Hotel Umenoyu
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 71 reviews
Hotel Umenoyu sits in Asama Onsen, Matsumoto, offering a traditional Japanese inn experience with 21 guest rooms arranged mainly in tatami style and one Western twin. The ryokan combines a small lounge, banquet space and shop with attentive, English-capable staff who help arrange local sightseeing. Located about ten minutes by car from central attractions, Umenoyu is a convenient base for exploring the Japan Alps, Kamikochi and Matsumoto Castle.
The onsen uses 100% natural hot spring water from Asama Hot Springs; two gender-separated public baths are open 24 hours, so guests can bathe at different times of day. The ryokan provides yukata for guests and operates a midday day-bathing window for outside visitors. Meals are multi-course dinners built around seasonal local ingredients—often regional soba and wagyu—and are served in-room for small parties or in a private dining room for larger groups.
Room types include 8‑tatami and 11‑tatami Japanese-style rooms and one larger 12.5‑plus 6‑tatami combination; all rooms are non-smoking and equipped with air conditioning, an electric kettle and flat-screen TV, and several room categories include a private bathroom. The property offers free on-site parking, luggage storage and communal facilities including a small shop and banquet space, and staff can help coordinate transport to nearby attractions. Umenoyu’s scale and practical amenities suit travellers seeking an uncomplicated ryokan with onsen in Nagano who prioritise authentic bathing and seasonal cuisine over resort-style extras; its proximity to Matsumoto’s castle and transport hubs makes it easy to combine a soak with regional sightseeing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Umenoyu
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviewers praised the staff as very welcoming, helpful and professional, providing attentive service and accommodating late check‑ins and guest needs.
Relaxing onsen experience
Guests enjoyed the onsen (hot spring) access—often available 24 hours—found it pleasant and beneficial, and appreciated related amenities like yukata and communal bathing facilities.
Clean, well‑maintained facilities
Many guests noted that rooms, bathrooms and water‑related areas were clean and refreshed, with some newer fixtures and good overall upkeep.
Comfortable, authentic rooms and atmosphere
Rooms—especially Japanese‑style tatami rooms—were described as spacious, beautifully decorated and comfortable, offering a genuine ryokan atmosphere and relaxing views.
Quiet location and good value for a restful stay
Several guests highlighted the peaceful setting, ability to unwind, free tea/coffee and overall value, making the property a good option for a relaxing retreat.
Negative Reviews
Remote location with limited dining options
Multiple reviews said the hotel is somewhat far from the town center; without a car guests rely on bus or taxi and found few evening or nearby dining choices.
Some areas feel dated or showed cleanliness issues
A few guests reported older parts of the property (carpets, common areas) that appeared worn or had odors, giving an impression of age despite renovated rooms.
Limited breakfast/food availability
Several reviewers noted there were no breakfast options at the hotel and few nearby morning eateries, so guests needed to bring food or plan accordingly.
Minor room/facility shortcomings and missing amenities
Common small issues mentioned include weak water flow at some sinks, a subpar in‑room fridge, absence of in‑room hairdryers in some rooms and a narrow elevator, affecting convenience for some guests.
Onsen limitations and occasional noise
A few guests found the onsen water too hot for their taste and pointed out limitations such as a tattoo ban; others experienced disturbed rest due to nearby construction noise or parking/parking‑guidance problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Umenoyu has about 21 rooms with Japanese-style layouts; some rooms accommodate up to five guests on futons. Note that the property does not accept children.
Yes — Umenoyu uses 100% natural hot spring water and offers separate men’s and women’s baths that are generally available 24 hours. Bath times may be adjusted by the property, so check at check-in.
The facility offers public men’s and women’s baths rather than dedicated private family baths; contact the ryokan directly if you need to inquire about occasional private use or special arrangements.
Tattoos may be restricted at the public baths and could limit onsen access; please notify the property in advance if you have visible tattoos.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the ryokan is about 16 km from Matsumoto Airport and reachable by car or taxi. From Matsumoto Station take a bus bound for Asama Onsen (about 20 minutes) and walk roughly three minutes from Yuzaka stop.
Staff can assist in English and there is some Chinese-language support; Japanese is, of course, used for most services.
The ryokan serves multi-course meals focused on local, seasonal ingredients — examples include Nagano beef and locally made soba. Dinner is typically served in-room for small groups; if you want to eat at the ryokan please arrive by the stated dinner check-in time (by around 19:00).
There are small shops and eateries within the Asama Onsen area; for a full supermarket or larger shopping options head to central Matsumoto, a short drive or bus ride away.
Umenoyu is convenient for Matsumoto Castle and downtown (about 10 minutes by car), and is a practical base for Azumino Wasabi Farm, Kamikochi, and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Many of these are reachable by regional buses or car.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; guests are asked to inform the ryokan of their expected arrival time, as late arrivals may affect meal service.