Awanoyu
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 161 reviews
Awanoyu sits in the sheltered valley of Shirahone, a traditional Japanese inn that offers a calm, seasonal retreat in the mountains near Matsumoto, Nagano. The property centers on its naturally milky hot springs: steaming outdoor rotenburo and an indoor bath whose mineral-rich waters are the defining feature of a ryokan with onsen in Nagano. Wooden architecture, low-slung eaves and simple Japanese furnishings create a quietly restrained atmosphere that foregrounds nature and the changing seasons. Rooms open onto framed views of the valley.
Bathing options include open-air baths that frame forested slopes and a women-only outdoor bath; the waters’ opaque whiteness is emphasized as part of the Shirahone onsen tradition. Guest rooms are Japanese-style, with tatami floors, futons and wooden accents, and guests are offered yukata for circulation between room and bath. Dinner and breakfast follow the kaiseki ryori approach, with multi-course, seasonally driven menus served in private dining rooms so meals remain intimate and focused on local ingredients. Staff assist with luggage and local guidance.
Set well away from urban bustle, Awanoyu is a base for exploring nearby highland trails, Kamikochi and the Chubu-Sangaku National Park while still reachable by regional roads from Matsumoto. Service emphasizes calm hospitality and practical amenities such as communal lounge spaces and onsite parking, helping visitors relax after travel. The ryokan’s rhythm—steam rising in winter, fresh greens in summer and golden leaves in autumn—makes it a purposeful choice for travelers seeking a nature‑focused onsen stay in Nagano Prefecture. Ideal for couples and solo travelers seeking quiet.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Awanoyu
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised the staff’s kindness, hospitality and meticulous service, noting helpful, friendly personnel who enhanced the overall stay.
Exceptional onsen experience
The outdoor mixed onsen and indoor baths were repeatedly described as beautiful and authentic (milky/blue turquoise waters), open at night and a highlight of guests’ stays.
Delicious and generous meals
Many reviews mention excellent, varied and plentiful dinners and breakfasts—often called a memorable part of the experience.
Peaceful, scenic location and traditional atmosphere
Guests appreciated the ryokan’s setting in nature, its tranquil mountain ambience and the traditional, timeless character of the place.
Comfortable, clean traditional rooms and amenities
Rooms were described as spacious, very clean and well equipped with comfortable futons, yukata and towels—contributing to a relaxing stay.
Negative Reviews
Property and decor feel dated
Several reviewers noted that parts of the building and interior decoration are old or a bit decrepit; some see this as charm, others as needing refurbishment.
Price perceived as high by some guests
A few guests felt the stay was expensive relative to the condition of certain facilities, recommending consideration of value for money.
Occasional cleanliness and maintenance issues
Some mentions of dirty carpet, tired equipment and concerns about the cleanliness of certain indoor baths suggest occasional maintenance lapses.
Onsen practical issues (temperature, toiletries)
A small number of guests reported the outdoor bath temperature being off and noted that the onsen changing room lacks toiletries—minor practical shortcomings.
Natural sulfur odor and mixed impressions of food for some
A few reviews pointed out the sulfur smell from the natural spring and isolated comments criticized the meal quality, indicating mixed opinions on these aspects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with tatami and futons; room types typically accommodate between 2 and 5 guests depending on the room, and the property has 24 rooms.
The onsen is known for its milky, bubbly (white) hot spring water with both indoor baths and a large open-air Ōno bath that showcases alpine scenery.
Yes — staying guests can reserve a private open-air bath at the separate day‑use facility for short, timed slots; availability is limited so request it when booking or at reception.
There is no regular hotel shuttle; public transport to the ryokan is limited, so guests are advised to drive, take a taxi from Matsumoto Station or Matsumoto Airport, or arrange a private transfer.
Check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please inform the property in advance if your arrival will be late.
Japanese is the primary language, but the property provides an English reservation page and staff can handle basic English; confirm special requests ahead of arrival.
Children of elementary school age or younger are not accepted, and pets are not permitted on the premises.
Awanoyu sits in Shirahone Onsen (Matsumoto area) amid mountain scenery, roughly a 60–75 minute drive from central Matsumoto; nearby highlights include alpine scenery, Kamikochi access and Matsumoto Castle — the front desk can advise local day trips.
There are few or no convenience stores or restaurants close by; the ryokan offers multi-course dinner and breakfast served in private rooms but on-site meals should be requested in advance (notify the property before arrival).
Tattoos may restrict access to public bathing areas, and baths are closed for short cleaning periods in the morning and early afternoon — check the exact cleaning times with the property on arrival.