is a little old or 'vieillot' — while many felt this added charm, others mentioned it as a minor drawback.
Minor bathroom/amenity shortcomings
Occasional small issues were mentioned, such as missing minor cleaning items (example: a toilet brush) or other minor amenity gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futon bedding on tatami and typically accommodate singles, couples or small families; exact capacity varies by room so confirm the number of guests when you book.
The ryokan has three hot-spring baths including an open-air and a Showa‑style indoor bath; one bath can be reserved for private use free of charge upon request, subject to availability.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the property is a short walk from Yudanaka Station, and guests are advised to contact the ryokan in advance to ask about any station pickup or transfers to the Snow Monkey Park.
From Nagano Station take the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yudanaka Station (about 35–40 minutes) and the ryokan is a 2‑minute walk from the station; for international arrivals use Tokyo airports or Nagano transfer services to reach Nagano Station first.
Staff are family‑run and speak some English; they are used to assisting international guests and can help with local directions and basic arrangements if you notify them in advance.
Expect a Meiji‑era building with tatami rooms, futon bedding, yukata, communal hot‑spring baths, seasonal Japanese meals, and a calm, family‑run atmosphere focused on local hospitality.
The ryokan is ideally located for Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (the wild monkey baths) and the historic Shibu Onsen area; local shops, restaurants and a convenience store are within easy walking distance.
You can reach nearby sights by local bus, taxi or on arranged transfers; many guests travel from Yudanaka Station by bus or taxi to the Snow Monkey Park, and the ryokan can often advise or help arrange transport.
Check‑in starts from 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; the property asks guests to inform them of expected arrival time in advance to assist with reception and any transfer arrangements.
Pets are not allowed at the ryokan; there are convenience stores and small shops near Yudanaka Station for food and basic supplies within a short walk.