Ryokan Sakaya
9,4/10 Exceptional - Based on 17 reviews
Ryokan Sakaya sits in the heart of Nozawa Onsen village in Nagano, a traditional family-run guesthouse combining tatami rooms with modern amenities. Accommodation ranges from compact rooms to larger deluxe units and separate Hanare three‑bedroom condos, offering western beds or futons and private bathrooms with village or garden views. Practicalities follow ryokan custom: check-in from 15:00 and check-out by 11:00, and guests are provided yukata for strolls through the steaming lanes. This ryokan with onsen Nagano suits both winter skiers and year‑round hot‑spring visitors.
The property uses sulphurous spring water from its own source and runs multiple bathing areas: Takano‑Yu (men’s) and Tsukino‑Yu (women’s) each have indoor baths plus open‑air tubs with sauna and cold plunge; Kameno‑Yu is a large open‑air bathing suite; Matsuno‑Yu is a reservable family bath for private use. Spa options include sauna and massage services, and the front desk arranges private‑use bookings, making Ryokan Sakaya a practical ryokan with private onsen Nagano while preserving communal bathing etiquette.
Meals focus on seasonal Japanese cuisine served in an on‑site dining room with several private dining spaces; a breakfast and multi‑course dinner plan is typically offered. On‑site amenities include free parking, luggage storage, ski services such as equipment storage and ticket sales in winter, coin laundry and Wi‑Fi. The ryokan sits centrally within the village, giving easy walking access to public bathhouses, local temples, shops and ski lift links while keeping traditional hospitality at the core of the stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Sakaya
Positive Reviews
Excellent central location
Guests repeatedly praised the property's location — a short walk to the travelators/gondola, slopes, bus terminal, shops and restaurants, making it convenient for skiing and local amenities.
Onsens appreciated
The onsen facilities (including a family onsen) were highlighted as a major plus — guests enjoyed using the baths daily and described them as pleasant and a key part of the experience.
Spacious, well-equipped accommodation
Larger units (3‑bed houses) were noted as excellent, offering plenty of space, comfortable beds, a full kitchen and multiple bathrooms — suitable for families and groups.
Clean, attractive traditional style
Reviewers commented that the property is very clean and looks fantastic in traditional Japanese living style, with well-presented rooms and comfortable furnishings.
Good food and attentive housekeeping
Food and its presentation received positive mentions, and staff were praised for thoughtful housekeeping (for example, proactively delivering fresh towels and amenities when needed).
Negative Reviews
Onsen not en-suite / requires walking
Several guests noted the onsen is not inside every room and requires walking from some rooms to reach it, which was inconvenient for some visitors.
Limited local dining options
The surrounding town was described as quiet with few food & beverage options; guests recommended booking hotel dining (breakfast/dinner) rather than relying on local restaurants.
Price concerns
At least one reviewer singled out the price as a negative, suggesting some guests felt the cost was high relative to expectations.
Language/communication difficulties
Some guests reported that staff are friendly but may struggle with English, so communication can require patience and effort.
Laundry room signage/location unclear
A reviewer mentioned the laundry room is tucked away and not easy to find, which caused minor inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard and deluxe rooms typically suit two to four guests, compact rooms fit one to two, and the Hanare three-bedroom condominiums are designed for larger groups or families (up to around eight people).
Yes; the ryokan uses its own sulfurous spring and operates multiple baths including communal indoor baths, open-air baths and saunas.
Private family baths and certain bathing suites are available by reservation, so you can request a private booking in advance.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; guests normally take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station then the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus (or a taxi) to the village, and the ryokan can advise on private transfer options.
From Tokyo take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama (about 100 minutes) then the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus (approximately 25 minutes) or taxi to the village; regional airports require a longer drive and a bus or taxi connection.
English information is available and staff can assist in English for common guest needs, though more complex requests may require simple phrasing or translation help.
Guests can expect tatami-style rooms or mixed Western/Japanese bedding, yukata to wear in the village, seasonal Japanese meals in the ryokan’s dining rooms, and public or private onsen bathing.
The ryokan sits on Nozawa Onsen’s main street near the village’s public bath Oyu, Kenmei-ji Temple, local restaurants, shops, a supermarket and easy access to ski slopes via the town’s walkways.
The property offers free on-site parking (limited spaces) and is a short walk from the village bus stops; public transport connections include buses and taxis from Iiyama Station.
Pets are not permitted on the property; full-house or group hires are possible on certain dates by prior arrangement, so contact the ryokan directly to discuss availability and group booking options.