Onyado Hishiya Torazo
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 335 reviews
Onyado Hishiya Torazo is a traditional Japanese ryokan tucked into the Shibu Onsen district of Yamanouchi, occupying a compact timbered house and operating as a ryokan with onsen in Yamanouchi. The property combines communal indoor baths with an open‑air rotenburo and advertises options for private, reservable open‑air bathing for guests seeking more seclusion. Public spaces are arranged to emphasize relaxed, home‑like hospitality; staff welcome visitors in English and provide colorful yukata for female guests to wear around the ryokan.
Guest rooms are Japanese‑style with tatami and futon bedding, tea sets and basic amenities; some rooms include private toilets while bathing facilities are shared, following the local ryokan model. Evening meals are served as multi‑course Japanese dinners prepared on site, and breakfast is described by guests as varied. A small common lounge offers complimentary Wi‑Fi and luggage storage; slippers and simple toiletries are provided for bath use. Rooms are heated in winter and some overlook a small garden or courtyard. House rules note a non‑smoking policy, no pets and requirements around quiet hours.
The ryokan is well positioned for regional attractions: it is a short drive from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and provides easy access to nearby ski areas and hiking trails, making it a practical base as a ryokan with onsen in Nagano. Practical details for planning include cash‑only payment, standard check‑in/out windows and restricted late‑night access to the building; the owners also operate private outdoor bath options that can be reserved for small groups. Staff can advise on local routes and transport options.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Onyado Hishiya Torazo
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen experience (indoor & outdoor)
Guests repeatedly praise the hotel’s hot springs — the outdoor rotenburo is described as beautiful and unforgettable, often available for private use, and the hotel baths are noted as being better than the village sento. Some mention 24‑hour access and very relaxing evening soaks.
Friendly, helpful and English‑speaking host
The owner/staff are frequently described as warm, attentive and accommodating — they speak good English, respond quickly to messages, lend yukata/geta/towels for visiting local onsens, accept luggage after check‑out and provide helpful local tips.
Authentic, historic ryokan with charming atmosphere
Reviewers love the ryokan’s authenticity and character (family‑run for centuries according to guests). The vintage, cozy interior and mountain setting create a very atmospheric, memorable stay — several compared the feeling to a Ghibli film.
Comfortable traditional rooms and futons
Guests report spacious Japanese‑style rooms with comfortable futons and effective heating. The traditional decor and provided yukata add to the experience and many found the sleeping arrangements very comfortable.
Delicious traditional breakfast and good overall value
The Japanese breakfast is repeatedly described as tasty, generous and well presented. When dinner is available guests also praised the meals; overall many comment that the quality and experience represent excellent value for the price.
Negative Reviews
Dinner availability and booking confusion
Several guests experienced the dinner option being unavailable during their stay or found the Booking.com listing unclear — some booked expecting dinner included but discovered only breakfast (or an add‑on) was offered, causing disappointment and confusion.
Hard to find / wayfinding issues
The ryokan is tucked away in narrow mountain lanes and multiple guests said it was difficult to locate; clear directions or pickup information would help first‑time visitors.
Temperature and water‑control issues
A few reviewers mentioned onsen temperature concerns (some pools felt very hot though a cold tap was available to adjust), cold tap water in onsen areas, or that rooms felt quite cold despite air‑con/heating — guests recommended checking temps and heating in colder months.
Limited staff presence during low season
Some visitors noticed minimal staffing at times (only one employee on site), which reduced opportunities to try the ryokan’s cuisine and occasionally limited service, especially in quieter periods.
Minor cleanliness / lack of in‑room shower
A small number of guests reported minor dust in places and noted that having a shower in the room would have been convenient (rooms have shared baths), though these comments were generally described as minor quibbles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; most rooms are traditional tatami rooms with futon that sleep families or small groups. No extra beds are available, so confirm the number of guests when booking.
The ryokan offers three natural hot-spring baths including an indoor bath, a garden open-air bath (seasonal) and additional named baths with different effects. Baths are available around the clock and a private bath option exists at the property.
Public bathing areas may restrict guests with tattoos; private baths are available and are the usual solution for tattooed guests. Private-bath use is subject to availability and is typically arranged at the property.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; Yudanaka Station is the nearest rail access and the ryokan is about a 10-minute drive from there. Contact the property in advance to ask about possible station pickup or use a short taxi/local bus.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00. The property restricts entry overnight (late-night quiet hours) and asks guests arriving after 20:00 to inform the ryokan in advance.
Staff are known to be helpful and can assist with directions, local suggestions and arranging visits; English proficiency can vary. If you need detailed language support or guided services, contact the ryokan before arrival.
The ryokan sits in Shibu Onsen with access to nine public baths and is close to Jigokudani Monkey Park (the snow monkey area), plus access to Shiga Kogen and the SORA Terrace for mountain activities. Many town sights and public baths are walkable from the property.
Travel to Nagano and transfer to the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station, then take a short taxi, local bus or arrange station pickup to reach the ryokan (around 10 minutes by car). Buses and trains connect Yudanaka with regional hubs.
Pets are not accepted and the property does not permit parties or large events. Quiet hours are enforced in the evenings to respect other guests.
The ryokan offers traditional Japanese meals (breakfast and dinner) as part of accommodation plans; dining is served in the ryokan. Shibu Onsen has small shops and a gift shop on-site; for larger supermarkets head to the nearby Yudanaka area.