Ikemoto
8/10 Excellent - Based on 65 reviews
Ikemoto is a modest, family-run ryokan located in the heart of Nozawa Onsen, positioned for quick access to the village bus stop, the morning market and a short walk to the Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort. The property presents itself as a practical ryokan with onsen in Nagano, offering a mix of traditional Japanese rooms, Japanese–Western rooms and twin rooms; many rooms are simple and bright with tatami or seating areas, and basic amenities are provided for a comfortable, unpretentious stay. The building includes an elevator and free on-site parking, and the dining area serves set Japanese meals prepared on-site.
The on-site hot spring is a gensen-kakenagashi drawn from the local Juodō-no-Yu and classified as a simple sulfur spring; the ryokan advertises 24-hour access to its indoor communal bath, which carries the characteristic mild sulfur aroma and visible mineral “yu-hana” typical of the area’s waters. This bathing facility is a shared public onsen for guests rather than a private in-room bath, and guests frequently combine an in-house soak with the village’s historic circuit of 13 public baths.
Facilities focus on straightforward convenience for skiers and walkers: a ski-gear drying room, a modest banquet/dining hall, and parking for roughly fifteen cars are listed alongside the accommodation’s 15 rooms; the ryokan highlights local, farm-grown produce—rice from its own paddies and vegetables from its garden—in its set dinners. Staff-run, family-style service and practical features make the property suitable for guests seeking easy access to slopes and village bathing rather than luxury frills; guests are advised to reserve meals in advance and to check arrival instructions if arriving late.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ikemoto
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Many guests praised the staff and owner for being welcoming and helpful — from providing flexible breakfast times and language assistance to driving guests to see the snow or arranging alternative accommodation when needed.
Excellent, convenient location
Multiple reviews highlighted the ryokan's location right next to the bus/shuttle stop and within a short walk of restaurants and the mountain, making arrivals, dining and ski access very convenient.
Very good onsen (hot spring)
Guests enjoyed the in-house onsen — frequently described as relaxing and rejuvenating, available 24 hours for some stays, with complementary hot spring supplies and direct source (onsen) access.
Great value with useful amenities
Reviewers noted strong value for money: reasonable price, free laundry or washing supplies, ski-drying room, elevator for heavy luggage, working heaters and well-furnished rooms with extra blankets/pillows.
Clean, spacious rooms and good hospitality
Many found rooms clean, spacious and comfortable with effective heating; several mentioned delicious breakfast options and flexible service, and overall hospitable treatment by the staff.
Negative Reviews
Smoking smell from designated area
Several guests reported that a smoking room or area was sometimes left open, causing cigarette smell to linger in parts of the property and affecting other guests.
Onsen temperature can be very hot
A number of reviewers found the hot spring water too hot for comfort and noted that temperature may be higher than some guests expect.
Noise near shared washbasins
Some guests experienced noise disturbances because shared basins or communal areas were located close to guest rooms, with chatter and other sounds sometimes occurring at odd hours.
Occasional cleanliness or maintenance issues
A few reviews reported isolated problems such as dirty window frames or bedsheets with hair and noisy door hinges; these appear to be occasional rather than widespread complaints.
Limited in-room facilities or service hiccups
Minor negative points included lack of in-room fridges/kettles for some guests, cases where breakfast could not be provided on the day, and the accommodation feeling a bit old in places (some guests noted facility limitations).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include twin rooms with two single beds for two guests and Japanese-style family rooms that sleep up to three on futons; check the room description when booking for exact capacity.
Yes — the ryokan has communal hot-spring baths for guests; these are shared facilities rather than private in-room baths.
Private/reservable onsen options are not advertised for this property, so expect to use the public baths; contact the ryokan directly if you need a private arrangement.
Tattoos may be restricted and guests with visible tattoos can be refused access to public bathing areas, so cover-ups or checking with the property in advance is recommended.
The property does not list a regular airport shuttle; guests typically travel via nearby train or bus and should contact the ryokan in advance to ask about any ad‑hoc pick-up options.
The closest stations are JR Kamisakai (about 4–5 km) and Togari‑Nozawaonsen (a bit further); Nozawa Onsen village is served by local buses and taxis from those stations and the ryokan is within walking distance of the village centre/bus stop.
Standard times are check‑in from 15:00 until 21:00 and check‑out by 10:00; notify the property if you expect to arrive after 21:00.
Dinner and breakfast are offered on site, but guests who wish to eat at the ryokan should reserve at least one day in advance.
Yes — the ryokan is in Nozawa Onsen village, roughly a 10‑minute walk from local ski slopes and within easy reach by car or bus of regional sights such as Jigokudani and local lakes.
Pets are not permitted; the property provides free on‑site parking and there are convenience stores and small shops within a short walk in the village.