Sakaenoyu Ryokan
7,5/10 Very good - Based on 2 reviews
Sakaenoyu Ryokan occupies a compact, Showa‑era building in the Asama Onsen neighbourhood of Matsumoto and preserves a retro, lived‑in atmosphere across a small number of traditional guest rooms. Guest rooms are Japanese‑style with tatami flooring and futon bedding, modest furnishings and in‑room conveniences such as a kettle and television; some room types accommodate families. The property is intentionally intimate—roughly a dozen rooms with capacity under fifty—so common areas and staff service feel personal and informal rather than hotel‑scale.
The ryokan’s baths use a natural gensen‑kakenagashi source: clear, alkaline simple hot spring water that is led directly into tiled bathing areas to retain the spring’s character. Facilities include separate men’s and women’s public baths finished in period tile, and guests can request access to a small private bath when available, which makes it appealing for anyone seeking a ryokan with onsen in Matsumoto who prefers added privacy. Staff provide yukata and basic toiletries and will explain local bathing customs and any tattoo policy at check‑in.
Cuisine highlights seasonal Shinshu ingredients presented as multi‑course kaiseki with attention to plating and local flavours; meals are served either in a communal dining space or delivered to rooms depending on the plan. The inn offers practical access to central Matsumoto—about a 15‑minute drive to the castle and station—and to nearby highland routes, with on‑site parking for roughly ten vehicles and occasional shuttle arrangements. Overall it suits travellers seeking an authentic, modest Showa‑style ryokan with onsen in Nagano focused on straightforward hospitality and local food.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sakaenoyu Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Quiet, edge-of-town location
Located on the outskirts of town and described as very quiet, offering a peaceful stay; reachable from the station by public transport (about 35–40 minutes).
Traditional tatami-style rooms
Rooms feature classic tatami Japanese-style design, recommended for travelers who want to enjoy a relaxed, slow-paced trip.
Negative Reviews
Property is dated
The ryokan is reported to be showing its age and would benefit from refurbishment and updates.
No hot water in room
Guest reported that only cold water was available in the room, indicating an issue with hot water supply.
Perceived high price
The stay was described as very overpriced relative to the condition of the property.
Remote location / long transfer time
Being at the town edge means a transfer from the station takes roughly 35–40 minutes by public transport, which may be inconvenient for some guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are offered for pairs, families and groups (including quadruple and family room types); there are no extra beds or baby cots, so please state the exact number of guests and children when booking.
The ryokan uses a natural, alkaline simple hot spring (gensen kakenagashi) with public baths for guests; the water is drawn from the source and flows continuously into the baths.
Yes — baths are gender-separated public onsen, tattoos may restrict access, and standard onsen etiquette applies: wash thoroughly before entering, do not wear swimsuits, and avoid bringing towels into the water.
There is no regular public airport shuttle listed; many guests reach Asama Onsen by Alpico bus from JR Matsumoto Station or by car, and the ryokan asks guests to indicate arrival transport in advance — contact them to request any possible pick-up.
The nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto Airport; from JR Matsumoto Station take an Alpico bus toward Asama Onsen (about 20–30 minutes) and then a short walk to the ryokan, or use a taxi for a faster transfer.
Japanese is the primary language; some staff may speak basic English but guests with limited Japanese should notify the ryokan in advance for assistance or special requests.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki cuisine featuring local Shinshu ingredients; many plans include dinner and breakfast, and dietary requests should be communicated ahead of arrival.
The ryokan is in Asama Onsen, close to Matsumoto city attractions such as Matsumoto Castle and the city museum (around a 10–20 minute drive), with access to Kamikōchi and other mountain scenery via Matsumoto as a hub.
Check-out is by 10:00 and the ryokan’s stated check-in window ends at 21:00 (the property lists check-in from mid‑afternoon); you must inform the ryokan of your planned arrival time and mode of transport when booking.
Pets are not permitted; the property has public onsen rather than regularly advertised private rental baths (contact the ryokan to ask about private-use options), and basic shops and seasonal markets are available nearby with larger supermarkets in central Matsumoto.