Ogiwarakan
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Ogiwarakan is a family-run ryokan set in the Togura Kamiyamada Onsen area of Nagano, offering a straightforward, hospitality-focused stay that reopened after a renovation on April 18, 2025. The property presents a refreshed lobby, a first-floor semi-private dining room introduced with the 2025 update, and a small shop; it positions itself for multi-generational travel with services for infants and celebration arrangements for milestones. Practical conveniences include on-site parking and a limited pick-up service from the local train station by prior arrangement.
Bath facilities form the core of the guest experience: Ogiwarakan operates gender-separated public baths and open-air baths—named "Arato" for men and "Chikuma" for women—fed by the local sulfur-rich spring, and the property markets a bottled onsen mist made from the same source. These communal hot springs are promoted as skin-softening natural water and are the primary wellness offering, so guests should expect public bathing areas rather than guaranteed private in-room onsens. Information on bath types and onsen products is provided by the property.
Guest accommodation ranges from standard Japanese-style rooms to larger two-room arrangements suited to families or groups, each prepared with basic amenities and yukata for on-site use. Meals emphasize local Shinshu ingredients: breakfast options include a sorghum-based rice dish and new Western breakfast choices featuring specialty bread from a nearby bakery, while dinner menus focus on seasonal kaiseki and local pork or beef plans served in the renovated restaurant or private dining on request. The inn also highlights environmental initiatives consistent with regional sustainability programs.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ogiwarakan
Positive Reviews
Outstanding cuisine (dinner & breakfast)
Multiple guests praised the meals as exceptional—both kaiseki-style dinners and traditional breakfasts were highlighted as a major highlight of the stay.
Warm, attentive hospitality
Staff and owners repeatedly described as very welcoming and helpful, providing traditional omotenashi, personal recommendations, and extra assistance (e.g. escorting guests to restaurants, arranging station rides).
Authentic onsen experience
Property offers genuine hot-spring baths (indoor and outdoor/rooftop) supplied from a natural spring; guests noted clean, relaxing baths with pleasant views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Comfortable, traditional rooms and private dining options
Rooms—especially family suites—were described as comfortable, spacious and clean. Several stays included private dining rooms which guests valued for privacy and atmosphere.
Quiet, convenient location with local charm
Guests appreciated the peaceful area, nearby restaurants and walking routes; staff arranged helpful transport to the station and provided local guidance.
Negative Reviews
Price perceived as high
A number of guests felt the stay was expensive relative to expectations, even when they considered it worthwhile overall.
Some facilities feel dated
A few reviews noted that parts of the property are a bit old-fashioned or in need of updating, though generally well maintained.
Occasional noise from neighbouring rooms
At least one guest reported noise from adjacent rooms affecting sleep or quiet, suggesting variable soundproofing between rooms.
Technical issues with room fixtures and Wi‑Fi
Problems mentioned include a toilet washlet not working, weak or hard-to-connect Wi‑Fi, and shower flow/temperature irregularities in some rooms.
Minor service/meal friction (extras and preferences)
Some guests noted extra charges for drinks during meals, a wish for reusable wooden chopsticks rather than disposables, and that the breakfast is very traditionally Japanese (which not all guests prefer).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most traditional Japanese-style rooms accommodate 2–3 adults; some layouts allow extra futons for families—check the room description for exact maximum occupancy before booking.
Yes; the property features public indoor and open-air hot spring baths supplied from a natural source for men and women.
A private bath can be reserved under specific conditions; it is generally available for short, timed slots (30 minutes) on selected weekdays and must be booked in advance.
The ryokan offers a pickup service from Shinano Railway Togura Station for two or more people with advance reservation; there is no regular airport shuttle, so taxis or rail transfers are typical from nearby airports.
Togura Station is the nearest rail stop (about a 6–20 minute taxi ride or roughly 20 minutes on foot), and Matsumoto Airport is the closest airport at about 58 km; access from Nagano involves the Shinano Railway connections and a short taxi ride.
Japanese is the primary language, and staff provide basic English assistance for common guest needs; contact the ryokan in advance for special requests or language support.
Since the 2025 renovation, breakfast and dinner are served in the first-floor semi-private restaurant; if you did not book meals with your room, reserve dining at least two days before arrival when possible.
Children are welcome and the ryokan offers baby equipment, but guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing areas; please check policies in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the property, and there is a convenience store located close to the ryokan for basic supplies.
Ogiwarakan sits in the Togura Kamiyamada Onsen area with local activities such as a stained glass experience within a short walk; rental cars, local taxis and nearby train links are the most practical ways to visit attractions like Zenkoji Temple and regional sights.