Shorenji Lake Hotel
7,6/10 Very good - Based on 26 reviews
Perched on the shore of Shorenji Lake in Nabari, Shorenji Lake Hotel offers a lakefront ryokan experience with Japanese‑style rooms and twin rooms. The property runs a shuttle from Nabari station and provides free on‑site parking and a seasonal outdoor pool; guest rooms typically have views of the lake or surrounding mountains, air conditioning and private bathrooms, and some rooms include a balcony. The hotel maintains a small public lounge and is aimed at travellers seeking quiet lakeside access in Mie.
The hotel’s bathing facilities centre on a panoramic open‑air onsen and accompanying indoor baths; the water is described on the property site as clear and silky to the skin. The open‑air rotenburo faces the lake and nearby ridgelines so guests can take in daytime scenery or an evening sky while bathing. Baths are shared rather than private, and the property presents its onsen as an integral part of the stay alongside standard amenities including complimentary Wi‑Fi and shuttle service.
Meals follow a traditional kaiseki format with seasonal produce and local Iga beef options served in the on‑site dining room; the hotel also stages occasional rooftop BBQs and operates one restaurant for lunch and dinner. Practical details for visitors include on‑site parking, family room configurations and a guest reception that arranges local sightseeing to nearby attractions such as the Akame 48 Waterfalls and Iga cultural sites. As a ryokan with onsen in Mie and a ryokan with onsen in Kansai, the property is positioned for short excursions across the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shorenji Lake Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent cuisine
Many guests praised the meals—especially dinner—describing set meals (kaiseki) as tasty, varied, and generous in portion size; several noted breakfast and dinner were highlights.
Relaxing onsen and baths
Visitors frequently commented that the hot springs/baths were pleasant and contributed to a relaxing stay.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff received strong compliments for warm greetings and attentive service; several guests felt pampered and appreciated extra kindness shown to children.
Scenic location and views
Reviewers highlighted beautiful scenery—lake views, colorful bridges and snow scenes—and appreciated the hotel’s lakeside setting and atmosphere.
Clean, comfortable rooms and amenities
Multiple reviews mentioned clean, comfortable rooms and good amenities (including yukata and toiletries), which made stays comfortable for families.
Negative Reviews
Limited or very traditional meal options
Some guests found the food choices too traditional for children and noted limited alternatives (e.g., Kaiseki-only at times); one mentioned breakfast lacked Western options.
Rooms don’t always have lake views
Several guests expected lake-facing rooms but could not see the lake from their room; the ‘lakeside’ impression was described as potentially misleading.
Some dated facilities and maintenance issues
A few comments referenced a tired or dated feel, minor maintenance issues (faded yukata), and problems like inability to adjust shower temperature or surprising AC filter warnings.
Transport and access inconveniences
Visitors reported an infrequent shuttle bus schedule, early closing of the on-site shop, and occasional traffic making arrival slow.
Perceived price vs condition
A small number of guests felt the hotel was somewhat overpriced given its condition or limited food options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin and triple rooms to Japanese-style rooms with up to four futons; capacities vary by room and extra cots are not available. Children are welcome but those over 12 are treated as adults.
Yes — the property features on-site hot spring facilities including indoor baths and an open-air (rotenburo) bath available to guests.
Private or family-use baths are not listed as standard; please contact the hotel in advance or at check-in to ask about private-bath availability.
The hotel offers free pick-up from Kintetsu Nabari Station on request (advance reservation required); there is no regular airport shuttle, so most guests travel by train to Nabari then use the hotel transfer.
The nearest major international airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX), about 100–110 km away and roughly 1.5–2 hours by car; common onward travel is by train to Nabari Station then the hotel shuttle.
Staff are primarily Japanese and English is limited; basic English is usually understood but bringing a translation app or simple Japanese phrases is recommended.
The ryokan provides tatami-style rooms with futons, guest yukata, and kaiseki-style meals that showcase local Iga ingredients for an authentic Japanese stay.
Nearby highlights include Lake Shorenji (adjacent to the hotel), the Akame 48 Waterfalls, Iga Ninja-related sites, and Muroji Temple, all reachable by short drives.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and guests are asked to arrive by 18:00; check-out is by 10:00. Please notify the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive later than the stated check-in window.
Pets are not permitted. Supermarkets and convenience stores are located in Nabari town about 10–15 minutes by car, and the hotel has an on-site restaurant serving kaiseki and lunch with dinner generally offered as set-course meals by prior arrangement.