Shirakabako View Hotel
6,7/10 Good - Based on 178 reviews
Set on the shores of a small alpine lake in Tateshina, this lakeside property blends ryokan traditions with hotel comforts. Guest rooms include lake‑view Japanese, Western and hybrid types, many facing the water or surrounding pines; configurations range from twin Western rooms to tatami and futon layouts for families. The hotel sits beside the lake and provides easy access to nearby trails and a small village of seasonal shops. Operating as a ryokan with onsen Nagano, the property emphasizes communal bathing and relaxed shared spaces rather than private in‑room baths.
Bath facilities include a public onsen and bathing areas, with paid massages and other wellness services. Onsite leisure covers karaoke, a game room, bicycle rental and seasonal access to nearby ski slopes, hiking and golf. The front desk can arrange fishing, horseback riding and local excursions. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi throughout, on‑site parking and accessibility features to assist guests with reduced mobility.
Dining follows a buffet format that highlights local produce and rotating seasonal themes alongside international options, with an all‑you‑can‑drink beverage plan offered at dinner on many nights. Children's buffet options and family facilities are available. The hotel maintains standard arrival and departure times and provides luggage storage and a front desk for activity bookings and local information. Accessible rooms and grab‑bar equipped toilets are available on request. Its combination of lake views, mixed room types and communal hot springs makes it a straightforward choice for travellers seeking a functional ryokan with onsen experience in Nagano prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shirakabako View Hotel
Positive Reviews
Generous buffet meals and drinks
Many guests praised the buffet-style breakfast and dinner as tasty and plentiful, often noting all-you-can-drink options including draft beer and local sake varieties which added value to the meal experience.
Good value / cost performance
Multiple reviewers felt the price was reasonable for what was offered, frequently saying the stay felt like good value given the food, drinks and amenities included.
Scenic location and views
Guests appreciated the lake and mountain views, wildlife sightings (deer), and proximity to ski areas and local attractions; the setting was described as a major asset, especially in good weather.
Helpful, attentive staff in many cases
Several reviews highlighted polite and helpful staff, quick responses to lost-item inquiries (including prompt return by cash-on-delivery) and generally courteous service that improved the stay.
Leisure amenities and comfortable bedding
Positive mentions include on-site leisure options (karaoke, table tennis), useful facilities like an ice machine, fluffy futons/comfortable beds and a pleasant onsen with good water quality, contributing to guest comfort.
Negative Reviews
Dated facilities and appearance
Many guests described the hotel as old or showing its age, with some specifically noting an outdated impression of rooms, common areas and exterior.
Inconsistent cleanliness
Several reviews reported cleanliness problems in spots such as dusty kettles/pots, unclean windows/sills, hair in the large bath and stained restaurant chair seats, indicating uneven housekeeping standards.
Noise and thin walls
Guests experienced noise disturbances from other rooms or children running in hallways and commented that room walls were thin, which affected rest for some visitors.
Small or lacking room facilities
Common complaints included small/narrow bathrooms and toilets, missing in-room items (no hair dryer in some rooms), ventilation issues (no exhaust fan) and heating/AC controls not functioning properly.
Check-in delays and occasional service shortcomings
Some guests reported long wait times at reception, suggestions for better queue systems, and instances of poor staff communication or lack of smiles/engagement, which detracted from the overall service experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include twin, Japanese and Japanese–Western layouts; family and quadruple room options can accommodate up to four guests.
Yes, the hotel has an on-site public hot-spring bath (onsen) and public bathing facilities available to guests.
Private or family-use baths are not guaranteed; availability is limited and you should contact the hotel in advance to request a private bathing option.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; most guests arrive by car or taxi, and you can contact the hotel ahead to ask about any transfer options they may offer.
The nearest airport is Shinshu–Matsumoto (around 50 km, roughly one hour by car), and the nearest major train station is JR Chino, about 20 km away and roughly 30 minutes by car.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English support may be limited, so notify the hotel in advance if you need language assistance.
The hotel operates an on-site restaurant with buffet-style meals featuring Japanese and international dishes; dining is family-friendly and scheduled seating/times may apply.
The hotel sits by Shirakabako (Shirakaba Lake); nearby attractions include the Tateshina Teddy Bear Museum, local ski slopes and Shirakaba Resort activities, plus hiking and cycling routes.
Free on-site parking is provided (ample spaces), making a car or taxi the most convenient option; the hotel also offers bicycle rental and is used as a base for cycling and skiing.
Pets are not allowed at the property. The hotel has a small shop for souvenirs and basic items, while supermarkets and convenience stores are a short drive away in the nearby town.