Hamanoyu
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 199 reviews
Hamanoyu is a contemporary sukiya-style ryokan set on the lakeside at Kamisuwa Onsen, offering views across Lake Suwa and toward surrounding mountains. The property operates a mix of room types — 58 Japanese and Japanese-modern rooms plus 26 western single rooms — and completed a top-floor renovation that added a premium suite with a semi-open-air hot spring bath. Located within an easy walk of Kamisuwa Station, the ryokan combines traditional tatami spaces with modern comforts such as air conditioning and in-room tea facilities, positioning it as a ryokan with onsen in Suwa, Nagano.
The bathing facilities include large communal baths, an outdoor open-air bath and a sauna, alongside specialty options like herbal soaks and private bathing in select suites. Hamanoyu draws from the region’s abundant springs — the Kamisuwa area is noted for hundreds of sources and a nearby intermittent spring that can spout roughly 20–30 metres — and guests may choose communal bathing or reserve the semi-open-air private bath in the premium suite for a more secluded onsen experience. These choices make it suited to visitors seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano.
Meals focus on seasonal Shinshu ingredients and refined kaiseki presentations, with freshwater fish, highland vegetables and selected seafood forming the core of dinner and breakfast offerings; private dining rooms and wider banquet spaces are available depending on the plan. On-site amenities reported by the property include a bar, massage and sauna services, parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi, and higher floors claim unobstructed lake views. Overall the property aims to blend regional cuisine, accessible hot-spring bathing and a lakeside setting for guests wanting scenic relaxation near Lake Suwa.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hamanoyu
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen and bathing facilities
Multiple reviewers praised the onsen: indoor and outdoor baths, a sauna, and excellent water quality. Guests found the baths very relaxing and a major highlight of the stay.
Delicious, memorable breakfasts
Many guests described the breakfast as excellent or spectacular — traditional Japanese breakfasts with varied items and good presentation. A number of guests specifically praised the breakfast service and menu variety when staying multiple nights.
Friendly, attentive staff and service
Staff were frequently noted as helpful, professional and accommodating — assisting with luggage, arrival times and local errands; some staff went above and beyond to assist guests.
Convenient location and parking
The hotel is close to Kamisuwa JR station and Lake Suwa, within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Several guests mentioned easy car access and available parking, and the area/road around the hotel was described as quiet.
Good value, comfortable facilities and atmosphere
Guests appreciated the hotel's charm and foyer, comfortable beds, spacious single rooms (in some cases), well-maintained public areas and additional facilities (bar/restaurant). Many felt the stay offered good value for the price.
Negative Reviews
Cleanliness concerns and mold in some rooms
Multiple reviews reported cleanliness issues in certain rooms, including mouldy spots, yellowed walls and smelly garments (haori). Some guests requested room changes due to these problems.
Noise and poor sound insulation
Several guests noted noise problems: public-bath noise under rooms, audible corridor voices, neighbours snoring and intrusive bathroom fans at night. Sound insulation was reported as inadequate in some rooms.
Some rooms feel old or outdated
While the hotel is generally well maintained, guests noted that parts of the property and some rooms are dated and could use refurbishment; a few guests received rooms that felt particularly worn.
Limited English and communication barriers
A number of non-Japanese guests experienced little or no English on site (signage and staff), which made communication and feeling welcome more difficult for those not fluent in Japanese.
Room size/transport and dining limitations for some guests
A few reviewers found their room small. Others mentioned the absence of a hotel shuttle to the station and limited evening dining options nearby, making transport or finding dinner less convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single and double units to Japanese-style and family rooms with futons; suites and family rooms can accommodate groups up to about five people.
Hamanoyu offers multiple hot-spring baths including indoor and open-air sections and a sauna, using the abundant local Suwa hot spring water for a traditional onsen experience.
Private or semi-private baths are available for some room types and by reservation; please request private-bath options when you book if you need privacy or have tattoos.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is a short walk (about 5–6 minutes) from Kami‑Suwa Station, and taxis or arranged transfers are the usual way to reach the property from nearby airports.
Staff can assist in Japanese and English, and the property is reported to have some multilingual support including Chinese and Korean on occasion.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese cuisine with seasonal kaiseki-style dinners and option of Japanese-style breakfast; private dining or teppanyaki options are offered on specific plans and should be reserved in advance.
Hamanoyu sits in Kamisuwa Onsen near Lake Suwa and is within easy reach of Suwa Taisha shrine, local museums and festivals, with day-trip access to Matsumoto and nearby scenic spots.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; some booking plans note a later permitted arrival window, so please confirm the exact times on your reservation.
Pets are not permitted on the property; private dining spaces and some private-bath options can be reserved for more privacy—contact the ryokan to arrange these.
Yes — the ryokan is located in the town centre near Kami‑Suwa Station, where you will find convenience stores, small shops and restaurants within a short walk.