Myojinkan
7,6/10 Very good - Based on 10 reviews
Myojinkan sits in the sacred forest of Iriyamabe in the Tobira Onsen area of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture at an altitude of about 1,050 metres, combining a modern comfort palette with traditional ryokan details. Established in 1931 and framed by conifer woods and seasonal vistas, the property emphasises quiet and restorative time in nature; nearby walking paths and gardened areas enhance the sense of seclusion. This ryokan with onsen in Nagano offers a mountain retreat atmosphere where forested stillness and changing seasons shape the guest experience.
Rooms range from tatami-style suites with futons to larger rooms with western beds and seating areas, many with large windows overlooking the woods. Communal indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths form the heart of the property, while a spa provides massages and facial treatments by appointment; private treatments can also be arranged. Meals follow a kaiseki multi-course tradition served by attentive attendants, with Japanese or Western breakfast options. Amenities include free Wi‑Fi, onsite parking, an on-site restaurant, a small library and reading lounge, and bicycle rental to explore nearby trails.
Practical services include a complimentary hotel shuttle from JR Matsumoto Station (advance reservation recommended) and straightforward road access to Matsumoto Castle and the Utsukushigahara highlands. Policies note no pets, restrictions on children, and limits on visible tattoos in public bathing areas; staff speak English and additional languages to assist international visitors. Reservations for spa treatments and dining are recommended during busy periods; overall this ryokan with onsen, Nagano Prefecture, balances traditional hospitality with contemporary comforts and convenient transport links.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Myojinkan
Positive Reviews
High-quality meals (breakfast and dinner)
Multiple guests praised the food — reviewers described the Japanese dinner and Western breakfast as superb, noted generous portions, late‑night onigiri and ample drink service, and overall satisfaction with meals.
Relaxing, restorative onsen
Several reviewers enjoyed the hot springs, mentioning plentiful water flow and the ability to soak and relax for extended periods.
Attentive, polite staff
Staff were repeatedly described as excellent and courteous, contributing to a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Peaceful natural setting
Guests appreciated the ryokan's forest location and quiet atmosphere, describing it as a restful, out‑of‑the‑ordinary escape embraced by nature.
Good value and comfortable experience
Some visitors noted good cost performance and felt they could enjoy a pleasant stay for the price paid.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent or poor food for some guests
While many praised the meals, at least two guests reported very poor dining experiences — one wrote that the food was ‘completely terrible’ and another expressed strong dissatisfaction with the evening meal.
Slow dinner service
One reviewer said the dinner service took a long time, which affected their experience (though they noted the timing might suit those who drink alcohol).
Upselling during dinner causing discomfort
A guest was asked at the table whether they wanted to pay extra to upgrade beef to a higher grade; this created resentment and prevented them from enjoying the meal.
Inappropriate or tacky seasonal decoration
One long‑time visitor was disappointed by garish Halloween decorations in the waiting area that felt out of place with the ryokan’s usual calm aesthetic.
Price versus expected quality
A reviewer felt the high room rates should include the top‑grade meal by default and that the current pricing/upgrade practice led to an expectation mismatch and frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin/double layouts to traditional Japanese rooms with futons for up to 4–5 people; suites and two villas are also available for larger or more private stays. Please check the room description or contact the property to confirm exact capacity for a specific room.
Yes — the property offers spacious indoor and outdoor public hot-spring baths, spa treatments, and options for private bathing and villas with open-air baths. The setting is forested and designed for a restorative onsen experience.
Tattoos may be prohibited in public baths at the ryokan; guests with tattoos are advised to arrange a private bath or check with staff in advance. Policies are enforced to respect other guests, so please confirm before arrival.
A free shuttle runs from JR Matsumoto Station (scheduled pick-ups listed at 15:15 and 16:30) and returns from the property (examples at 09:30 and 11:00); Matsumoto Airport is roughly a one-hour drive. Shuttle use requires advance reservation and arrival-time notice.
Staff can assist in Japanese and English, and the property has multilingual support with additional staff able to help in other languages such as French and Korean on occasion. Contact the ryokan ahead of your stay if you need language support.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners and Japanese-style breakfasts in the dining room, using local ingredients and a personalised Nakai-san service. Please inform the property in advance about any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Myojinkan sits in Tobira Onsen at about 1,050 m elevation in a forested area, offering forest walks and a peaceful mountain setting; Matsumoto Castle is approximately 30 minutes by car and Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum about 40 minutes. The location is better suited to nature and cultural day trips rather than city sightseeing on foot.
The ryokan offers a scheduled shuttle to/from JR Matsumoto Station, free on-site parking for guests with cars, and bicycle rentals for nearby exploration. Public transport in the immediate area is limited, so a car or the scheduled shuttle is most practical.
Standard check-in is in the afternoon (generally from 15:00; latest check-in window is advised around early evening) and check-out is by 12:00 noon. Guests should inform the ryokan of their expected arrival time in advance, especially if using the shuttle.
Pets are not allowed on the property. Private bathing options and villas with private open-air baths are offered or can be arranged on request; please contact the ryokan ahead of your stay to reserve a private bath.