Aburaya Tousen
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 213 reviews
Aburaya Tousen sits on the river in Yudanaka, Yamanouchi, Nagano, combining contemporary Japanese design with traditional ryokan service. The property arranges stay experiences across multiple buildings and presents a range of hot-spring facilities — eleven distinct baths in total — including expansive public baths and open-air options that take advantage of the riverside and mountain outlooks. Its location is a short walk or shuttle ride from Yudanaka Station, making visits to nearby Shibu Onsen and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park convenient for day excursions.
Rooms are finished with tatami flooring, sliding shōji screens and seating areas; several suites include private hinoki open-air baths and broad balconies designed for unhurried views. The hotel markets specialised wellness rooms with engineered mattresses and air treatments for improved sleep, and offers both communal bathing areas and room-level private bathing, positioning it as a ryokan with private onsen Yudanaka and as a ryokan with onsen Nagano. Facilities extend to a sauna, massage treatments and a terrace lounge reserved for guests.
Dining emphasises seasonal Shinshu ingredients served in kaiseki-style courses, with options for private dining rooms and a riverside restaurant; an on-site brewery complex and a rooftop lounge add informal alternatives for drinks and light plates. Practical services include a guest lounge with afternoon snacks, a small spa programme, shuttle service, free Wi‑Fi throughout and on-site parking. The combination of accessible transport, varied bathing options and focused dining makes the property suited to couples and families seeking a measured ryokan experience in Nagano Prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Aburaya Tousen
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff and personal hospitality
Multiple guests praised the warm, highly attentive service — from staff who assisted throughout the stay to the owner personally greeting and seeing guests off. Reviewers highlighted thoughtful touches (umbrellas on arrival, friendly farewells) that made the stay feel special.
Outstanding dining and breakfast (kaiseki/private meals)
Many reviews singled out the multi‑course kaiseki dinners and generous breakfast as highlights. Guests appreciated private tatami dining rooms, high quality ingredients (fish, beef, sushi), and consistently excellent restaurant service.
Private in‑room onsen and quality public/rooftop baths
Guests loved having a private open‑air onsen in their room and praised the large, clean public and rooftop baths. Additional spa features (cold pool, sauna, stone therapy) and easy access to private baths for couples were repeatedly mentioned as major positives.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience, comfortable rooms and decor
Reviews note authentic Japanese decor, spacious, clean rooms (including junior and deluxe suites), thoughtful amenities (kimonos/slippers, lounge access), and comfortable, relaxing interiors with river/mountain views that deliver a true ryokan atmosphere.
Convenient location for Snow Monkey Park and helpful transport
Many guests found the hotel well placed for visiting the Snow Monkey Park and nearby attractions. Complimentary shuttle/pick‑up and drop‑off to the train station, plus short walks to local points of interest, were appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Price can feel high
Several guests mentioned the hotel is pricey; while many felt it was worth the splurge, some highlighted cost as a drawback and questioned value for certain stays.
Occasional room or bathroom issues
A few reviews reported problems such as weak water flow/no hot water, an uncomfortable mattress when expecting a western bed, or a minor unpleasant smell on arrival. These were infrequent but notable when they occurred.
Limited English signage/information and wayfinding
Some guests found on‑site signage or instructions lacking in English, making navigation around the property or finding facilities slightly confusing for non‑Japanese speakers.
Distance to Shibu Onsen town for some guests
While close to the train station and Snow Monkey Park, a few reviewers found walking into Shibu Onsen town or certain parts of the area to be a bit far and suggested using the bus or hotel shuttle.
Occasional service hiccups or dining timing
A small number of guests experienced issues such as being moved to a different room without prior agreement, a first‑night dining service that felt rushed, or missing/unspecified towel problems. These appear to be isolated incidents rather than widespread problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are configured for couples, families and small groups; family-style rooms and suites are available so capacity varies by room type—please select your party size when booking.
The property offers multiple hot-spring facilities including outdoor rotenburo, indoor public baths, a sauna and spa treatments; some rooms also feature private open-air baths.
Private onsen options are available in certain room types and the ryokan offers private-dining rooms; advanced requests or reservations are recommended.
A free shuttle service runs between the ryokan and nearby Yudanaka Station; airport transfers are not routinely provided, so plan travel from Tokyo or Nagano by train and local transfer.
Take the shinkansen or express train to Nagano (or to Nagano-area lines from Tokyo), then the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yudanaka Station; the ryokan is a short walk or a quick shuttle ride from Yudanaka.
Japanese is the primary language; staff are experienced with international guests and provide basic English assistance, though some requests may require advance notice.
The ryokan serves seasonal Japanese cuisine including multi-course kaiseki dinners and a buffet-style breakfast, with private dining rooms and a rooftop bar also available.
Check-in is generally in the mid‑afternoon and check-out is by late morning; exact times depend on your reservation, so please confirm at booking or on arrival.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan; Yudanaka town has small shops and convenience stores within walking distance for basic supplies.
The ryokan is close to Yudanaka Station and is a short drive from Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkey Park); local buses, taxis and the station shuttle make nearby sightseeing accessible.