Ryokan Warabino
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 201 reviews
Ryokan Warabino sits in Takayama village amid Nagano’s mountain landscape and presents a measured, traditional inn experience. The property’s timber architecture and small garden set a quiet tone; guest rooms follow classic Japanese style with tatami flooring and futon bedding, plus modern comforts such as heating/cooling, TV and a refrigerator. Public spaces are compact and welcoming, with a lobby offering complimentary Wi‑Fi access and a dining room used for served meals. Staff can assist in English, provide station pick‑up on request and the ryokan offers free on‑site parking for self‑drive visitors.
Hot spring facilities are a central feature: natural onsen water feeds an indoor bath and an open‑air rotenburo framed by mountain views, and the property operates a reservation system that allows short private bookings (typically 50‑minute sessions) for those seeking solitude. A communal bathing area remains available for general use, with customary pre‑wash etiquette expected. Water is sourced locally and temperatures are adjusted for comfort; the layout and booking option make this a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano that suits both couples and families who prioritise privacy and scenery.
Meals emphasise regional ingredients—vegetables, river fish and Shinshu beef prepared over a hearth—presented as multi‑course dinners and an Asian‑style breakfast, with staff accommodating dietary requests when possible. The ryokan is positioned as a calm base for nearby attractions and seasonal activities: winter skiing on nearby slopes, spring and summer hiking, and visits to local sights such as a waterfall and the region’s famed monkey park. Practical arrangements include advance notice for arrival times and a focus on quiet hours, making the property a straightforward choice for travellers seeking a restful hot‑spring stay; as a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano Prefecture it balances traditional hospitality with clear, service‑oriented facilities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Warabino
Positive Reviews
Very attentive, hospitable staff
Multiple guests praised exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff who go out of their way (e.g. arranging station pick-ups, delivering missed dishes, fulfilling special requests) to ensure a pleasant stay.
Outstanding traditional meals
The kaiseki-style dinners and breakfasts were repeatedly described as delicious, abundant and beautifully presented. The kitchen accommodated dietary needs (vegetarian/vegan) with high-quality, seasonal dishes.
Private onsens with great views
Guests loved the onsen facilities — several private baths (indoor and outdoor) with excellent temperatures and mountain views. The ability to privatize baths was highlighted as a real plus.
Authentic ryokan experience and clean, comfortable rooms
Reviewers appreciated the traditional elements (tatami, futons, yukata, tea service), cleanliness and comfort of rooms, including nice verandas and lovely views that matched the photos.
Peaceful mountain setting
The ryokan’s remote, picturesque village location surrounded by nature provided a relaxing, restorative atmosphere that many guests found unique and calming.
Negative Reviews
Remote location / transport considerations
Several guests noted the property is fairly remote and that having a car is helpful; while shuttle pick-ups to the station are available by request, some wished for easier access to local transport or activities.
Onsen reservation system can be confusing
The system for reserving private onsen slots (50-minute periods) requires planning and understanding; guests warned to book early to avoid missing a slot and to learn how the system works.
Limited English communication at times
Some visitors experienced language barriers with staff who spoke little English, which made understanding procedures (notably the onsen booking) slightly more difficult for non-Japanese speakers.
Flat or firm pillows
A few guests mentioned the pillows were too flat or hard for comfortable sleep on futons and would have preferred softer, more elevated pillows.
Limited on-site activity options nearby
Because of the secluded mountain setting some guests found it difficult to combine the stay with hiking or other local excursions, so the experience is mainly focused on relaxation at the ryokan itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has nine rooms in total; room sizes range from small single rooms to family rooms that sleep 2–6 guests. Some Japanese-style rooms use futons (examples on booking: superior up to 5 futons, deluxe 4 futons, standard twin for 2).
Warabino offers natural hot spring water with several baths including a hinoki (wood) indoor bath, open-air (rotenburo) and rock baths, plus public bathing areas. The establishment emphasizes local spring water and a panoramic open-air bath is part of the facilities (see seasonal notes).
A panoramic open-air bath is occasionally offered for private use, but its operation is irregular and the facility may be unavailable in winter (typically mid‑November to mid‑March). For private-use options or reservations, request this when booking or contact the ryokan in advance.
Pets are not allowed on the property.
The ryokan sits in a rural mountain area and is easiest to reach by car; free on-site parking is available. Public transport requires a mainline train plus a local transfer, and station pick-up may be offered on request—always confirm arrival details with the property beforehand.
The ryokan provides English information (English web page) and staff regularly host foreign guests; English is generally understood at a basic level, and staff will assist where possible. Notify the ryokan of special needs or arrival details in advance to ensure smooth communication.
Meals are traditional Japanese, focused on local produce (seasonal fish, Shinshu beef and hearth-cooked dishes) with breakfast and dinner served on site. The ryokan can usually accommodate dietary requests (e.g., vegetarian) if informed in advance.
Standard check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Guests are asked to inform the ryokan of their expected arrival time in advance.
Nearby highlights include Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (about one hour by car), Shiga Kogen ski areas, the cultural town of Obuse and local waterfalls; the area also offers hiking and seasonal sightseeing. Staff can advise on local day trips and activities.
There is no shop on site and the ryokan is in a quiet rural village with limited local stores; for broader shopping options you may need to travel to a nearby town. Guests are advised to bring essential items or ask the ryokan staff for directions to the nearest convenience store.