Maruni Ryokan
9,8/10 Exceptional - Based on 52 reviews
Maruni Ryokan is a family-run, traditional inn set within easy walking distance of the Happo One ski lifts and the village bus terminal in Hakuba. Run across generations by the Maruni family, the property presents tatami-floored guest rooms furnished in a simple local style; every room includes its own bath and toilet and all rooms are non-smoking. The ryokan features a ground-floor natural hot spring for communal use, making it a convenient ryokan with onsen in Hakuba for visitors who want mountain access paired with hot-spring relaxation.
Rooms are compact and practical with air conditioning, Wi‑Fi and tea/coffee facilities; luggage storage, a heated boot room and ski equipment area cater specifically to winter sports guests. The property operates an adults-only policy (minimum age 18) and provides a daily home-cooked Asian-style breakfast; traditional dinners are available on request. On-site conveniences listed by the ryokan include free parking with an EV charging point, a guest lounge, a coin laundry and a shuttle service to JR Hakuba Station by reservation, together with a drying room for wet gear.
Staff present themselves as long-term local hosts and mountain guides who can advise on slope conditions, trailheads and transport, communicating in both Japanese and English. The location makes Maruni a practical base for skiing in winter and hiking or mountain itineraries in summer across the northern Nagano ranges; quiet hours are observed overnight and the communal onsen is open daily from early morning through late evening. The ryokan’s modest scale and family hospitality focus on straightforward comfort rather than large-hotel services, an unpretentious option for travellers seeking a classic ryokan with onsen Nagano experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Maruni Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive family-run hospitality
Many guests highlight the welcoming, friendly owners and staff who provide personalised service, go out of their way to help (pick-ups, flexible check-out, arranging luggage/skis) and create a homely ryokan atmosphere.
Outstanding, varied breakfasts (and dinners)
Numerous reviews praise the daily breakfast spread — well prepared, artistically presented and different each day — and several recommend the Japanese-style dinners (noting dinner must be pre-booked).
On-site onsen and relaxing facilities
Guests repeatedly mention the clean, well-maintained onsen as a great place to relax after skiing or sightseeing; many appreciated having largely private access and quick recovery after activity.
Excellent location for Happo-One and bus connections
The ryokan is described as being in the heart of Happo-One, only minutes from the bus terminal and within walking distance to lifts/shuttle stops, making it very convenient for skiing and regional travel.
Clean, comfortable Japanese-style rooms with practical amenities
Rooms are reported as spacious, clean and comfortable (cozy futons, good heating), with helpful guest facilities such as a drying room for wet gear, shared fridge/microwave, ample storage and daily cleaning.
Negative Reviews
Traditional Japanese style may not suit all travellers
A few guests note that if you do not appreciate a Japanese experience (tatami rooms, futons, ryokan customs) this accommodation may not be ideal for you.
Curfew / front door closing at night
Several reviews mention the front door closes around 23:00 (night curfew during some dates or events), so guests should confirm door/return times if planning late nights.
Small bathroom / shower limitations
At least one guest pointed out the bathroom is small and the shower head position could be improved, which may be a minor inconvenience for some guests.
Dinner availability requires advance booking
While dinners are highly recommended, guests note they must usually pre-book (often by the day before) and may be missed if returning late from tours.
Limited public shuttle service in low season
A few guests experienced reduced shuttle availability early/late in the season; staff assistance was offered, but transport options can be more limited during low season and should be checked in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futon layouts that sleep 1–4 depending on the room type; cribs and extra beds are not available. Children under 18 are not permitted and the minimum check-in age is 18.
There is a communal natural hot spring on the ground floor open daily (generally early morning until late evening). Tattoos are accepted in the public bathing areas; private in-room onsen tubs are not listed.
The ryokan offers a free pick-up from JR Hakuba Station by reservation; guests should request the shuttle when booking and call on arrival at the station. Direct airport transfers are not routinely offered but staff can advise connections.
From Tokyo you can take the shinkansen to Nagano then a local bus to Hakuba, or use the direct highway/express bus service from Shinjuku to Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. The closest domestic airport for regional flights is Matsumoto, and the ryokan is a short taxi or bus ride from the Hakuba bus terminal.
Staff are Japanese and the property lists English among spoken languages, though English ability is limited; the owners are experienced with local mountain activities. The director is a qualified mountain guide and can advise on skiing and hiking.
Maruni is a family-run ryokan with tatami rooms, yukata provided, home-cooked Hakuba-style Japanese breakfast, and an onsen for communal bathing. The atmosphere is described as authentic and homely rather than a large hotel experience.
Hakuba Happo One ski area and the Happo bus terminal are within a short walk (around 5–10 minutes), making skiing, hiking and village shops easily accessible. Other nearby options include local trekking routes and seasonal outdoor activities in the Hakuba area.
Yes — there is ski equipment storage and a boot-drying room, and Happo One slopes are an easy walk away. Local buses and the ryokan’s station shuttle make moving between areas straightforward.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) and runs until about 23:00 (11:00 PM); check-out is by 10:00 AM. Late or very early arrivals are accommodated if you inform the ryokan in advance by phone or email.
Pets are not permitted on the property. There are convenience stores, restaurants and cafés near Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, breakfast is served daily, and a Japanese-style dinner can be arranged if requested by the morning of your stay.