Hotel New Kotobuki
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 8 reviews
Hotel New Kotobuki presents a compact, traditionally influenced ryokan on the edge of Matsumoto, positioned within the Matsumoto Utsukushigahara Onsen area and described on its own pages as “Uruoi no Sato.” Accommodation ranges from tatami-floored Japanese-style rooms to rooms with private bathrooms; guests can expect basic in-room amenities such as air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi‑Fi, plus a garden and on‑site parking. The property highlights seasonal, locally sourced meals served in dining areas or private rooms, making it a practical option for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Matsumoto.
Bath facilities are a central feature: the ryokan operates a public indoor bath and an open-air bath, and it offers a reservable kashikiri (private) outdoor bath for guests and day visitors by prior booking. The onsen water is described as a weak alkaline simple hot spring with a listed source temperature of about 42.8°C and is promoted for general warming and recovery benefits; routine maintenance and seasonal notes for the outdoor facilities are provided on the property website. For travelers specifically looking for a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano, this property publishes private‑bath options and reservation details.
Meals emphasize Shinshu ingredients—examples on the menu include local beef, river fish and a hand‑made soba option—with a variety of set plans and optional à la carte extras for guests who book dinner. Practical on‑site services include luggage storage, an elevator, EV charging and occasional local shuttle or tour arrangements; the ryokan sits a short drive from central Matsumoto attractions such as the castle and museum districts, which makes it suitable as a base for sightseeing or a brief stopover en route to regional parks. Reservation requirements for private baths and dining plans are noted on the property’s booking pages and official site.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel New Kotobuki
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised staff for being kind and welcoming; employees guided guests at meals, explained dishes with a smile, and provided sincere, helpful service.
Pleasant private and outdoor baths
Guests highlighted room open-air baths and the outdoor baths as very comfortable and enjoyable, contributing to a relaxing stay.
Quiet, relaxing atmosphere
Several reviewers noted the property was very quiet and allowed for a slow, restful stay—even for longer stays up to several nights.
Updated amenities and good bathing facilities
Although the building is older, toilets and air conditioning have been renovated; the bathing area offers many shower stations and overall adequate facilities.
Family-friendly bathing area
The bathing area includes tatami and features that made families feel comfortable bringing children; staff were also described as child-friendly.
Negative Reviews
Small onsen size
Some guests reported the onsen/public bath felt rather small.
Aging interior/building
Several reviewers mentioned the interior and building appeared a bit old or dated.
Location not on main onsen street
The ryokan is slightly outside the main onsen street; guests said it was not in the central onsen area though still within walking distance.
Air conditioning control issues in some rooms
A few guests experienced difficulty adjusting the room air conditioner despite recent renewals, affecting comfort for those stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
The property has 22 rooms with a total capacity around 100 guests and room types range from small tatami rooms to larger rooms that can fit groups (the largest can accommodate up to eight people). Booking lists children as not allowed for this listing, so please confirm directly with the hotel if you are traveling with infants or minors.
Yes — the hotel features indoor public baths and an open-air bath, and it offers reservable private open-air (kashikiri) baths for guests who prefer privacy. The onsen is a weakly alkaline spring with a listed temperature around 42.8°C.
The hotel does not advertise a regular airport shuttle; guests are advised to use taxis or public buses and to inform the hotel of their arrival time in advance if assistance is needed. For group or special transfers, contact the hotel directly to inquire.
From JR Matsumoto Station it is roughly a 15–20 minute taxi ride or about a 20-minute bus toward the Utsukushigahara Onsen area plus a short walk; Shinshu‑Matsumoto Airport is approximately 16 km away and generally 30–45 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
Primary on-site language is Japanese; the hotel website provides information in several languages, but English spoken by staff may be limited, so notify the hotel in advance if you need language assistance. Staff reviews on booking platforms note helpful service.
Guests can expect tatami-style rooms and yukata for use during the stay, plus kaiseki-style or regional Shinshu meals emphasizing local ingredients served in dining rooms or private dining spaces. The property emphasizes a traditional, regional onsen ryokan experience.
The hotel is a practical base for visiting Matsumoto Castle, the Ukiyo‑e museum, Kamikochi valley and Lake Suwa, as well as excursions into the Northern Alps. Many major sights are within a short drive or local-bus route from the property.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (the listed latest arrival is around 21:30) and check‑out is by 10:00; the hotel requests that you notify them of your expected arrival time in advance. Allow extra travel time in peak seasons or winter road conditions.
Private open-air baths can be reserved for exclusive use; pets are not permitted on the property. The hotel has a small on-site shop and there are convenience stores and larger supermarkets a short drive away for supplies.
The hotel provides set Japanese breakfasts and multi-course dinners featuring local Shinshu ingredients, with options for private dining rooms on some plans. Guests with allergies or dietary restrictions should contact the hotel ahead of arrival to discuss accommodations.