Oyado Tsuruya
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 72 reviews
Oyado Tsuruya sits in the Shirahone Onsen area near Matsumoto and presents a straightforward, traditionally styled guesthouse experience with a mix of Japanese rooms and larger family layouts. Rooms are described as tatami-floored with futons or twin beds in specified room types, and standard in-room amenities include air conditioning, a kettle and television; guest facilities on site include complimentary Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking. Evening meals and morning breakfasts emphasise local produce and seasonal preparation served in a communal dining area, and staff attend to guests in a manner noted for being attentive and helpful.
The property features thermal bathing facilities that include an outdoor rock-lined bath and public onsen pools set into a wooded mountain backdrop; these reflect the character of Shirahone Onsen, a district known for its milky-white hot spring waters. Baths are shared facilities rather than private in-room tubs, and guests routinely comment on the soothing water temperature and the tranquil setting of the open-air baths. For travellers specifically searching for a ryokan with onsen in Nagano, the accommodation provides a rural hot-spring stay without the larger-scale resort atmosphere.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Oyado Tsuruya
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised staff as very kind, mindful and helpful (greeted guests in the parking lot with umbrellas, attentive front-desk service, good communication), including being foreigner-friendly.
Excellent onsen (hot springs)
The public and outdoor onsen were repeatedly described as a highlight — relaxing, well‑tempered, and a major reason guests enjoyed their stay.
High-quality meals / kaiseki
Dinner and breakfast received frequent compliments: delicious food using local ingredients, well‑presented kaiseki meals and generally praised dining quality.
Beautiful natural location and traditional atmosphere
Guests liked the setting — trees, mountains and river views — and appreciated the traditional ryokan ambiance and scenic room windows.
Spacious Japanese‑style rooms with good views
Several reviewers noted roomy, authentic Japanese‑style rooms (some with river/green views) that contributed positively to their stay.
Negative Reviews
Dated decor; needs renovation
Many guests reported the property is showing its age (peeling wallpaper, areas needing paint or refurbishment) and suggested the hotel requires updating.
Maintenance and cleanliness concerns
Reports included poor upkeep of some facilities (dead insects in the outdoor pool, onsen maintenance issues) and lapses in housekeeping (e.g. yukata left on the floor).
Value concerns / overpriced for condition
Several reviewers felt the price did not match the condition of the rooms and facilities, saying they felt disappointed or cheated given what they paid.
Uncomfortable beds / thin futons
Multiple guests mentioned futons or beds were thin or less comfortable than expected.
Limited local amenities and small service restrictions
The ryokan is remote with few nearby shops (guests advised buying supplies beforehand); some also mentioned restrictive or short breakfast timing, limited welcome‑drink policy and small extra charges (e.g. towel replacement).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type: some main building rooms sleep up to 5 guests, standard rooms typically 3–4, and the older wing has rooms for up to 3; select the room type that matches your group size when booking.
The ryokan offers a natural 100% kake‑nagashi hot spring with an indoor cypress bath, rock open‑air bath and small tsubo baths; public bathing is available from 15:00 until 09:00 the next day.
Exclusive private‑bath rentals are not generally listed; the property has small tsubo baths and occasionally offers special plans that include access to partner facilities, so contact the ryokan in advance to request private use or special arrangements.
Pets are not permitted on the property.
There is no regular airport shuttle advertised; most guests arrive by car or by public transport (train to the local line plus a connecting bus). Contact the ryokan directly if you need assistance or wish to enquire about a possible pickup.
Matsumoto (airport and station) is the usual gateway; by car it’s roughly a 50–60 minute drive from the Matsumoto area via the expressway, while public transport involves a train to the local line and a connecting bus that can take about 70–90 minutes depending on season and route.
Staff can assist in basic English but advanced language support is not guaranteed, so notify the ryokan in advance if you need help in English. The kitchen handles the eight major allergens but does not broadly support vegetarian, vegan or special religious meal plans without prior arrangement.
The ryokan serves multi‑course kaiseki dinners featuring local Shinshu ingredients (including beef tasting options) and a morning meal provided in a half‑buffet style; many room rates include dinner and breakfast—confirm your selected plan when booking.
This is a remote mountain location with few nearby restaurants and the nearest convenience store is a long drive (around 40 minutes by car); the ryokan has a small shop, so plan to buy essential supplies in Matsumoto before arrival if needed.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; the ryokan can store luggage before check‑in and after check‑out, and you should inform them in advance if you expect a late arrival.