Hotel Saginoyu
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 16 reviews
Hotel Saginoyu sits opposite the street that leads down to Lake Suwa, blending traditional ryokan elements with modern hotel comforts. Guest accommodation ranges from tatami-floored Japanese rooms with futons to Western-style twin and family rooms, and several recently renovated room types include private open-air baths for exclusive use. The property advertises itself as a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano, giving guests the option of private in-room soaking or staying in a more conventional room with access to shared bathing facilities. Rooms are air-conditioned and typically supplied with green tea, cable television and small refrigerators.
The bathing facilities are supplied by the hotel’s own natural spring and are arranged across indoor and outdoor pools, a main public bath and several footbaths, with an emphasis on continuous-flow source water. Guests can choose communal bathing in the larger indoor/outdoor baths or reserve privacy by booking one of the rooms with an attached open-air tub; there are also optional massage services and bathing areas that look toward the garden or lake. Together these features make the property a straightforward ryokan with onsen in Nagano for travelers seeking authentic hot-spring bathing within easy walking distance of the lakeshore.
Meals follow a seasonal, regionally focused approach: multi-course Japanese dinners and Japanese-style breakfasts highlight Shinshu ingredients such as locally raised beef and seasonal produce, with private or dining-room service depending on the plan selected. On-site amenities include a snack bar, a small gallery area and complimentary parking, while the hotel’s central location places it a short walk from the local train station, the municipal museum and lakeside attractions. Reservations and room-type details—including the availability of lake-view rooms and rooms with private baths—are handled directly by the property.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Saginoyu
Positive Reviews
Spacious, well‑equipped rooms
Rooms are large (corner rooms especially), with two large single beds, a two‑seater sofa and a rocking chair; floor‑to‑ceiling windows provide an open outlook.
Tasty Japanese breakfast and salad bar
Breakfast features Japanese dishes and a corridor salad bar that guests found enjoyable and satisfying.
Pleasant dinner experience
Dinner is served as Japanese set meals in a small private dining room; portions may be modest but are filling and well presented.
Cleanliness
Rooms and facilities were reported as clean and well maintained.
Good location and overall environment
Multiple guests praised the ryokan’s location and described the overall environment as excellent or very pleasant.
Negative Reviews
Obstructed lake view on some rooms/floors
Some rooms (e.g. on the third floor) had their lake view blocked by a roof in front, which disappointed guests expecting a clear view.
Insufficient vending machines
A guest requested more vending machines on the property, indicating limited on‑site refreshment options.
Welcome name display in katakana only
A welcome sign showed the guest’s name in katakana only, which one guest found disappointing and less personal.
Noise from the corridor
People walking and talking in the hallway could be heard from inside rooms, causing some disturbance to guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children are not allowed at this property; room capacities vary so check each room description — for example a family-style room lists up to five futons. Always confirm maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes — the hotel has natural indoor and outdoor hot spring baths with continuous spring water; male and female large baths alternate and there is also a footbath in the garden. Bathing hours and rotation are posted at the hotel, so check on arrival.
Some room types include private open‑air baths or en-suite bathing; if you want exclusive onsen use, choose a room with a private bath or ask the hotel about private options when booking. Availability depends on room type.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is within an 8–10 minute walk of JR Kami‑Suwa Station, and is also reachable by car from nearby interchanges. For airport connections, use public transport to Kami‑Suwa Station then walk or take a short taxi.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 with last check‑in typically around 19:00, and check‑out is by 10:00. If you expect to arrive late or early, contact the hotel in advance and they can usually store luggage if needed.
Guests with visible tattoos may be refused access to communal bathing areas, so cover tattoos or ask staff for guidance to avoid issues. Private or in‑room baths are the best option for tattooed guests.
Pets are not permitted at the property. Some rooms provide private bathing facilities for exclusive use, but public baths are shared and gender‑separated; ask the hotel about private arrangements when reserving.
The hotel offers on‑site parking with about 50 spaces available and is a short walk from JR Kami‑Suwa Station. Local buses and taxis serve the area for nearby sightseeing.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals including multi‑course dinners and Japanese breakfast, with dining provided in the hotel’s dining areas and a snack bar available. Specify any dietary needs when booking so the kitchen can accommodate if possible.
The hotel sits by Lake Suwa and is close to Suwa City Museum, Takashima Castle and Suwa Shrine; convenience stores and local shops are within a short walk from the station. The lakeshore and local cultural sites are convenient for walks and short excursions.