Hakuraiso
7,6/10 Very good - Based on 75 reviews
Hakuraiso is a mid-sized traditional ryokan located minutes from central Matsumoto, offering simple tatami rooms and group-friendly layouts. The house emphasizes daily-changing meals prepared on site and provides free Wi‑Fi and on-site parking suitable for cars and buses. Rooms typically measure 8–10 tatami with options for larger family configurations; its straightforward Japanese rooms with futon bedding and communal facilities make it a practical choice for travellers seeking an authentic stay, functioning well as a base for sightseeing and as a ryokan with onsen in Matsumoto.
The property draws on the local Yokota Onsen source; a public hot spring bath is available 24 hours, supplied from the local spring and noted for a neutral, simple mineral profile. Baths are shared rather than private but can be used at many hours, and basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner and body soap) and drying facilities are provided. On-site services emphasise flexibility for groups — meal times and menus adapt daily and vegetarian options are available on request — and staff assist with travel information and local arrangements to help plan nearby excursions.
From here key city attractions are within a short drive, including the castle, arts venues and sports grounds, while the nearest main station is a brief taxi ride away. The ryokan accommodates school and sports groups, offers luggage-friendly communal spaces and has practical amenities such as coin laundry and bus parking for larger parties. For visitors seeking an uncomplicated traditional stay in Nagano, Hakuraiso presents a workmanlike, well-situated option and acts as a convenient ryokan with onsen in Nagano.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakuraiso
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful host
Multiple guests praised the manager/owner for being very kind, welcoming and attentive — helping with breakfast, calling taxis, accommodating requests and making extra effort despite limited English.
Great traditional breakfast and food
Several reviewers highlighted a plentiful Japanese breakfast and tasty meals; some noted the host prepared good food and that vegetarian options were provided on request.
Authentic ryokan experience with onsen
Guests appreciated the traditional Japanese ryokan atmosphere — futon/tatami rooms, yukata provided — and the small on-site/public onsen which added to the overall experience.
Clean, comfortable and reasonably spacious rooms
Many found the rooms comfortable and fairly clean (some shared facilities noted as clean), with useful amenities like heating, tea set, TV and decent Wi‑Fi; some said the pictures undersell the property.
Good value and accommodating service
Reviewers felt the property offered good value for budget travellers seeking an onsen experience; staff were accommodating (e.g., preparing extra mattresses, recommending local food) and location has nearby convenience stores and a bus stop.
Negative Reviews
Thin walls and noise issues
A common complaint was poor soundproofing — thin walls allowed neighbours, doors, snoring or hallway noise to be heard, making sleep difficult for some guests.
Dated facilities and occasional run‑down areas
Multiple reviewers noted the building and some corridors/bathroom areas are old or worn; while usable and often cleaned, a few spaces felt in need of refurbishment.
Location and transport distance
Several guests mentioned the ryokan is located in a suburban/residential area and can be a fair walk or short bus ride from stations and main attractions (reports of ~15–40 minutes on foot).
Shared onsen showers (no private shower)
Some guests were surprised that showers are in the communal onsen rather than private; this may be uncomfortable for travellers expecting private bathroom facilities.
Housekeeping interruptions and room access
A few reviewers reported being disturbed by cleaning staff (e.g., staff attempting to open doors with a key) and noted that rooms are requested to be vacated for cleaning roughly 10:00–15:00 on multi‑night stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types listed include a Japanese-style quadruple (4 futons) and a family room (6 futons); rooms typically accommodate 4–6 guests. Children are welcome but no extra beds or baby cots are available.
Yes — the property has an on-site hot-spring bath (onsen) and a public bathing facility. Guests report access from mid-afternoon into the following morning, but confirm current hours with the inn.
No airport shuttle is listed for the property. The nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (about 14 km); taxi or public transport are the usual options.
Hakuraiso is about 3.8 km from Matsumoto Station; the easiest ways are a short taxi ride or a local bus (there is a bus stop on the main road). Walking is possible but will take significantly longer.
Staff can assist in English to some extent and many guests report helpful communication. If you have complex requests, notify the property in advance.
Check-in is from 15:00 (latest listed check-in window ends at 20:00) and check-out is until 10:00. If you need a different time, request it ahead of your stay.
A private onsen is not listed among standard facilities. The property accepts special requests, so contact them before arrival to ask about private use or reserved access.
No — pets are not permitted on the premises. Please make other arrangements for animals before booking.
An Asian-style breakfast is served at the ryokan and several guest reviews mention dinner options on request. Convenience stores and local restaurants are within walking distance.
Hakuraiso is close to central Matsumoto — Matsumoto Castle is approximately 1.9 km away and local museums are within a few kilometres, making the ryokan a convenient base for city sightseeing. Public transport and taxis make day trips to regional attractions straightforward.