Riverside Uedakan
7,1/10 Very good - Based on 65 reviews
Riverside Uedakan is a mid‑size ryokan set on the riverside in the Togura Kamiyamada Onsen district of Chikuma, Nagano Prefecture, offering a straightforward, family‑oriented stay that emphasizes hot‑spring bathing and relaxed communal spaces. The property presents a mix of Japanese‑style and Western rooms and positions itself as a practical option for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Nagano, combining easy access to the onsen town’s walking routes with river views from public areas.
Facilities focus on bathing and leisure: guests can use indoor public baths and a rooftop open‑air bath that operate on a gender‑rotating schedule, alongside a sauna and massage options. The ryokan also provides casual recreation such as billiards, table tennis and a karaoke room, plus shared lounges and buffet dining typical of the operator’s properties. Practical amenities include free on‑site parking and luggage storage, and the overall atmosphere is utilitarian rather than luxury‑oriented, with services aimed at groups and families.
Access is convenient for regional travel: the property offers guidance for reaching the ryokan from nearby train stations and lists a shuttle/walking connection option, making it a sensible base for exploring local temples, onsen streets and countryside in Nagano Prefecture. Check‑in and check‑out windows, parking rules and reservation contacts are published by the operator; those planning onward travel will find straightforward connections to larger hubs such as Nagano and Ueda for day trips.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Riverside Uedakan
Positive Reviews
Excellent open-air hot spring and scenic views
Several guests praised the outdoor onsen (rotenburo) and the large public baths, noting the views (river and mountains) and that the baths were warming and relaxing.
Generous buffet meals and strong value
Many reviews highlighted the buffet breakfast and dinner as varied and satisfying (Japanese/Western/Chinese options), often included with an all-you-can-drink alcohol plan—guests felt the food and drink offering made the stay very good value for price.
Friendly, attentive staff and helpful guidance
Multiple guests reported polite and helpful staff, particularly during meal service and with parking guidance, which improved the overall experience.
Clean, roomy renovated rooms and useful in-room amenities
Reviewers noted that rooms felt clean and refreshed after renovations, were spacious, and often included small amenities like complimentary bottled water and private in-room baths with views.
On-site entertainment and well-stocked shop
Guests appreciated free entertainment options (karaoke, table tennis) and a good selection at the hotel shop, adding to family/group enjoyment.
Negative Reviews
Buffet issues and limited options for some dishes
A few guests found aspects of the buffet lacking—some dishes were limited or not to their taste (e.g., specific hotpot), and one guest mentioned confusion about how to serve certain items; some requested additional or later dining time slots.
Maintenance and cleanliness concerns in spots
Several small housekeeping/maintenance issues were reported, including scale/slu of kettle water, dust from air-conditioning, thin toilet hand towels, squeaky floorboards, occasional warm beer glasses, and presence of ants in window areas.
Accessibility and parking inconveniences
Guests mentioned parking being some distance away or involving stairs, long walks from elevator to rooms, and room-level steps that made access difficult—especially for elderly visitors; some also noted limited power outlets in rooms.
Check‑in delays and dining comfort in winter
Some reviewers experienced slow check-in and felt the dining room was cold in winter due to insufficient heating during their visit.
Not all baths are free‑flowing (kakenagashi)
At least one guest was disappointed that the onsen appeared not to be true kakenagashi (natural free‑flowing), which fell short of their expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include Japanese-style rooms and rooms with up to four futons; some rooms suit families or small groups. Extra beds and baby cots are not listed as available, so check the specific room details when booking.
Yes — there is a public onsen with a rooftop open-air bath overlooking the Chikuma River and a sauna; the outdoor bath operates as a gender-segregated facility with alternating schedules. Baths are for guests only and follow the posted male/female rotation times.
Yes — a complimentary shuttle between Togura Station and the hotel runs by prior reservation; typical station-to-hotel pick-up times are 14:15, 15:15 and 16:15, with hotel departures around 9:00, 10:20 and 11:00. Make a reservation with the hotel before arrival.
The nearest regional airport is Shinshu–Matsumoto (about 58 km). Alternatively, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ueda and transfer to the local Shinano Railway to Togura Station, then either walk about 20 minutes or use the hotel shuttle.
Japanese is the primary language; English-speaking staff may be limited. If you need English assistance, note this on your reservation or contact the hotel in advance.
The hotel offers large buffet-style meals with a wide selection of Japanese and Western dishes and drink options, plus facilities such as karaoke, table tennis, a game corner and a shop. Free Wi‑Fi, a sauna and communal leisure spaces are available for guests.
The ryokan sits in the Togura Kamiyamada Onsen area beside the Chikuma River; nearby destinations include Ueda city attractions and, further afield, Zenko‑ji in Nagano (around 25–30 km). The front desk can recommend local walks and sightseeing routes.
The property offers free parking (about 80 spaces: 20 underground, 60 flat) with access by major expressways and local roads; oversized vehicles should be discussed with the hotel in advance. Car access directions are provided on the official site.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. Some booking listings note an arrival window (for example, until about 18:00), so notify the hotel if you expect a late arrival.
The property lists public and rooftop baths (gender-rotating) but does not advertise private/charter onsen; inquire with the hotel for special requests. Pets are not permitted, and convenience stores and local shops in the onsen district are within walking distance for basic supplies.