Hotel & Onsen 2307 Shigakogen
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 20 reviews
Hotel & Onsen 2307 Shigakogen sits on the slopes of Shiga Kogen in Yamanouchi and focuses on its natural baths. Renovated to operate two springs, the property offers a transparent simple spring and a white‑cloudy sulfur spring that feed an indoor observation bath and an open‑air bath available around the clock. Facilities include a lobby footbath, a communal lounge called The Tree House, and about 47 Japanese, Western and mixed rooms, making it a practical choice for families, couples and groups seeking a ryokan with onsen in Shiga Kogen.
Public areas are arranged for seasonal comfort: a restaurant serves multi‑course set meals in half‑private seating, and a small shop stocks local souvenirs and branded apparel. Practical amenities include ski and snowboard rental, a drying room, free Wi‑Fi, on‑site parking and luggage storage. The property also provides ski lift and shuttle information for nearby resorts. Room types range from 8‑ to 10‑tatami Japanese rooms to twin and hybrid layouts, many with in‑room bathrooms and heating.
The bathing offering emphasizes communal hot springs rather than private baths: outdoor and large indoor baths are fed by source‑flowing springs, and the outdoor sulfur water is milky white and can shift hue with temperature and humidity. There are no dedicated rentable private baths, but public bathing is available across extended hours and the lobby footbath aids recovery after walks or ski days. The property is non‑smoking, pet‑free and accepts major credit cards; it positions itself as a practical ryokan with onsen in Nagano with easy access to ski areas and hiking.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel & Onsen 2307 Shigak
Positive Reviews
Delicious meals (breakfast & dinner)
Multiple guests praised the food—breakfast was highlighted as very good and dinners were described as delicious, generous in portion, and beautifully presented (including special vegetarian dishes).
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were repeatedly noted as helpful and caring; examples include assisting during travel disruptions and providing above‑and‑beyond service such as arranging transport in a snowstorm.
High‑quality onsen facilities
Reviewers enjoyed several baths: indoor and outdoor onsens, a separate open‑air onsen, and a lobby foot bath were mentioned as relaxing and a highlight after skiing or walking.
Convenient location for skiing and shuttle access
Guests appreciated the ryokan’s proximity to Yokoteyama lift, easy access to ski areas, and nearby free shuttle service—many found ski slopes and lifts within short walking distance.
Comfortable traditional rooms and atmosphere
Visitors liked the spacious tatami rooms and overall comfortable, simple stay; some noted pleasant communal spaces (e.g., semi‑private dining areas) that added to the experience.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and bathrooms
Several reviews noted that parts of the building and bathrooms were old and could benefit from updating or refreshing to improve condition and appearance.
Temperature/heating issues
At least one guest reported uncomfortable temperature control (too hot overall and spent nights without heating), indicating inconsistent climate comfort in rooms.
Some rooms lack in‑room showers
One reviewer said their room had no shower, requiring use of the onsen for bathing—this may be an issue for guests expecting an en‑suite shower.
Cleanliness concerns (tatami/futon wear)
A few guests observed limited cleanliness or worn room elements—examples include old tatami releasing fibers/dust and futons with stains, suggesting some rooms need deeper cleaning or refurbishment.
Limited parking and steep access
Parking availability was criticized: reviewers mentioned few spaces, steep/awkward access, and being directed to remote parking areas, which can be inconvenient for guests with cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are mainly Japanese-style with futons; standard rooms sleep up to 3 people while superior Japanese-style rooms can take up to 4 futons; twin and western rooms are best for 2 adults. Exact occupancy and bedding configurations are shown during booking.
The property offers two natural springs: a transparent simple spring (indoor/observation bath and footbath) and a cloudy sulfur open-air bath from Mt. Yokote. The hotel presents these as authentic onsen experiences available to guests.
There is no guaranteed hotel airport shuttle; the nearest public bus stop (Hotaru Onsen) is about a 1‑minute walk and there are direct express buses from Nagano Station to the Shiga Highlands. Staff have occasionally assisted with arrivals by car on request, so notify the hotel of special needs in advance.
From Nagano Station take the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka, then the local bus to Hotaru Onsen (about 45 minutes), followed by a 1‑minute walk to the property; direct express buses from Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen are also available. Matsumoto Airport and major Tokyo airports require additional train or bus connections to Nagano first.
Staff are Japanese and commonly assist English-speaking guests; many international visitors report helpful English support, but arranging special requests or detailed help in advance is recommended. Use the booking notes or contact the hotel before arrival if you need language assistance.
Expect a traditional-style stay with tatami rooms, yukata and slippers provided, communal indoor and open-air onsen, seasonal local cuisine in the hotel restaurant, and a simple, welcoming lobby with a footbath. The atmosphere focuses on Japanese onsen hospitality rather than luxury resort amenities.
The ryokan sits in Shiga Kogen, close to Yokote Mountain lifts and the Shiga Kogen ski areas, and is within driving/bus distance of Jigokudani Monkey Park and other regional sights. Seasonal activities include skiing in winter and hiking or nature sightseeing in warmer months.
Local buses and area shuttle services link the ski lifts and central Shiga Kogen areas, and the Hotaru Onsen bus stop is a short walk from the hotel; having a car is convenient for wider sightseeing. The property provides ski storage and information for local transport options.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check‑out is by 10:00 (early check‑out windows may be listed on booking). The entrance is closed between 00:00 and 05:00, so you must inform the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive late.
Private onsen reservations are not listed as a standard offering; the property operates public and open‑air baths for guests and may offer limited private options on request. Pets are not allowed, nearest restaurants or convenience stores are a roughly 25‑minute drive, and dinner at the hotel requires advance reservation (usually at least 2 days beforehand).