檜湯の宿 松伯
7,2/10 Very good - Based on 55 reviews
Hinoki Yunoyado Shohaku is a traditional Japanese inn set amid a mature garden in the Azumino area of Nagano, offering rooms arranged in tatami-style (typically 6–16 tatami) and unobstructed views of the property’s landscaping. The building is low-rise and designed in a classic wooden style so all guest rooms open onto the garden atmosphere; rooms are Japanese-style without private baths or toilets, and the property does not have an elevator. The ryokan’s layout and garden focus create a calm base for exploring nearby mountain trails and regional attractions while prioritizing a quietly domestic, locally rooted experience.
The property centers on a hinoki (cypress) bathing tradition and operates a natural, weakly alkaline hot spring that guests use in shared bathing facilities; the onsen’s soft water is described as congenial to the skin and is presented in timber-framed bathing rooms that emphasize natural materials. Day-use bathing is available under set hours and the public baths are a defining feature of the house, so the property functions as a ryokan with onsen in Azumino and, more broadly, as a ryokan with onsen in Nagano Prefecture. Facilities are straightforward rather than spa-styled, with design and water quality the primary attraction.
Meals follow a regional, seasonal approach, with home-style dishes prepared from local produce and served in a communal dining setting that reflects the inn’s modest scale; breakfast is offered on site and evening meals focus on regional flavors. Practical amenities include on-site parking and basic guest services aimed at walkers and family groups, while staff maintain a hospitable, service-oriented atmosphere. This accommodation suits travelers seeking an authentic, timber-built ryokan experience with communal hot-spring bathing and close access to outdoor pursuits in the Nagano region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 檜湯の宿 松伯
Positive Reviews
Relaxing onsen (hot spring)
Multiple guests praised the onsen — described as great, spacious and authentic (wooden), providing a relaxing bathing experience and a highlight of the stay.
Friendly, attentive staff
Many reviews noted very polite, helpful and caring staff who accommodated requests (e.g., food changes, freezing drinks) and contributed to a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Tasty, well-prepared breakfast and meals
Several guests highlighted the flavorful breakfasts (including grilled trout and hearty miso soup) and satisfying dinner portions; food quality was repeatedly mentioned as a strength.
Good value / cost performance
Several reviewers said the ryokan offered good value for money — simple but sufficient facilities and a satisfying overall experience for the price.
Quiet, traditional atmosphere and location
Guests appreciated the traditional ryokan feel, tranquil setting surrounded by trees and a mountain-foothill location that felt restful and different from daily life.
Negative Reviews
No in-room toilet/bathroom
Many guests found the lack of private in-room toilets and sinks inconvenient — requiring trips to shared facilities at night or when travelling with family.
Aging facilities and noise issues
Multiple comments pointed out aging fixtures (squeaky doors, loose doorknobs, torn shoji) and thin walls/floorboards that transmit corridor and neighboring-room noise, detracting from sleep comfort.
Limited in-room amenities and power outlets
Several reviewers noted missing in-room conveniences such as a small refrigerator, kettle/pot and convenient power outlets (e.g., for hair dryers), making it harder to store drinks or use devices comfortably.
Poor Wi‑Fi and mobile reception
Some guests reported unreliable or unusable Wi‑Fi and weak mobile signal on the property, which was inconvenient for those needing connectivity.
Remote location / limited dining & transport options
A few guests experienced difficulty finding dinner locally when meals were not booked (many nearby restaurants closed on certain days) and mentioned limited bus schedules or parking issues, so transport and dining access can be challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese (washitsu) ranging from about 6–16 tatami; the property also offers family-style rooms for groups—check the room description at booking for exact maximum occupancy.
Yes — the property has a natural hot spring; the water is weakly alkaline and marketed as a ‘beauty‑skin’ onsen, with public/shared bathing facilities overlooking the garden.
Day‑use bathing is offered (weekday and weekend afternoon/evening slots); visible tattoos may restrict access to public baths, and small children in diapers are not permitted in the bath areas.
There is no regular hotel shuttle; the ryokan is about a 10‑minute drive or short taxi ride from Hotaka Station, and guests are asked to notify the property of arrival times in advance.
The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport (regional), and the ryokan is most easily reached by taxi or car; you can also drive from the expressway interchange in roughly 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Japanese is the primary language; limited English may be available but guests with specific language needs should contact the ryokan in advance.
All rooms are Japanese‑style tatami rooms with garden views, shared bathing facilities, and no in‑room bath or toilet; the property emphasizes a traditional ryokan atmosphere and local hospitality.
The ryokan is a convenient base for Northern Alps hiking (peaks such as Tsubakuro, Jōnen and Chōga are commonly accessed from the area), and it provides reasonable access to Kamikochi and Matsumoto (city attractions like Matsumoto Castle are a short drive away).
Standard check‑in begins at 15:30 with a latest check‑in around 22:00, and check‑out is at 9:30; please inform the ryokan ahead of time if you expect to arrive late.
Pets are not accepted and there is no advertised private onsen for exclusive hire (baths are public/shared); convenience stores and supermarkets are located in Hotaka town a short drive or taxi ride from the ryokan for basic supplies.