Hotel Ichibokaku
6,7/10 Good - Based on 30 reviews
Hotel Ichibokaku sits on the Shiga Kogen plateau amid 2,000‑metre peaks, offering direct access to nearby ski slopes and a network of summer hiking trails. The property positions itself for seasonal outdoor activities: winter guests can ski from close-by resorts and use on-site ski storage, while summer visitors can start local nature courses and follow a short walkway to a traditional genji firefly viewing spot. This modest-scale ryokan blends mountain access with a relaxed communal lounge and free guest parking, making it a practical base and an accessible ryokan with onsen in Shiga Kogen.
The inn’s hot springs are drawn from a milky‑green natural sulfur source that feeds both indoor baths and an outdoor open‑air onsen. Baths are communal rather than private, with separate public and open‑air facilities designed for quiet soaking and views across the plateau; towels, toiletries and changing areas are provided. Steam and sulfurous water characterize the experience and staff highlight its restorative quality for post‑hike or post‑ski recovery. Club Ichibokaku, a renovated guest floor with small kitchenettes, offers a quieter option for longer stays.
Accommodation mixes Japanese‑style tatami rooms and Western or hybrid layouts, some rooms configured for groups with multiple futons. An on‑site restaurant serves Japanese dishes for breakfast and dinner, emphasising seasonal ingredients and simple presentation; a small lounge and vending area complement the dining room. Practical amenities include Wi‑Fi, multilingual staff, luggage storage and on‑site parking; the ryokan operates an adults‑only policy (minimum age 18) and welcomes guests seeking a straightforward ryokan with onsen in Nagano.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Ichibokaku
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (hot springs)
Many guests praised the natural hot springs, mentioning the white cloudy water, effective therapeutic benefits (easing pain, improving skin) and relaxing outdoor bath options.
Convenient location for skiing
Multiple reviews note the property is close to the ski area and ski facilities (ski lockers and tuning space), making it convenient for ski trips and early starts.
Good meals and buffet options
Several guests enjoyed the food—buffet-style breakfast and dinner with a variety of choices—and staff accommodated early meal requests for guests heading to the slopes.
Friendly, attentive staff
Many reviewers highlighted polite and helpful staff behavior (e.g., assisting with umbrellas, delivering items on request), creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Good value / cost performance
Numerous guests felt the hotel offered good value for money—reasonable prices combined with strong points like the onsen and food made it a cost-effective choice.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and maintenance needs
Several guests reported that the facilities are old and show wear, with some areas appearing in need of repair or refurbishment.
Cleanliness issues in some rooms and shared areas
A number of reviews mentioned cleaning problems such as dusty room baths, unclean toilets, or dirty fixtures, indicating inconsistency in housekeeping standards.
Room comfort and amenities lacking
Some guests found room amenities minimal or uncomfortable—examples include extremely uncomfortable pillows, small/narrow toilets, lack of air conditioning or refrigerator in rooms.
Plumbing and facility nuisances
There were reports of practical issues like slow-draining or partially clogged sinks and toilets, and lighting/wayfinding problems (dark corridors) or uphill walks to baths that some guests found inconvenient.
Occasional service shortcomings in dining areas
A few reviewers noted that restaurant staff were sometimes slow or seemed less efficient during service, affecting the dining experience for those guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twins, family/quads and Japanese-style futon rooms, with larger rooms accommodating up to five guests; some rooms suit 2–4 guests.
Yes — the ryokan uses a natural sulfur 'nigori' spring that can appear milky green; the large indoor bath is open 24 hours and there are seasonal outdoor baths.
Yes — the Club Ichibokaku condominium rooms include one 50‑minute private nigori-bath use per night (evening and morning slots); otherwise public baths are available.
There is no scheduled airport shuttle; guests normally arrive by express bus or car, and you should contact the property in advance if you need a special pick-up arrangement.
The nearest regional airport cited is Matsumoto (around 110–115 km); many guests use Nagano Station and take an express bus to the area, which takes roughly 90 minutes.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and the property lists English as available.
Check-in is from 15:00 until 18:30 and check-out is from 07:00 until 10:00; please inform the property of your expected arrival time in advance.
The property states that children are generally not accepted and the minimum age for check-in is 18.
Pets are not allowed. Some room types include private onsen access; for group or full-property private-use requests you should contact the ryokan directly to discuss availability.
There is an on-site Japanese restaurant serving breakfast and dinner (set menus or buffet on busy days). There is no supermarket on site, but local shops and vending machines are available in the wider Yudanaka/Shiga Kogen area—staff can advise exact locations.