Gingetsu
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 113 reviews
Gingetsu operates as Shinshu Shimosuwa Onsen Gingetsu, a small traditional inn in Shimo‑suwa, Nagano. The property combines classic ryokan elements with modern comforts: tatami rooms furnished with Matsumoto Mingei pieces, a tranquil Japanese garden where koi swim, and both indoor and open‑air baths fed by a natural hot spring described as free‑flowing from the source. Located within a short walk of Suwa Taisha and about ten minutes on foot from Shimo‑Suwa Station, the inn serves as a convenient base for exploring the town’s post‑station streets and nearby shrines.
Accommodation ranges from compact traditional rooms to larger corner rooms with mountain views; some rooms rely on the shared bathing facilities rather than in‑room showers. Facilities include a bath house and an outdoor onsen, and guests note that the outdoor bath can be reserved for private use as a paid option, offering a secluded soak beside the garden. Practical amenities cover free Wi‑Fi, on‑site parking and an elevator for luggage, while staff are regularly described as attentive and helpful in arranging local recommendations and check‑in details.
Dining follows ryokan conventions with seasonal, locally sourced set meals and flexible plans to suit guests’ preferences; breakfast service typically requires advance notice. Gingetsu emphasizes safety, cleanliness and convenience, inviting guests to relax in the lounge or the garden after bathing. For travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Nagano or a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano Prefecture, Gingetsu offers a straightforward, traditionally styled stay near Suwa Taisha and local walking routes.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Gingetsu
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviewers praised the staff for being kind, welcoming and very helpful — assisting with bookings, explaining facilities in English, giving local food recommendations and making guests feel at home.
Excellent onsen experience
Guests repeatedly highlighted the onsen facilities — both the clean shared baths and the private outdoor onsen — calling them relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Authentic, comfortable ryokan atmosphere
Reviewers appreciated the traditional ryokan features: tatami rooms, yukatas to borrow, matcha/tea room, and lovely room views (including a spacious corner room with mountain views), which created a cozy, authentic experience.
Cleanliness and comfortable rooms
Many guests noted that rooms were very clean, quiet and spacious, contributing to restful stays; some described the property as well maintained and relaxing overall.
Good value and convenient amenities
Several reviews mentioned good value for money, helpful services (elevator, parking), proximity to local restaurants/izakayas, and accommodating food arrangements (e.g., vegetarian breakfast or tasty kaiseki meals).
Negative Reviews
Thin futon mattresses and pillow discomfort
A number of guests found the futon mattresses and some pillows thin or uncomfortable (including beaded pillows unfamiliar to some), which affected sleep comfort for those not used to traditional bedding.
Occasional mildew/mold and cleanliness concerns in specific baths
While many praised cleanliness, a few reviewers reported serious issues in the indoor hot spring area — mildew, mold on wood and stone, and a musty smell — indicating inconsistent maintenance in some spaces.
No private in-room shower; shared or paid facilities
Some rooms lack a private shower, so guests must use shared baths; private outdoor onsen options can require an extra fee or are time-restricted, which may not suit all travellers.
Location and limited evening dining for some guests
A few guests found the ryokan relatively far from the station and noted limited dining options nearby in the evening, making arrival and dinner logistics less convenient for some.
Weak Wi‑Fi and small/private bath size in some cases
A couple of reviewers mentioned weak Wi‑Fi and that the private bath can be small (not ideal for groups or tall people); additionally, some amenities (drink bar, private onsen) may incur extra charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms typically accommodate 1–3 guests; the ryokan commonly offers single, double and a triple room with futon bedding. Contact the property for larger groups or extra bedding requests.
Yes — Gingetsu uses a natural Shinshu Shimosuwa onsen with indoor and open‑air baths; private outdoor onsen use can be arranged subject to availability. Please request private use in advance.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the easiest approach is train to JR Chimo‑Suwa Station (about a 10–15 minute walk) or by car. Matsumoto Airport is the nearest regional airport, roughly 24 km away.
Staff can assist in English to a useful degree according to guest reports, but services are primarily Japanese; contact the ryokan ahead if you need detailed language support or arrangements.
Expect a traditional stay with tatami rooms, futon bedding, a Japanese garden, local Matsumoto Mingei furnishings and onsen bathing; plans are available with or without meals for an authentic visit.
Gingetsu is within easy walking distance of Suwa Taisha shrine and close to Lake Suwa; day trips to Matsumoto city and the Japan Ukiyo‑e Museum are convenient by train or car.
Take the JR Chuo Line to Shimo‑Suwa Station and walk about 10–15 minutes to the ryokan; local buses and taxis serve the area for shorter transfers.
Standard check‑in starts at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; the property asks guests to inform them of expected arrival time in advance and the entrance may be closed overnight, so notify the ryokan if arriving late.
Pets are not permitted at the property; some baths can be reserved privately—please arrange this in advance. Convenience stores and supermarkets are a short walk from the station in town.
Traditional Japanese meals, including breakfast and optional kaiseki dinner, are offered; breakfast must be reserved by the evening before arrival and dinner plans are recommended to be booked in advance.