Chousenkaku Kameya
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 32 reviews
Chousenkaku Kameya is a compact, traditional ryokan situated beside the historic Suwa Taisha in Shimo-suwa, Nagano. Housed in a building that preserves a sense of age and calm, the property offers nine guest rooms with tatami floors, low seating and garden views that reinforce a quietly ceremonial atmosphere. Service is attentive and low-key, focused on seasonal hospitality and local knowledge rather than flashy amenities. The inn operates as a ryokan with onsen in Shimo-suwa, providing an intimate alternative to larger lakeside hotels.
Bathing facilities form the centrepiece of a stay: guests can use a public indoor bath and an open-air onsen fed by local spring water, while a reservable family/private bath is available for guests who prefer privacy. Bath times, basic toiletries and linen are managed by the front desk, and the layout keeps circulation simple so soaks feel undisturbed. A small lounge and a garden terrace offer quiet places to cool down between dips. The property’s focus on restorative bathing and modest facilities typifies a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano rather than a full-service resort spa.
Accommodation ranges from modest traditional rooms with futon bedding to larger suites with verandas; guests are provided yukata and slippers for moving around the inn. Evening meals are multi-course seasonal Japanese menus that draw on Shinshu produce, presented with restrained plating and local flavour. With very limited rooms and a location within easy walking distance of the shrine and local transport, the inn suits travellers seeking an authentic, low-key onsen experience; advance booking is advisable for peak dates and festival periods.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Chousenkaku Kameya
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff
Multiple reviewers praised exceptionally friendly, polite and helpful staff who accommodated requests, communicated in English when needed, and provided attentive service at reception and throughout the stay.
Outstanding meals (Kaiseki)
Dinner and breakfast were repeatedly described as delicious and high quality, with impressive variety and presentation—many guests said the meals exceeded expectations and were a highlight of their stay.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Guests enjoyed the traditional atmosphere—tatami rooms, yukata use, historic building and a beautiful interior Japanese garden—calling it a true Japanese ryokan experience with pleasant room views.
Relaxing onsen and calm atmosphere
The property offers a peaceful, relaxing environment and onsen facilities (including a private onsen option) that guests found well appointed and restorative, contributing to a relaxing getaway.
Convenient location and clean, comfortable rooms
Reviewers noted the central, walkable location (short walk to station and nearby shops), generally very clean rooms with good garden views, and comfortable sleeping arrangements once additional futons were provided.
Negative Reviews
Thin/uncomfortable futon bedding
Some guests reported very thin futons that made sleeping uncomfortable or painful; in at least one case extra futons were requested and improved sleep quality.
Breakfast and coffee concerns
A few reviewers found an occasional breakfast disappointing (one described a lackluster western-style final breakfast) and noted coffee was served only after the meal or not available at breakfast time as expected.
Aging rooms and maintenance issues
Several guests mentioned the building and some rooms felt old or dated, with issues such as small bathrooms, malfunctioning toilets, floor warping or persistent odors in places—affecting perceived comfort.
Perceived poor value/pricey
Some visitors felt the price did not match the offering, citing that facilities or certain rooms seemed overvalued given their condition or limited use of certain spaces.
Occasional noise and comfort gaps in cold weather
There were isolated reports of external noise (possible nearby construction) disturbing guests, and a lack of extra blankets for colder stays making rooms feel chilly for some visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has nine rooms ranging from two-person rooms to family-style Japanese rooms that can sleep up to five guests on tatami futons; it is a small, intimate property.
Yes, Chousenkaku Kameya offers hot-spring baths including communal and private/family baths; private baths can be reserved through reception in advance.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the easiest public routes are by JR Chuo Line to Shimo‑suwa Station or by highway bus from major cities, followed by a 10–15 minute walk or short taxi.
The primary language is Japanese, though staff can assist in English to an extent; please request any special language support before arrival if needed.
Expect tatami rooms and futon bedding, provided yukata for lounging, shoe removal indoors, and onsen etiquette (nude bathing and no towels in the water); staff will explain local customs on arrival.
The ryokan sits next to Suwa Taisha (Shimosha Akimiya) and is within walking distance of Lake Suwa and local shops; day trips to Matsumoto and regional museums are also convenient by train or car.
Take the JR Chuo Line to Shimo‑suwa Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes or take a short taxi; highway buses from Shinjuku (and other cities) also stop in the area.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (last check-in is usually early evening) and check-out is by 10:00; contact the ryokan in advance if you need to adjust timings.
Pets are not permitted at the property; private use of the family/private baths is available by arrangement, and larger privatization requests should be discussed directly with the ryokan.
The ryokan serves seasonal Japanese dinners and breakfast—often presented in a private dining area or per-room depending on the plan—and can accommodate dietary restrictions if informed in advance.