Oiwakeya Ryokan
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 95 reviews
Oiwakeya Ryokan sits on the Utsukushigahara slopes near Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, housed in a renovated traditional building that balances tatami-floored rooms and futon bedding with contemporary comforts. Public living spaces include a low irori hearth and a small garden that frame seasonal views; guest rooms range from compact Japanese-style rooms to larger suites, each furnished with essentials such as air conditioning, a kettle and refrigerator while preserving wooden joinery and shoji screens to retain an authentic atmosphere. This ryokan with onsen Nagano offers a straightforward blend of tradition and modern convenience for travelers seeking an immersive stay.
Bathing facilities comprise gender-separated indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths supplied from a weak-alkali spring, plus bookable private options: an indoor private tub and a private open-air onsen that can be reserved for timed sessions. Dining follows a multi-course kaiseki approach that highlights Shinshu ingredients and a modest selection of regional wines, with courses presented in the dining room or delivered in-room where available. On-site services typically include free parking, Wi‑Fi in public areas and optional massages or beauty treatments; guests can normally arrange private onsen use for a fee and by prior reservation.
Guest remarks commonly note attentive service, careful housekeeping and well-presented meals. The ryokan operates year-round and serves as a calm base for Matsumoto sightseeing—Matsumoto Castle and nearby museums are accessible via a regular bus service of roughly twenty minutes from JR Matsumoto Station—and for outdoor activities on the surrounding highlands. The property asks guests to indicate arrival time in advance and to reserve private onsen slots ahead of arrival to secure preferred times, making it a practical choice for visitors wanting a traditional stay with private bathing options. ryokan with private onsen Nagano
Highlights of this ryokan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from compact 8‑tatami rooms for 2 up to larger traditional rooms that sleep 4–6 using futons; specific capacity is shown on each room description when booking.
Yes — the property offers multiple hot‑spring baths including indoor public baths, open‑air baths and a footbath; private bathing options are also available by reservation.
The ryokan does not list a regular hotel shuttle; most guests arrive by local bus from JR Matsumoto Station or by car/taxi from Matsumoto Airport (roughly a 15–20 minute drive).
By car or taxi it takes about 15–20 minutes; alternatively take a train to JR Matsumoto and a local bus toward the onsen area to reach the ryokan.
Some staff speak English and can assist international guests, though Japanese is the primary language; advance communication by email or phone is recommended for special requests.
Standard check‑in is in the afternoon (from 15:00) with a latest arrival window shown at booking, and check‑out is in the morning (by 10:00); the property asks guests to inform them of expected arrival time in advance.
Yes — the ryokan has a detached villa with a private open‑air bath reserved for one group at a time, and private onsen rentals are offered subject to availability and reservation.
Pets are not permitted on the property; the ryokan sits in a quieter onsen area, while supermarkets and convenience stores are available in central Matsumoto a short drive or bus ride away.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals — multi‑course dinners (kaiseki style) and Japanese breakfast — with dining on‑site and the option to note dietary requests in advance.
Matsumoto Castle and the Matsumoto Art Museum are within a short drive, Utsukushigahara and nearby lakes are reachable by car, and local buses connect the ryokan with JR Matsumoto Station for wider travel.