Fudouonsen Sawaya
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 22 reviews
Fudouonsen Sawaya is a quietly sited mountain ryokan that occupies a single‑house setting in a rural valley of southern Nagano Prefecture, offering a traditional Japanese inn experience framed by forested slopes and wide sky. The property presents a mix of tatami rooms and larger family‑style Japanese rooms, each furnished with low tables, futons or beds and simple, local decor that reflects the seasonal landscape. As a ryokan with onsen in Nagano, it balances rustic character with carefully maintained guest facilities and views that change markedly with the seasons.
The bathing options are a defining feature: two main gender‑separated large baths (木遣の湯 for men and 山姫の湯 for women) connect to outdoor rotenburo and a distinctive cave bath formed with large natural rockwork, and several special suites include their own private open‑air baths so guests can soak undisturbed. Public bathing is available around the clock and the cave bath creates a subdued, dim atmosphere that many visitors describe as atmospheric rather than showy. Practical room choices extend to one or two suites with in‑room rotenburo, making this a compelling ryokan with private onsen in South Shinshu for couples or small groups seeking privacy without foregoing communal onsen options.
Meals focus on regional ingredients and multi‑course kaiseki or hearth‑style dishes cooked over an irori, highlighting mountain produce and local meats prepared with restrained, seasonal presentation. Service follows a hospitable, local style suited to a remote inn; staff typically assist with luggage and meal service and can advise on short walks, nearby viewpoints and starscape watching after dark. Because the location is rural, most visitors arrive by car; the overall stay is geared toward those seeking a quiet onsen retreat, seasonal food, and an immersive countryside atmosphere rather than urban convenience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Fudouonsen Sawaya
Positive Reviews
Outstanding cuisine
Multiple guests praised the multi-course dinner and hearty breakfast — fresh ingredients, careful presentation and meals prepared and served with evident care and hospitality (12-course dinner mentioned several times).
Excellent onsen facilities
Reviews highlight clean, well-maintained baths including a cave onsen and pleasant outdoor bathing; there is both separate-gender and a mixed-gender option with proper attire available.
Warm, attentive staff
Staff service is repeatedly described as fantastic, friendly and very attentive, contributing strongly to guests’ positive experience.
Authentic traditional rooms
Guests appreciated clean, spacious Japanese-style (tatami/zen) rooms in both original and new buildings, noting a genuine traditional ryokan atmosphere.
Quiet, scenic location and good value
The remote mountain setting is valued for peace, relaxation and star-gazing away from crowds; several guests also remarked the stay offered good value for money.
Negative Reviews
Portion sizes can be excessive
Several guests noted the dinners and additional snacks/second breakfasts are very large — some found there was more food than they could finish.
Remote location limits convenience
The isolated setting means few nearby facilities (no convenience store), which some guests saw as inconvenient despite the peaceful surroundings.
Accessibility challenges (slopes/steps)
At least one guest reported sloped corridors and paths to rooms/baths that were difficult for a companion with knee problems, indicating mobility concerns for some visitors.
Some toilets are traditional squat style
One guest felt uncomfortable because the restroom near the dining area was a Japanese-style (squat) toilet rather than Western-style.
Limited directional signage from highways
A guest suggested there should be more guide signs between the highway exit and the property to make arrival easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single travellers to Japanese-style family rooms that sleep up to five on futons; no extra beds or baby cots are available and children over 13 are charged as adults.
The property offers public gender-separated baths, an open-air bath and a distinctive cave-style mixed bath; bathing attire is provided for mixed bathing where required.
Private-use options are not guaranteed; please contact the ryokan directly before arrival to ask about reserving a private bath or special bathing arrangements.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the nearest airport (Shinshu‑Matsumoto) is about 104 km away, so guests usually arrive by car or arrange private transfer with the property.
Check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Yes — the ryokan has an on-site restaurant and serves multi-course Japanese meals; meal plans are popular so book your dinner/breakfast plan when you reserve your room.
Pets are not permitted and the area has limited convenience stores nearby, so bring essentials or ask the staff to advise or provide basic supplies.
Staff are highly rated for hospitality; English support may be limited, so notify the ryokan in advance if you need help with directions or special requests.
The ryokan is in the Iida/Shimojo area with sights like Achi Shrine (about 21 km) and local museums within roughly 14–25 km; driving is the most practical option and free parking is available on site.
Guests can expect traditional tatami-style rooms, seasonal multi-course Japanese meals, attentive local hospitality and a variety of onsen experiences including an open-air and cave bath for a rustic, regional stay.