Manza Onsen Nisshinkan
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 131 reviews
Perched in the high mountain basin of Manza Onsen, Manza Onsen Nisshinkan presents a traditional-style ryokan adapted for modern comfort, where rooms combine tatami areas and Western beds and large windows frame the surrounding national-park scenery. The property foregrounds the local sulphurous springs, located at altitude, as a restorative feature and arranges public spaces to favor quiet relaxation after outdoor activities; guests frequently choose this setting for winter snow views and direct access to nearby slopes and hiking routes.
The bathing facilities are a central draw: multiple communal baths and open-air pools occupy different spots around the property, including baths designed for large groups, family-sized pools and a scenic outdoor bath with mountain vistas. Private, reservable hot-spring baths are available for guests who prefer exclusive soak time (these carry an additional fee), and supplementary services such as massages and changing-room amenities support a comfortable onsen experience—this makes the ryokan with private onsen in Gunma appealing to both couples and families seeking privacy and variety.
Practical features include buffet dining for breakfast and dinner service tailored to seasonal produce, free parking and shuttle options that connect with regional transport hubs; the property advertises direct bus and shuttle links that simplify travel from Tokyo or the nearby highland towns. With ski lifts and outdoor recreation within walking distance and a 24-hour front desk, the inn functions as a restful base for mountain pursuits and thermal therapy alike, positioning it as a well-located ryokan with onsen in the Kanto highlands.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Manza Onsen Nisshinkan
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen and variety of baths
Many guests praised the hot springs—describing perfect water temperature, multiple baths including outdoor pools and 100% natural sulphur springs. Several reviews called the baths outstanding and deeply relaxing.
Beautiful views and unique snow-bathing experience
Visitors highlighted the scenic mountain location and outdoor baths with great views; some mentioned the special experience of bathing while it was snowing.
Good food and buffet selection
The buffet received frequent compliments for its wide variety and tasty options (including seafood bowls). Guests appreciated the plentiful choices at breakfast and dinner.
Friendly and helpful staff
Staff were repeatedly described as kind and helpful; guests noted staff assistance with practical matters and availability of English-speaking team members for non-Japanese speakers.
Convenient location for skiing and shuttle service
Guests appreciated the ryokan’s location near ski lifts and natural attractions. A shuttle bus service was mentioned positively and the hotel is seen as a convenient base for skiing and exploring the area.
Negative Reviews
No air conditioning and hot rooms
Multiple reviewers reported there is no A/C in rooms; some found rooms uncomfortably hot at night and had to open windows to cool down.
Aging facilities and maintenance issues
Several comments pointed to older facilities (stains, dated décor), dirty air vents, and non-working blower fans, suggesting parts of the property need maintenance or renovation.
Confusing layout and distant rooms
Guests described long, maze-like corridors and rooms located far from dining areas and baths, requiring multiple elevator changes and long walks to reach facilities.
Limited or repetitive menu and dietary options
Although the buffet overall was praised, some guests found dinner options repetitive across days and reported insufficient choices for vegetarians or pescatarians, with no suitable main course provided despite prior notice.
Strong sulphur smell causing discomfort for some
A few guests mentioned strong sulphur fumes from the hot springs in rooms or when windows were opened, causing headaches or discomfort for sensitive guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity depends on the room type; there are twin and family/quadruple-style rooms that typically accommodate 2–4 guests. Cribs and extra beds are not available, but children are welcome—check room descriptions when booking.
Nisshinkan offers multiple hot-spring facilities including open-air baths and indoor public baths, plus family/private bathing options reserved for guests. The springs are sulphur-rich and used for traditional therapeutic soaks.
Yes—private/family baths are reservable for guests and require advance booking or reservation on arrival; availability is limited so please request it when you reserve your stay or at check-in.
There is a direct bus service from Shinjuku (long-distance, about five hours) and a shuttle plan that connects with the shinkansen at Karuizawa; seats are limited so reserve transport when you book your room.
Typical routes are airport → Tokyo (or Shinjuku) by train, then either the direct Shinjuku bus to the ryokan or shinkansen to Karuizawa followed by the hotel shuttle. Allow several hours for the journey depending on connections.
Staff can assist in English to a degree, but English proficiency may be limited; guests may find basic English spoken at reception and English-language materials helpful, so bring translation apps or simple phrases if needed.
Shower thoroughly before entering communal baths, swimwear is not used, and you should follow posted rules in changing areas; some onsen restrict guests with visible tattoos, so check the policy in advance.
The area is popular for alpine scenery, hiking and skiing (near Mount Kusatsu-Shirane), and day trips to nearby hot-spring towns and nature sites; Karuizawa and regional parks are common excursion options.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; if you need different times, contact the ryokan in advance to ask about early arrival or luggage storage.
Pets are not allowed at the property; the ryokan provides dinner and breakfast for staying guests (traditional Japanese-style meals and a breakfast service), while local shops are limited due to the remote mountain location—plan accordingly.