Nakajimaya Ryokan
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 137 reviews
Nakajimaya Ryokan sits in the village of Nozawa Onsen, offering traditional Japanese accommodation in a compact, family-run house. Guest rooms are all Japanese-style with tatami flooring, shoji screens and futon bedding that staff prepare each evening; rooms include basic modern conveniences such as air conditioning, heating, a small fridge and an electric kettle. Public areas and rooms provide complimentary Wi‑Fi, and the ryokan maintains a quiet atmosphere suited to travellers seeking an authentic, low-key stay rather than a large hotel experience.
The property operates natural hot spring baths supplied from the Ogama source, a long-standing local spring that the ryokan draws directly; the water is offered in gender-segregated indoor baths rather than private onsen, and the flows are kept fresh in the ryokan’s traditional onsen style. As a ryokan with onsen in Nagano, Nakajimaya emphasises a simple bathing routine—cleaning before entering, separate male/female facilities—and guests can also explore the village’s public baths and footbaths within easy walking distance.
Practical details reflect the ryokan’s modest scale: check-in is typically in the early afternoon and check-out by mid-morning, onsite parking is available for self-drive guests, and the front desk hours are limited in the evening. Meals focus on regional Shinshu ingredients; breakfast is usually provided and dinner can be arranged if reserved in advance at the time of booking. The house is a short walk from the main street and village amenities, and it is convenient for visitors planning to ski or explore Nozawa Onsen’s seasonal events.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Nakajimaya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive hosts and staff
Multiple guests praised the owners and staff for being extremely friendly, helpful and caring—providing personalized service, local recommendations, discounted lift tickets and extra items on request.
Excellent traditional meals and breakfasts
Reviewers repeatedly highlighted high-quality, generous dinners and standout traditional Japanese breakfasts with careful presentation and explanations of dishes.
Great onsen experience (private & shared)
Guests enjoyed the on-site hot baths—clean, warm and convenient—often noting private onsen options, ample toiletries and it being a perfect way to end a day on the slopes.
Clean, comfortable and spacious rooms
Many reviews mention very clean, tidy accommodations with roomy Japanese-style rooms, useful facilities (sinks/toilets in rooms), fresh robes/yukata supplied daily and comfortable bedding when extra mattresses were provided.
Convenient, quiet location near village and slopes
The ryokan is described as well located—close to restaurants and ski facilities while remaining peaceful; several guests found the walk to the ski area acceptable and appreciated the quiet surroundings.
Negative Reviews
Futon firmness / mattress comfort
Several guests noted the traditional futon can be firm and may take getting used to—some asked for or were given extra mattresses for added comfort after nights of soreness.
Meal/booking communication issues
A few guests reported poor responsiveness via Booking.com and recommended confirming meal or breakfast reservations well in advance, as the hotel does not always proactively arrange or offer dining options.
No laundry facilities on-site
One reviewer suggested laundry machines would be a useful addition, indicating a lack of on-site laundry services for longer stays or groups.
Occasional odour/egg residue in onsen
One guest mentioned egg scent and traces in the onsen because the geothermal source is used to cook eggs, which led to finding egg in the bath.
Noise from upstairs / walking distance for some
A few guests experienced disturbance from footsteps above when placed on upper floors, and some noted the ryokan is a short walk from ski lifts which may feel lengthy for those with mobility concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity depends on the room type and is listed when you book; all rooms are traditional tatami rooms with futon bedding. The property does not accept children, so it is not suitable for family stays with kids.
Yes, the ryokan has natural hot-spring baths sourced from the local Ogama spring, offered as gender-separated indoor public baths. The water is a continuously flowing natural spring (kakenagashi) used by guests.
Tattoos are not allowed in the onsen at this property, so guests with visible tattoos should plan accordingly. Consider covering tattoos or using alternative private facilities elsewhere if needed.
No scheduled airport shuttle is listed; the ryokan is a short walk from Nozawa Onsen Bus Stop (about five minutes). Guests are asked to inform the property of arrival time in advance and the front desk is open until the early evening.
Most guests travel by shinkansen to JR Iiyama Station and then take the direct Nozawa Onsen bus (about 25 minutes) to the village. The nearest major international gateway is Tokyo; regional routes and transfers vary by arrival airport.
The ryokan provides information in English and staff can assist with basic travel arrangements and local directions. For complex requests or language support, contact the property before arrival to confirm assistance.
Standard check-in begins at 13:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the front desk hours require you to notify the ryokan of your expected arrival time. Guests who wish to eat dinner must check in by the dinner service time.
The property provides gender-separated public baths for guests and does not list private-bath rentals. If you require a private onsen experience, please ask the ryokan in advance to confirm availability or alternatives.
Pets are not accepted at Nakajimaya Ryokan, so the property is not suitable for travelers planning to bring animals. Please make alternative arrangements for pet care.
The ryokan is about a five-minute walk from Nozawa Onsen’s main street with restaurants, shops and the town’s free public baths. Breakfast is served on-site and dinner can be provided if reserved at the time of booking, with typical dinner times set in the early evening.