Kawaichiya Ryokan
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 12 reviews
Kawaichiya Ryokan sits in the centre of Nozawa Onsen in Nagano prefecture, occupying a compact modern ryokan footprint updated in recent seasons. The property operates two distinct spring sources—Asagama for the indoor baths and Shinyu for the outdoor baths—and offers a mix of room layouts including tatami-style, western-style and several room types fitted with private onsen or private open‑air onsen. Guests can choose from twin and triple configurations, with renovations noted for select rooms. Public communal baths of the village are within easy walking distance.
Onsite facilities include a traditional restaurant serving seasonal local produce for dinner and breakfast, an irori lounge, coin laundry and ski storage, plus complimentary Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking. The ryokan maintains both public bathing areas and private room baths; private onsen rooms feature independent hot‑spring tubs with temperature adjustment. In winter the property functions well as a base for Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort and in summer it provides direct access to village trails and cultural bathhouses such as the central O-yu.
Practical access routes link the village to Tokyo and regional rail hubs by Shinkansen and a short transfer bus to Nozawa; the lodge lists typical check‑in and check‑out times and a small onsite parking capacity. For travellers comparing options—a ryokan with onsen Kanagawa searches aside—this property represents a clear example of a ryokan with private onsen Nagano that balances renovated guest rooms with active hot‑spring sources and village access, suitable for guests seeking a compact, service‑oriented onsen stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kawaichiya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviewers praised the staff’s hospitality and service, describing interactions as very pleasant and helpful.
Clean and comfortable rooms
Guests repeatedly noted high levels of cleanliness and that rooms felt comfortable and well-maintained.
Excellent onsen/baths
The baths received strong praise — guests described the onsen as very good or the best, with apparent therapeutic effect.
Tasty meals
Several reviewers commented that the food was delicious and a highlight of the stay.
Convenient location and updated design
Reviewers appreciated the ryokan’s proximity to communal baths and the hot-spring center; many also liked the designer-style renovation and overall comfort of the property.
Negative Reviews
Lack of informational signage in bath areas
One guest wished for historical explanations about each source spring to be posted in the indoor and open-air baths rather than having to look it up online.
Pillow firmness
A reviewer found the provided pillow somewhat too firm for their comfort.
Seating/furniture not ideal for mobility issues
A guest with knee problems noted the reception/guest seating uses traditional-style furniture and would prefer Western-style seating for easier use.
Shops closing early and wayfinding for outside baths
One reviewer noted that many shops were closed after about 17:00 and that locating some of the external public baths was a little difficult.
Limited/unspecified view
A short comment listed the view as a negative, indicating guests felt the scenery or outlook was lacking or not noteworthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type: twin and family rooms can hold 2–4 guests, a triple room fits up to 5 with additional futon options, and traditional Japanese rooms use futon bedding as described for each room type.
Yes — the property has indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and some room types include a private open-air onsen; guests may also visit the village’s 13 public bathhouses nearby.
The ryokan recommends and can help arrange a direct bus/taxi door‑to‑door service from major airports; transfers are long (about 5.5 hours from Narita) so advance arrangement is advised.
Staff provide English-language assistance to guests and the reservation desk offers English support during stated office hours; for complex requests email or call ahead.
You can expect a ryokan experience with yukata robes, tatami-style rooms or mixed Western beds, local seasonal cuisine in the restaurant, and access to communal onsen with customary Japanese bathing etiquette.
Kawaichiya sits in Nozawa Onsen village close to the O-yu bathhouse (a few minutes’ walk) and the Nozawa Onsen ski resort; other nearby sights include local public bathhouses, walking streets, and regional outdoor activities.
The common route is to Iiyama Station by shinkansen or limited express, then the Nozawaonsen Liner or local bus/taxi which takes about 25 minutes to the village.
Check‑in is between 15:00 and 19:00 and check‑out is between 08:30 and 10:00; if you plan to dine at the ryokan, dinner must be reserved at the time of booking.
Some room types include a private onsen in-room; the property does not allow pets. Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing areas.
The ryokan has one on‑site Japanese restaurant serving breakfast and dinner (dinner by reservation), and the village main street offers nearby shops and convenience‑store options within a short walk.