Ichinoyu Katei
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 24 reviews
Ichinoyu Katei sits in the historic hot-spring quarter of Shibu Onsen, Yamanouchi, as a compact, traditional ryokan offering an intimate stay across eleven guest rooms. Interiors favour classic Japanese details: tatami flooring, futon bedding, kotatsu seating and yukata robes provided for guests, while rooms typically include a private toilet, a small fridge and a TV. A complimentary shuttle is available from the nearby Yudanaka train station, making the property a practical base for visiting local highlights; the lodge is a short drive from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and within reach of the Shiga Kogen ski area.
Bathing facilities are central to the experience: the property maintains both indoor and open-air communal baths and operates a reservable family/private hot-spring bath fed by an original blend of three spring sources, so you can plan a private soak as part of your stay. The ryokan sits within the Shibu village circuit of nine public baths, allowing guests to explore varied spring waters on foot, and the open-air onsen outlooks make this a considered choice for travellers searching for a ryokan with onsen Shibu Onsen. Facilities on site include free parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi, and staff assist with local transfers and excursions.
Meals emphasise seasonal, multi-course Japanese preparation served in private dining rooms or at the guest’s room when arranged; menus draw on local ingredients and traditional presentation. Service focuses on a personal, quietly attentive approach that helps first-time visitors adapt to onsen etiquette and ryokan routines, including check-in in the mid-afternoon and checkout by mid-morning. For visitors seeking a small-scale, well-located ryokan with private onsen Nagano, Ichinoyu Katei presents a straightforward, traditionally styled option close to both the town’s public baths and regional attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ichinoyu Katei
Positive Reviews
Very friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviews highlight exceptionally kind and helpful staff who arranged pickups, assisted with luggage and clothing (yukata), and went out of their way to help guests feel welcome.
Authentic traditional Japanese ryokan experience
Guests praised the traditional atmosphere—Japanese-style rooms, futons, kimono/yukata to wear, and a strong sense of authenticity that made the stay memorable.
Excellent onsen facilities and cleanliness
Reviewers repeatedly noted very clean, well‑kept onsen facilities, including outdoor baths; one guest also mentioned a key granting access to nine different onsens.
Delicious, varied meals (breakfast & dinner)
Many guests enjoyed the seasonal, traditional multi-course meals served at the ryokan, describing breakfast and dinner as high quality and a highlight of the stay.
Convenient location and shuttle service
The ryokan is in a picturesque hot‑spring village close to the Monkey Park; staff shuttle service to/from the station and to local attractions was praised as very helpful.
Negative Reviews
Hard pillows
At least one guest found the pillows too firm, which affected comfort for that reviewer.
Some rooms lack blackout curtains / street light intrusion
A reviewer noted rooms did not have blackout shades, so street lighting could disturb light sleepers despite the generally quiet street.
Village has limited activities / quiet for longer stays
Several guests said the village is charming but small with few activities—ideal for onsen experiences but not for those seeking a lively town for extended stays.
Shared/public shower arrangement
One review mentioned that showers are located by the onsen and are shared/public rather than private in‑room, which some guests may find inconvenient.
Occasional cleanliness and aged fittings reported
A negative review described an older property with stained cushions, torn shoji paper and a lack of some amenities, indicating that a few guests experienced issues with upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futon bedding; some room types accommodate up to four guests. Children are not accepted and extra beds or cribs are not available.
Yes — the ryokan has indoor public baths and an open-air rotenburo, and a private hot-spring bath is available to reserve. Public-bath etiquette applies and tattoos may restrict entry to communal baths.
A complimentary shuttle service from Yudanaka Station is available; guests should call the ryokan on arrival to arrange pickup. Shuttle contact details are provided on the booking confirmation.
From Tokyo take the shinkansen to Nagano then the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yudanaka (roughly 45–70 minutes for the local leg), then use the hotel shuttle or a short taxi. Regional airports require additional ground transport to Nagano or Yudanaka.
Staff speak some English and the property provides guest information in English. Staff are generally able to assist with directions and local arrangements.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course dinners and Japanese-style breakfasts, typically served in-room. Dinner reservations should be made at least three days in advance and breakfast reservations are handled at check-in.
Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkey Park) is about a 10-minute drive away; Shibu Onsen’s historic streets and nearby ski areas such as Shiga Kogen and Ryuoo are also within easy reach. The area offers onsen-town walks, local shrines and seasonal outdoor activities.
Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Luggage storage is available before check-in and after check-out.
A private hot-spring bath can be reserved subject to availability, and meals can be served privately in guest rooms. The property does not host large parties or events.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. There are convenience stores, small shops and vending machines near Yudanaka Station and in the Shibu Onsen area within a short walk.