Izumiya Zenbe
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 101 reviews
Izumiya Zenbe is a historical Japanese ryokan founded in 1876 and set in a quiet onsen district of Matsumoto, Nagano. The property preserves wooden, kura-like architecture and traditional interiors with tatami floors, futon bedding and yukata robes. Rooms range from retro 'kura' suites to simpler tatami chambers; most have a seating area framed by large windows, a television and a small refrigerator, while some include private bathrooms and others use a maintained communal bath. Complimentary Wi‑Fi and on-site parking are provided.
Bathing facilities include indoor and outdoor thermal baths edged by landscaped gardens, with several baths available to rent for private use; some plans include a reserved 40‑minute private session. Guests can request in-room massages and may choose open-air baths or cypress tubs supplied by the natural hot spring source. The ryokan is roughly a 10‑minute bus ride to the castle and 15 minutes to the JR station, convenient for local sightseeing, positioning it as a ryokan with private onsen.
Dining follows a seasonal multi-course pattern that highlights regional ingredients and house-made soba, served in private dining rooms or at communal tables depending on the plan. Service is attentive and the property accommodates couples and families with multi-futon rooms; cultural touches include demonstrations of soba making on request. For travelers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Matsumoto, Nagano, Izumiya Zenbe offers a traditional atmosphere, accessible location and a choice of shared and reservable baths that balance privacy with communal onsen culture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Izumiya Zenbe
Positive Reviews
Exceptional meals (kaiseki)
Multiple guests praised the dinner and breakfast—varied, beautifully presented kaiseki-style meals served in private dining rooms; many described the food as delicious and a highlight of the stay.
Warm, attentive staff
Staff were repeatedly described as friendly, welcoming and very helpful (including English communication). Reviews mention staff going out of their way to arrange early breakfasts, taxis, directions and accommodate requests.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Guests appreciated the historic, old-fashioned atmosphere, tatami rooms, small gardens and traditional touches that made the stay feel like a genuine Japanese ryokan experience.
Excellent onsen options, especially private baths
The property offers multiple hot-spring baths, including reservable private baths (40-minute slots often included). Private indoor and outdoor baths were highlighted as relaxing, clean and memorable.
Comfortable rooms and thoughtful amenities
Many reviewers found rooms comfortable and restful (good sleeping provisions). Guests noted pleasant room details (tea set, futon, heater table), clean facilities and amenities such as complimentary spring water.
Negative Reviews
Cold open-air corridors in winter
Several guests reported that walking between rooms and to the baths can be very cold in winter because corridors are open-air; this may bother some visitors even though bedrooms are warm.
Location on the outskirts requires transport
Multiple reviews noted the ryokan is somewhat out of town, so guests without a car will need to use the bus or taxi; this can limit evening options and requires planning.
Indoor onsen limited / outdoor baths sometimes extra
A few reviewers felt the indoor public onsen was small, and mentioned that access to certain outdoor/on-demand baths may incur additional booking or fees.
Traditional rooms not for everyone (tatami/futon)
Some guests found the older tatami-style rooms and futon bedding uncomfortable or too traditional for their preference, describing rooms as ‘oldish’.
Minor maintenance and sizing issues
Occasional small negatives were reported such as a loose bannister on stairs, slippers that were too small for larger feet, and other minor maintenance or comfort details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese style with futon bedding; standard rooms sleep up to 4 guests (4 futons) and the family room can accommodate up to 6 (6 futons). Some room types are in a newer wing with private bathrooms.
The ryokan has several indoor and outdoor hot spring baths surrounded by gardens, and some baths can be reserved for private use — ask the front desk to book a private slot.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the property is about 15 minutes by local bus from JR Matsumoto Station and staff can advise on the best transfer options.
Major access is via Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) or Chubu Centrair, then travel by train or bus to JR Matsumoto Station and a short local bus or taxi to the ryokan.
Staff commonly assist English-speaking guests and explain ryokan customs; for detailed translation needs a translation app can be helpful.
Expect an authentic ryokan stay with tatami rooms and futons, multi-course Japanese dinners (including homemade soba), traditional hospitality and seasonal garden views.
Matsumoto Castle and the city’s museums and historic streets are a short bus ride away, and the area offers local craft shops, cultural sites and nearby mountain scenery.
Take a train to JR Matsumoto Station then a local bus (around 15 minutes) or taxi to the ryokan; free on-site parking is available if you drive.
Pets are not permitted on the premises; convenience stores and supermarkets are located in Matsumoto town and are reachable by bus or taxi.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course dinners and a Japanese breakfast, and staff can accommodate dietary requests if informed in advance.