Kamiyamada Hotel
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 30 reviews
Kamiyamada Hotel sits in the Togura‑Kamiyamada Onsen district of Chikuma and blends a century‑old hot‑spring cure tradition with refreshed guest facilities. The property draws its bathing water directly from local sources; baths are fed by 100% free‑flowing, mildly alkaline simple sulfur springs that are described as warming and skin‑moisturizing. Public and open‑air baths are complemented by dedicated bathing spaces in some rooms, making it an accessible ryokan with onsen in Shinshu for travelers seeking thermal waters alongside framed mountain views and garden terraces.
Room types range from traditional Sukiya‑style tatami suites to modern twin rooms, and the hotel advertises nine guest rooms with private open‑air baths and several top‑floor open‑air bath rooms for in‑room bathing. Child‑friendly measures include certified “Welcome Baby” rooms and family equipment, while on‑site facilities include a French restaurant that highlights Shinshu ingredients, banquet and convention spaces, a lobby shop, EV charging and a complimentary shuttle (reservation required). These options position Kamiyamada as a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano for guests prioritizing privacy and convenience.
Practical planning notes: the property is reachable by train with an approximately 90‑minute Hokuriku Shinkansen journey to the nearest hub followed by local transit or the hotel shuttle. Guests have access to public and in‑room hot‑spring bathing, and the hotel emphasizes seasonal kaiseki and French course dinners featuring regional beef and produce. Additional services include massage, meeting facilities, free parking and Wi‑Fi, so the stay suits families, couples and small groups seeking a measured hot‑spring experience linked to local culture and nature.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kamiyamada Hotel
Positive Reviews
Outstanding, authentic cuisine
Multiple guests praised the food — traditional Japanese kaiseki and regional dishes were described as very tasty, varied and served like a feast, with several reviewers especially satisfied with dinner quality.
Attentive, helpful staff and service
Staff were repeatedly described as polite, considerate and proactive (helping correct booking issues, changing rooms smoothly, accommodating early departures), creating a welcoming and relaxing stay.
High-quality sulphur onsen
Reviewers highlighted the hot springs as a major strength — the sulphur spring (indoor, open-air and family baths) was noted as pleasant, well maintained and 'kake-nagashi' source-flowing in several accounts.
Traditional atmosphere with good cleanliness
The ryokan's classic/retro Japanese character and ambience (stained glass, traditional rooms) was appreciated; even in older wings guests found rooms and public areas clean and comfortable.
Comfortable dining and sleeping arrangements
Many guests liked the semi-private dining spaces that allowed relaxed meals, and commented the futons/rooms provided comfortable rest and a homely atmosphere.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and misleading online images
Some guests felt the property looks older than expected and said photos on the website raised expectations that the actual facilities did not meet; a few described parts of the facility as dated.
Accessibility and building layout issues
Several reviewers reported uneven connecting walkways, steps and non–barrier-free bathing areas that made movement difficult for guests with mobility issues; lack of chairs in some tatami rooms was also noted.
Room-specific problems (pests, view, damage)
Complaints included finding a mosquito in an upper-floor room, limited/outside view from lower-floor rooms, and evidence of cigarette burns on tatami in a room switched at short notice.
Limited on-site amenities and security features
Guests mentioned a shortage of vending machines and the absence of in-room safes (though reception will hold valuables), which some found inconvenient.
Food quantity/occasional quality issues for some dishes
While overall food was praised, a few guests felt portion sizes were excessive (not ideal for older guests) and reported specific disappointments with certain dishes (one cited an unsatisfactory eel rice); there were also minor service preferences mentioned (e.g., beer served with too much foam, missing tea for a Western breakfast).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include single, twin, Japanese-style (futon) and family rooms; capacities vary and some rooms sleep up to five guests or more in suites. Please check the specific room description for exact maximum occupancy.
The hotel uses 100% natural Kamiyamada onsen water with a slightly alkaline sulfur spring and offers men's and women's large baths and open-air baths. There are also two private baths available for guests.
Private baths are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis and can be used without advance application; an occupied lamp indicates use. Official private-bath hours are typically 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using the public bathing areas; please contact the hotel for options. Private baths or other arrangements can often be discussed with staff.
The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service; you must reserve the shuttle by the morning of your arrival using the contact details on your booking confirmation. For local rail access, Togura Station is the nearest stop.
Togura Station is the closest local station and Nagano Station is the nearest major rail hub. Matsumoto Airport is the nearest airport by road (about 58 km, roughly one hour by car depending on traffic).
The hotel website offers English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean information, and staff can assist in basic English although Japanese is the primary language. If you need language assistance, please notify the hotel in advance.
The hotel serves traditional Japanese multi-course meals (kaiseki-style) in semi-private or private dining rooms and offers breakfast. Inform the hotel at least one week before arrival about any food allergies so they can try to accommodate you.
Standard check-in is from 3:00 p.m. with last check-in usually by 8:00 p.m., and check-out is by 10:00 a.m. If you wish to be served dinner at the hotel, plan to arrive by 19:00 to ensure the kitchen can accommodate you.
Pets are not allowed at the hotel. There is a souvenir shop on the first floor and convenience stores/shops in the Kamiyamada Onsen area; ask reception for directions to the nearest supermarket.