Hirugami Grand Hotel Tenshin
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 35 reviews
Hirugami Grand Hotel Tenshin sits in the hot‑spring village of Achi, blending traditional ryokan character with larger guest facilities. The property centers on high‑alkalinity waters (pH 9.7) promoted for skin benefits, with public indoor baths, a landscaped garden rotenburo and guest rooms that include private open‑air baths. Room types range from tatami with futon to Western twins, and several categories offer an in‑room rotenburo for private soaking, making the hotel a ryokan with private onsen Nagano.
Onsite amenities include a panoramic public bath, outdoor garden bath, riverside foot baths, a sauna and optional massages; reception operates around the clock. Dining is provided across multiple venues serving kaiseki menus and regional Shinshu dishes alongside tempura and shabu‑shabu, with set dinners prepared to highlight local ingredients. Staff provide yukata and amenity sets, assist with transfers and accommodate special requests, which supports stays for couples, families and small groups. This balance of formal service and varied bathing options frames it as a ryokan with onsen in Nagano.
The setting favors nature and night‑sky experiences: Achi Village runs stargazing programs and seasonal flower displays, while riverside walks and nearby mountain viewpoints offer easy daytime excursions. Access is practical by car or regional bus; the hotel lists approximate drive times from major cities and provides onsite parking. Room configurations include suites and rooms with private baths, and the property’s emphasis on thermal water quality and multiple dining venues makes it suitable for travellers seeking a restorative onsen stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hirugami Grand Hotel Tenshin
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple reviewers praised staff for warm, polite and helpful service—from check‑in to meal service—highlighting thoughtful gestures (help with luggage, preparing a cot for an elderly guest, notifying about forgotten items).
Excellent food and allergy care
Guests repeatedly described meals as very good or premium, with the team taking care to accommodate allergies and provide attentive meal service in private dining rooms.
High‑quality onsen water and relaxation facilities
The onsen water was noted as silky and beneficial for the skin (alkaline/beauty effects). Reviewers enjoyed soaking, the foot bath and the restful 7th‑floor lounge views after bathing.
Scenic riverside location near morning market
Location was a strong positive—right by a clean river, close to the morning market, with scenic walks and seasonal blossoms/views that many guests found beautiful.
Family‑friendly and practical assistance
Families felt comfortable thanks to thoughtful room preparation and staff help; guests also valued practical services like transport assistance to bus stops and help with luggage.
Negative Reviews
Spotty cleanliness in some areas
Several guests reported cleanliness issues such as tatami not being cleaned during multi‑night stays and unclean cubicles/changing areas in the ladies’ changing room.
Outdoor onsen maintenance and limited views
A number of reviewers mentioned leaves or debris floating in the open‑air bath, a less attractive outdoor view, and that the open bath felt smaller than expected, reducing the perceived cleanliness and ambience.
Slow or inconsistent dining service
Some guests experienced difficulty getting timely service in the dining room at certain meals, citing slow or inconsistent attention from staff during busy periods.
Accessibility and private‑bath options
Guests with mobility issues found the outdoor bath location difficult to reach; others were frustrated by lack of affordable rentable private baths and described private‑bath pricing as unexpectedly high.
Bath temperature and missing amenities
A few reviewers found the hot‑spring water too hot for comfortable, long soaks and noted the absence of amenities like a cold plunge in the sauna area; small comfort issues such as uncomfortable slippers were also mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Japanese-style tatami rooms can sleep up to five guests using futons; western/twin rooms accommodate two, and the hotel has two rooms with private open-air baths.
The hotel offers multiple public indoor and outdoor onsen fed by highly alkaline spring water noted for a silky feel; in-room bathtubs are generally not filled with hot spring water.
There is no regular airport shuttle; guests commonly use express buses, trains and taxis, and the hotel can arrange station pick-up from JR Iida or local bus connections if requested in advance.
By car it is roughly 3.5 hours from Tokyo and about 1.5–2 hours from Nagoya; express buses and trains connect to JR Iida or Kamisuwa stations followed by a local bus or taxi to the property.
Japanese is the primary language; staff are reported to be helpful and some English support is available, but expect limited English and consider a translation aid for detailed requests.
Check-in begins at 14:00 (please advise your expected arrival time; check-in closes around 18:30) and check-out is by 10:00.
Two guest rooms have private open-air baths and the property operates public indoor and outdoor baths; private use of bathing facilities may be possible by prior arrangement—contact the hotel to confirm.
The official information does not list a pet policy; for requests about bringing animals or privatizing facilities for events, please contact the hotel directly.
The hotel has three on-site restaurants serving Japanese cuisine and the Hirugami morning market is right outside; supermarkets are limited in this rural area so ask the front desk for nearby shopping options.
Achi Village is famed for stargazing, a riverside morning market, Achi Shrine, nearby Kisoji post towns, seasonal peach-blossom viewing and Tenryu Gorge boat tours, all reachable as day trips.