山城屋リゾート
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 7 reviews
Yamashiroya Resort is a renovated ryokan complex set in the rural village of Aoki in Nagano prefecture, blending traditional buildings with residences and villas. Housed in named room categories (MORI, EDO, KURA, NAGAYAMON), it arranges chalets and smaller suites around gardens and terraces, and offers a public hot spring and free parking. Designed as a place for communal dining and cultural exchange, the property emphasizes locally sourced cuisine and curated events reflecting the region’s heritage. This ryokan with onsen in Nagano sits within a quiet countryside landscape.
Guest accommodation ranges from single-room villas to multi-room residences; some units include compact kitchens while Japanese-style rooms provide futons and tatami. The resort operates communal baths and offers a standalone lodging option with a 100% source-flowing private hot spring for guests seeking seclusion, so private bathing is available in specific units. Dining focuses on seasonal menus, recently adding a counter-style creative French restaurant supervised by a noted chef, alongside traditional breakfasts and chef-curated meal plans.
Located about thirty minutes by road from the main shinkansen station, the property provides arranged transfers and ample parking for self-drive visitors, making it a practical base for exploring nearby castles, the ukiyo-e museum and alpine trails. Staff-hosted cultural programmes and periodic music and Noh performances broaden the resort’s focus beyond accommodation into cultural residency and events. The atmosphere suits families and groups seeking a mix of privacy and shared space; travellers prioritizing secluded bathing can reserve the standalone unit described as a ryokan with private onsen in the Chūbu region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 山城屋リゾート
Positive Reviews
Beautiful location and venue
Several guests highlighted the setting and the property’s appearance, describing the location and venue as very beautiful and scenic.
High-quality natural onsen
Multiple reviews praised the onsen as outstanding and revitalizing; at least one guest specifically noted it is a continuous-flow natural hot spring.
Excellent food and presentation
Dinner and breakfast received strong praise for use of local ingredients, careful preparation, attractive presentation and overall taste.
Warm, professional and hospitable staff
Guests commented that the staff were very kind, professional and welcoming, contributing to a relaxing stay.
Comfortable, well-renovated traditional building and beds
Reviewers appreciated the traditional exterior combined with clean renovations; facilities and the lounge were described as impeccable and the beds very comfortable.
Negative Reviews
Lock and door security problems
Several guests reported issues with door locks—difficult to lock or not securing properly—which affected their sense of security.
Noise transmission between rooms/floors
Some guests experienced audible noise due to thin walls or floors/ceilings, hearing voices and other sounds from neighboring rooms.
Onsen perceived as outdated by a guest
At least one reviewer felt the onsen facilities were somewhat outdated, indicating mixed impressions of the baths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary: Japanese-style rooms with up to 5 futons, chalets with bunk beds (examples up to 8 beds), and villas that accommodate around five guests per unit, so there are options for solo travelers up to larger groups per unit.
Yes — the resort offers a natural hot‑spring spa (源泉かけ流し large public onsen) fed by the local Tazawa/田沢 spring for communal bathing.
The resort provides a pickup service from Ueda Station (about 30 minutes by car); the nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto, roughly 57 km away, and free on‑site parking is available for drivers.
Check‑in is from 15:00 to 21:00; check‑out is between 06:00 and 11:00.
Yes — staff are able to assist guests in English.
Private onsen rentals are not advertised; the property highlights a large communal hot‑spring spa, so contact the hotel directly to enquire about any private‑use options.
No — pets are not permitted on the property.
The resort has on‑site dining (recently expanded with a restaurant serving local ingredients) and lounges; the nearest convenience stores and supermarkets are in Ueda, about a 30‑minute drive away.
Nearby options include hiking the local Aoki mountain ranges, village cultural experiences and events, and attractions around Matsumoto such as Matsumoto Castle and the Ukiyo‑e museum (roughly 40–45 km).
Expect a blend of traditional ryokan hospitality and renovated accommodations, seasonal local cuisine, communal onsen bathing, a quiet mountain‑village atmosphere, and occasional cultural programs or events.