Hotel Omodaka
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 967 reviews
Hotel Omodaka is a traditional Japanese inn set in Yudanaka Onsen, offering direct views across the Yomase river to the Shiga Kogen highlands and the Hokushin Gogaku peaks. The property keeps a clear focus on simple, tatami-style comfort with 33 Japanese rooms, futon bedding and practical in-room amenities such as air conditioning, refrigerator and electronic toilets. With an emphasis on hot-spring hospitality, this ryokan with onsen in Nagano frames mountain panoramas from public bathing areas and from many guest-room windows, making the surrounding landscape part of the stay.
The bathing facilities are supplied by a free-flowing source and include separated indoor baths, an open-air observation bath and a sauna; the inn highlights a high inflow of spring water that refreshes showers and communal pools. Baths change with the seasons, from snow-framed views in winter to verdant river vistas in summer, and public bathing is operated separately for men and women. Practical services commonly noted by visitors include a complimentary station pick-up and shuttle options to nearby attractions, plus on-site parking and luggage storage for guests arriving by train or car.
Meals follow a homestyle approach the property describes as “Kakasama” cuisine, using local ingredients and regional beef presented in family-style dinner and breakfast settings, while the dining hall accommodates larger groups and banquets. The inn’s location places it within easy reach of Jigokudani Monkey Park and ski access to Shiga Kogen, so it suits visitors combining outdoor activities with restorative soaks. For travelers seeking a straightforward, well-equipped ryokan with onsen and traditional rooms near major Nagano attractions, the property offers a balanced mix of views, communal thermal baths and local hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Omodaka
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen experience
Multiple reviewers praised the hotel's large onsen complex — indoor baths and a scenic outdoor bath with panoramic mountain/river views. Guests appreciated that the onsen is open 24/7 and that it is tattoo‑friendly, making the bathing experience a major highlight.
Very helpful, friendly staff and transport support
Staff were repeatedly described as attentive and kind — assisting with parking, guidance for first‑time onsen users, and even offering complimentary shuttle/minibus service to the Snow Monkey Park and train station, plus occasional pick‑ups and drop‑offs.
Authentic traditional ryokan atmosphere and spacious rooms
Guests valued the traditional Japanese style (yukata provided) and many noted the rooms are unusually large for Japan, often with balconies/loggias and pleasant views. Reviewers said room details were thoughtfully arranged, contributing to an authentic stay.
Delicious meals and varied breakfast
Evening meals (traditional dinners) and the breakfast buffet were frequently described as excellent and varied. Several guests also highlighted the onsite ground‑floor burger restaurant as surprisingly good, with vegetarian options available.
Cleanliness and overall comfort
Many reviewers commented that the property is very clean and comfortable overall, with well‑maintained futons for some guests and a calm, relaxing atmosphere that made their stays memorable.
Negative Reviews
Firm pillows and bedding discomfort for some
A number of guests mentioned that pillows (and in some cases futons) were too hard or not to their taste, causing discomfort for those preferring softer bedding.
Some rooms and facilities feel dated
Several reviews noted that parts of the hotel show their age — woodwork, walls or fixtures had marks or could use renovation, and some bathrooms or showers were described as in need of an update.
Outdoor onsen signage and occasional availability issues
A few guests had trouble finding the outdoor onsen at night due to limited signage; others reported the outdoor bath was temporarily not functioning during their stay.
Onsen can be very hot
Multiple reviewers mentioned that certain baths (especially an outdoor or indoor pool) were extremely hot, making it difficult to stay in the water for long periods.
Limited dining variety and reservation notes
Some guests observed that the hotel’s main evening option appears to be the burger restaurant and suggested limited dining variety. A review also warned that meals and breakfast may require reservation and are not always guaranteed without booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are traditional Japanese-style with tatami and futons, commonly configured for 4–6 people; there is also a junior suite with western beds for smaller groups.
Yes, the property has natural hot spring facilities including indoor hot baths, a sauna and an open‑air (rooftop) onsen; availability and hours can vary, so confirm at reception on arrival.
Yes, the hotel offers shuttle service for local points including Yudanaka Station and transfers to the Jigokudani (Snow Monkey) Park; schedule and pickup must be arranged with the hotel.
Common routings use Matsumoto or Tokyo airports, then rail to Nagano area and the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station (about a short taxi/shuttle ride to the property); contact the hotel for the best connection and shuttle timing.
Yes, staff at Hotel Omodaka provide service in English and Japanese to assist international guests.
Expect tatami rooms and futons, communal onsen bathing, traditional-style meals served on site and an overall emphasis on an authentic Japanese ryokan atmosphere.
The hotel is a convenient base for Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkey Park), the Shiga Kogen and Ryuoo ski areas, plus local museums and mountain hiking routes.
The property has an on-site restaurant and café (popular for burgers), and there are local eateries nearby; convenience stores and larger supermarkets are a short drive or taxi ride away.
Standard check-in is from 14:00 to 21:00 and check-out is between 08:00 and 10:00; if you need a different time, contact the hotel in advance.
Private/reservable baths are available at the property on request (subject to availability), and pets are not allowed.