Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Shinshu Kakeyu
7,2/10 Very good - Based on 118 reviews
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Shinshu Kakeyu is a mid-scale ryokan operated by the Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari group, set in the historic Kakeyu Onsen area near Ueda in Nagano. The property blends traditional tatami accommodation with contemporary conveniences: air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and a buffet breakfast served in a communal dining area. Public hot-spring bathing is a central feature, and the grounds include a landscaped garden and free on-site parking that make it straightforward for guests arriving by car to settle in before exploring the surrounding mountain scenery.
Guest rooms range from classic Japanese-style tatami layouts to hybrid Japanese–Western configurations; several room types list en-suite baths and some units specify private bathrooms with a bathtub. Beyond in-room facilities, the ryokan maintains communal onsen bathing areas fed by local geothermal springs, offering the communal bathing experience typical of a ryokan with onsen in Nagano. Housekeeping and multilingual staff services are noted among the practical on-site offerings, and elevator access and daily cleaning aim to accommodate varied guest needs.
Facilities have been expanded in recent seasons: one former annex was redeveloped into a pet-friendly wing with dedicated dog amenities including an indoor run and a dog bath, reflecting an operator-level initiative to diversify services. The location provides a practical base for visiting nearby cultural sites and regional attractions, and travelers seeking a straightforward onsen stay will find a combination of communal hot-spring bathing, some rooms with private bathtubs, and the predictable amenities of a branded ryokan experience in Nagano prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Shinshu…
Positive Reviews
Varied, tasty buffet meals
Multiple reviews praised the dinner and breakfast buffet for a wide selection and good flavors (not too strong), with several guests saying the food was enjoyable and has improved compared with past stays.
Friendly, helpful staff
Staff across reception and restaurants were described as polite, smiling and very helpful (including bus/transfer support), creating a positive impression for many guests.
High-quality, relaxing onsen
The hot springs were repeatedly highlighted as a main attraction—good water quality and temperature, large indoor baths and pleasant outdoor baths that guests found relaxing and skin-softening.
Good value for money
Several guests commented that the ryokan offers good cost performance—reasonable prices for the onsen experience, meals and facilities.
Nice facilities and quiet atmosphere
Guests appreciated extra amenities and atmosphere such as private baths, karaoke/table tennis (free at times), quiet rooms (corner rooms with views), new air conditioners and mountain views that enhanced relaxation.
Negative Reviews
Onsen equipment and operational issues
Some reviews reported problems with bath fixtures—shower temperature controls not working in places, cold body-wash faucets at outdoor baths, a poorly functioning massage chair, and at least one report of baths closed due to a power outage.
Inconvenient layout and transfers between buildings
The property’s layout requires guests to move between separate buildings for baths or meals; many noted the need to take a shuttle/bus to the main dining hall and that distances to indoor/ outdoor baths were long, which felt inconvenient—especially for elderly guests—and some paths were dark.
Cleanliness and maintenance concerns
A number of guests mentioned signs of aging or maintenance issues: spiderwebbed glass, musty/cabin-like smells near outdoor-bath corridors, general building-oldness, noticeable noises, and thin sound insulation allowing neighboring toilet/room noises to be heard.
Lack of lockers/transport items and amenities
Outdoor baths lacked lockers for valuables and guests requested baskets or containers to carry personal items between baths; others noted the absence of a sauna which they would have liked.
Meal service communication and replenishment issues
Some guests said they were not informed in advance about staggered meal times (e.g., 18:00/20:00) and that during busy periods buffet items were not always promptly replenished or breakfast/dinner offerings felt repetitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin Western rooms and Japanese-style rooms with futons; some Japanese rooms sleep up to six on futons. Check the selected room's listed occupancy when booking.
The property has public hot spring baths with indoor and open-air options, and some rooms include private indoor baths. Communal bathing areas are part of the onsen experience.
Tattoo policies vary across Japanese onsen and may be restricted here; please contact the property before arrival to confirm their current tattoo policy.
The property does not list an airport shuttle; the nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport (about 34 km). Free on-site private parking is available for guests who arrive by car.
Japanese is the primary language; staff may provide basic English assistance but guests should expect limited English and consider a translation app or simple Japanese phrases.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is until 11:00. Please confirm times on your reservation as they can vary by room type.
Some rooms include private in‑room baths; if you need a reservable private or family bath, request this when booking or contact the property to check availability.
The main Kakeyu ryokan does not accept pets, but a separate dog-friendly Wanwan Resort on the same site opened in July 2025 with dedicated pet facilities; contact the property for pet stay options.
The ryokan sits in a rural onsen area with limited on-site shops; the nearest convenience stores and supermarkets are in central Ueda, so plan to stock up before arriving if needed.
Nearby attractions include Matsumoto Castle (about 22 km) and the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum (around 26 km); traveling by car is most convenient, while train to Ueda Station plus taxi or local bus are common public-transport options.