Yumotoya
6,4/10 Good - Based on 81 reviews
Yumotoya is a traditional ryokan with onsen set in the Asama Onsen district of Matsumoto, Nagano. Established in 1887 and operating as a small inn with 22 guest rooms, it sits within a historic hot-spring neighbourhood and offers views toward the Northern Alps. The property places guests within easy reach of Matsumoto’s cultural sites while retaining the relaxed pace of a spa town; interiors combine tatami-floored Japanese rooms and communal lounges arranged to feel homely rather than formal.
Bathing is central to the experience: the ryokan operates multiple onsen facilities including indoor public baths, an outdoor bath and six distinct spring-fed pools drawn from the Asama source. The top-floor observation bath, which looks out to the mountains, can be reserved for private use at no extra charge, making this a practical ryokan with private onsen option in Nagano for couples or small groups seeking seclusion. Bathing amenities are straightforward and the property offers both day-use bathing plans and overnight access to the springs.
Accommodations range from standard tatami rooms to slightly larger family layouts, many designed to make efficient use of compact space while preserving traditional features such as futon bedding. Meals highlight Shinshu ingredients and are presented as multi-course Japanese-style dinners prepared by the kitchen; a la carte breakfast is also offered. Practical services include on-site parking and a conditional shuttle service, and staff aim to provide attentive, home-like hospitality suited to visitors exploring Matsumoto and the surrounding Nagano region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yumotoya
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised staff for being warm, helpful and responsive — assisting with requests like bike rentals, parking, and providing attentive service during meals and emergencies.
Excellent onsen / bathing facilities
Reviewers repeatedly highlighted the hot springs as a major plus — family and private baths are spacious, relaxing and well liked.
Good meals and dining service
Dinner and breakfast were described as enjoyable, with good service during meals; many guests felt the food added to the ryokan experience.
Family-friendly facilities and conveniences
Guests appreciated family-friendly features such as a kids' play area, family onsen, parking assistance/shuttle and water stations on floors, useful for families traveling with children.
Cleanliness, hygiene and traditional atmosphere
Several guests noted good cleanliness and COVID-19 precautions, plus the pleasant traditional tatami rooms and ryokan atmosphere that some found nostalgic and comfortable.
Negative Reviews
Dated facilities and worn furnishings
Multiple comments mentioned old or worn equipment (e.g., sofa, fridge) and an overall dated feel to parts of the property, which some felt did not match the price.
Serious cleanliness/hygiene concerns reported by some
A few guests reported major issues such as bloodstains on bedding and possible mold in the bath; others noted dusty areas. These incidents raised concerns about housekeeping in isolated cases.
Uncomfortable bedding
Several reviewers found the futon/mattress too thin or firm when placed on tatami, causing poor sleep for some guests.
Wi‑Fi and connectivity problems
Some guests reported no Wi‑Fi in rooms or poor connectivity, which was inconvenient for those needing internet access.
Bath availability and operational issues
There were reports of showers or some bathing stations being unusable, baths being lukewarm or cold, and gender-swaps or closures without prior notice; parking distance was also mentioned as inconvenient despite shuttle service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yumotoya is a small ryokan with 22 rooms; room layouts are Japanese-style and some rooms sleep up to five guests on futons. Group bookings of more than three rooms may have special conditions.
The property uses six local hot spring supplies with public baths on the 1st and 4th floors and an observation bath offering mountain views. A private observation bath (Nagomi) is also available.
Yes — the private observation bath on the 6th floor can be reserved free of charge; request a reservation in advance or at check‑in.
There is a free shuttle to/from Matsumoto Station that requires a reservation and runs on set times; service is suspended on busy dates and in certain months, so book ahead. For airport transfers, the nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (about 16 km) and taxis or trains via Matsumoto Station are the usual options.
Shinshu‑Matsumoto Airport is about 16 km away and a taxi or rental car takes roughly 20–30 minutes; from Matsumoto Station take the Asama Line bus (about 20 minutes) or use the ryokan shuttle if reserved. Free parking is also available if you drive.
The staff are primarily Japanese; the official site has English information and staff are generally helpful, but some guests rely on translation apps for detailed requests. For complex needs, contact the ryokan in advance by phone or email.
Yumotoya serves traditional kaiseki dinners focused on Shinshu ingredients with several course plans (including Shinshu beef options) and offers an à‑la‑carte style breakfast. Special meal plans and banquet options are available by prior arrangement.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. Asama Onsen is a compact hot‑spring neighbourhood; convenience stores and larger supermarkets are in nearby Matsumoto city a short drive or bus ride away.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check‑out is by 10:00. If you expect to arrive outside those times or need shuttle pickup, notify the ryokan in advance.
Yumotoya sits in Asama Onsen with easy access to Matsumoto Castle, the Former Kaichi School and routes toward Kamikochi; the castle area is roughly a 10–20 minute drive. The ryokan offers bike rental and is about 20 minutes by bus from Matsumoto Station, which connects to regional trains and buses for day trips.