Izumiso
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 122 reviews
Izumiso sits in the Asama Onsen district of Matsumoto and presents a traditional ryokan profile anchored in its long hot‑spring heritage. The property frames its bathing facilities around a small landscaped garden and offers mountain views toward the Northern Alps, while guest accommodation is organised into six room categories from standard tatami to upgraded rooms with enhanced outlooks. Services and layout emphasise classic ryokan craft — futon bedding, communal sitting areas and seasonal décor — making it a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Nagano and a gateway for exploring Matsumoto’s castle precinct and nearby alpine walks.
Bathing is central to the experience: communal facilities include a large indoor thermal pool, a rock‑lined outdoor bath that looks into garden greenery, plus a sauna and cold‑plunge options supplied by the onsen source. A small number of higher‑grade suites are fitted with their own open‑air tubs in hinoki or ceramic finishes, so guests can arrange private soaking; these units provide a ryokan with private onsen option for those who prefer in‑room privacy. Public baths are managed by gender and schedule to preserve quiet and a relaxed rotation of use throughout the day and night.
Meals follow a kaiseki approach that highlights Shinshu seasonal produce, with composed multi‑course dinners that change month to month and are served in dining spaces designed for privacy. Practical amenities include on‑site parking and room types suitable for couples or small groups; many rooms afford views toward the castle area or the alpine skyline. Staff focus on straightforward, attentive service rooted in regional hospitality, which suits cultural stays, restorative short breaks and visitors who want an uncomplicated base for local sightseeing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Izumiso
Positive Reviews
Relaxing and well-equipped onsen
Multiple guests praised the onsen — large indoor baths, outdoor rock-lined bath, dry sauna and cold bath — describing it as beautiful, relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Very hospitable staff and service
Staff were repeatedly described as kind, welcoming and attentive; they accommodated dietary requests, helped with local recommendations and used translators when needed to assist non-Japanese speakers.
Authentic traditional Japanese experience
Reviewers valued the traditional ryokan atmosphere, Japanese-style rooms and cultural experience (including kaiseki dinner), calling it authentic and memorable.
Delicious, memorable food
Many guests praised the meals (dinner and breakfast) as very good or outstanding — traditional, plentiful and a key reason to recommend the property.
Clean, comfortable and good value
Guests noted the property is clean and welcoming, with nicely renovated modern ryokan elements and overall good value for money compared with the experience offered.
Negative Reviews
Sleeping comfort issues with futons
Several guests found the traditional tatami futon beds hard or uncomfortable and said sleep quality suffered; some preferred western beds when available.
Location and transport inconvenience
Multiple reviewers mentioned the hotel is somewhat far from central Matsumoto, with buses not always punctual, making access less convenient for some travellers.
Occasional unavailability of meals
A few guests were disappointed that evening meal or breakfast options were not available during their stay (despite having a dining room), and communication about this was unclear.
Language barrier
Some visitors noted staff had limited English; while staff were patient and used translators, language limitations were an occasional inconvenience.
Some facilities feel dated and price concerns
A number of guests felt certain spa or common areas seemed outdated, and a few considered the room rate (especially without breakfast) to be expensive for what they received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include Japanese-style options with up to 4 futons and family rooms with up to 6 futons; children are not permitted and cribs/extra beds are not available.
Yes — the ryokan has hot spring facilities including indoor and open-air baths, a public bath and a sauna.
Private (kashikiri) baths are not listed among standard amenities; contact the property directly to ask about reserving a private or family bath.
No scheduled shuttle is listed; guests typically take a public bus (about 20 minutes from JR Matsumoto Station to Asama Onsen) or a taxi (around 15 minutes); contact the ryokan if you need transfer assistance.
Matsumoto Airport is roughly 16 km away; you can take a taxi directly or travel via Matsumoto Station and then a bus or taxi to Asama Onsen.
English is limited; staff are described as friendly and often use translation tools to help international guests.
An Asian breakfast is served daily and traditional kaiseki-style dinners are available on request, often served in private dining rooms.
Matsumoto Castle, the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and the Asama Onsen town area are nearby and reachable by short bus or taxi rides.
Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and check-out is from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM; the property asks guests to inform them of expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not allowed; there are convenience stores, restaurants and local supermarkets within walking distance in the Asama Onsen area and staff can advise on nearby shopping.