Masuya Ryokan
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 40 reviews
Masuya Ryokan is a family-run, historic inn located in the Tazawa Onsen district of Aoki Village, Nagano. Established in 1868 and housed in a multi-storey wooden building registered as a tangible cultural property, the property preserves traditional architecture and a slower pace of hospitality. Guest rooms are arranged in a classic tatami layout with sliding doors and low furnishings, and many visitors note the atmosphere of an older ryokan where details such as corridor timbers and period fittings remain intact. This ryokan with onsen in Nagano Prefecture combines heritage architecture with practical amenities like on-site parking, Wi‑Fi and a shuttle arranged on request.
Accommodation options emphasize traditional comfort: tatami rooms served with yukata robes and simple, well-maintained wash facilities. The bathing facilities are fed by the local hot spring and include a large communal indoor bath, an open‑air bath and two family baths that can be used for greater privacy when available, making it suitable both for travellers seeking communal bathing and those preferring more secluded time in the water. The onsen waters are described locally as gentle on the skin and are offered as source-flowing bathing rather than heavily treated pools; staff maintain bathing hours and etiquette guidance to respect local customs. As a ryokan with onsen in Nagano it sits within a compact hot-spring cluster that invites short walks around the thermal hamlet.
Cuisine at Masuya focuses on seasonal, regional produce presented in multi-course meals that highlight mountain vegetables, river fish and local specialities such as carp dishes; meals are prepared in a measured, traditional style. Practical details familiar to guests include check‑in times in the mid afternoon and check‑out by late morning, and straightforward access by car or by local bus and taxi from nearby stations (roughly a 30‑minute taxi from the larger regional rail hub). The overall experience is one of measured, place-based hospitality: historic rooms, structured meal service and flexible bathing options anchored in a small onsen community.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Masuya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Authentic, historic ryokan
Multiple guests praised the building’s history and atmosphere — a museum-quality, traditional ryokan full of character that provides an immersive, ‘out-of-time’ Japanese experience.
Warm, attentive family hospitality
Hosts and staff were repeatedly described as very kind, welcoming and accommodating — helping with luggage, offering lifts to/from the bus stop, adapting schedules and using translation aids to assist non-Japanese speakers.
Exceptional, memorable meals
Dinner and breakfast were highlighted as outstanding and creative (often gastronomic), generous and a major part of the experience; several reviewers called the food one of the best they’ve had.
Relaxing onsen with private/outdoor options
Onsite hot-spring baths were much appreciated — quiet, scenic, sometimes privatised for guests, with outdoor areas and genuine onsen water that enhanced the stay.
Comfortable traditional rooms and bedding
Tatami rooms, spacious layouts and comfortable futons/heated bedding (hot water bottles, heated blankets) made stays cozy even in cold weather.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and access difficulty
The ryokan is set away from main transport points; guests reported long walks from the Aoki bus stop, limited public transport and occasions where a taxi or the ryokan’s drive service was effectively required.
Some rooms have shared facilities / no private bath
Several reviewers noted that certain room types do not include a private bathroom and that guests should expect shared facilities when booking the lower-priced options.
Maintenance, cleanliness and hygiene issues reported by some
A minority of guests reported concerns such as dusty or cluttered bottles in bathing areas, full ashtrays on balconies, crumbling walls in small onsen spaces and an entry area needing a refresh; one reviewer raised serious food-safety and hygiene concerns about a specific meal.
Onsen temperature and size can vary
A few guests mentioned the baths felt lukewarm or that the onsen is small — although others still found the hot-spring experience excellent and private when available.
Old-building quirks and seasonal nuisances
Because the property is historic, guests noted age-related quirks: gaps letting in insects (more noticeable in warmer months), occasional roadworks limiting vehicle access, and challenges managing luggage on crowded local buses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional tatami-style and range from single to multi-futon layouts; some room types accommodate up to six guests. Children over 13 are treated as adults and cribs or extra beds are not available.
Yes; the ryokan uses local spring water and offers indoor baths, an open-air bath and family/private bathing options fed directly from the source. Please check with reception for private-bath availability and times.
Free pick-up from nearby train stations is offered but requires advance reservation (hotel requests at least several days' notice). There is no regular airport shuttle; taxis or rental cars are the usual options from Matsumoto or Ueda.
By car it’s about 60–75 minutes from Shinshu Matsumoto Airport; from Ueda Station take the local bus toward Aoki and a short taxi, or request the ryokan’s station pick-up. From Tokyo allow roughly 2–3 hours by shinkansen to Ueda plus onward local transport.
Staff speak Japanese and can assist in English for common guest needs. For detailed requests, providing written notes or advance notice helps ensure clear communication.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts using seasonal, local ingredients, typically served in a dining room or private dining space depending on the plan. Notify the ryokan in advance about dietary restrictions.
Yes, the property offers private/family baths in addition to communal baths; speak to reception on arrival to book or confirm availability. Some private baths may be scheduled by the staff rather than self-reserved.
No, pets are not permitted on the property.
The ryokan sits in Tazawa Onsen village with stone-paved lanes, local public baths and hiking routes; Matsumoto and its castle are about 35–40 km away for day trips. The village atmosphere and seasonal nature walks are highlights for most guests.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Guests are asked to arrive by early evening (plans often request arrival by around 18:00) and note the property entrance is closed overnight between about 22:00 and 06:00.