Takimi Onsen Inn that only accepts one group per day
9,8/10 Exceptional - Based on 189 reviews
Takimi Onsen Inn is a small, family-run ryokan set beside a forested ravine in Nagiso, Nagano. Operating on a one-group-per-day policy, the property guarantees exclusive use of its bathing facilities and common spaces to arriving guests. Rooms combine traditional tatami, futon bedding and a compact sitting area, with windows or verandas framing the sound and sight of a nearby waterfall; furnishings and layouts focus on quiet comfort and a low-rise, authentic atmosphere. This ryokan with private onsen Nagano offers an immersive, undisturbed stay for couples, families or small groups who prioritise privacy and natural surroundings.
Bathers can choose between an indoor hinoki or stone bath and an outdoor open-air onsen, both supplied by the local spring and arranged so the staying party has sole access during their visit. Evening meals are prepared by the hosts using regional ingredients and served in a traditional style—examples in guest accounts include hearth-cooked dishes and multi-course dinners that change seasonally—while breakfasts emphasise local produce. The proprietors frequently assist with logistics, offering pick-up and drop-off at nearby stations and practical advice for nearby attractions such as sections of the Nakasendo trail, historic post towns and local hiking routes.
Service is personal and understated: daily housekeeping, bilingual reception, and a compact footprint that keeps facilities easy to navigate. Guests report straightforward amenities such as on-site parking, non-smoking rooms and Wi‑Fi in common areas; the location encourages day hikes, river walks and simple relaxation rather than busy sightseeing. For travellers seeking a secluded, traditional ryokan with onsen experience in Nagano prefecture, the inn presents a clear option where the focus is on privacy, handcrafted meals and time in the water.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Takimi Onsen Inn that only acc…
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive hosts
Many guests highlight very welcoming, helpful owners who go above and beyond (meeting guests at stations, driving or advising on local walks, caring for wet clothes), creating a personal and authentic experience.
Stunning forest and waterfall setting
The ryokan's location—isolated in the woods with direct views of an impressive waterfall—is repeatedly praised for its beauty and tranquillity, often described as a unique, idyllic setting.
Exceptional traditional food
Meals (kaiseki-style dinners, grilled preparations and breakfasts) are frequently described as outstanding, lovingly prepared with high-quality ingredients and among the best dining experiences of guests' trips.
Excellent onsen facilities with waterfall view
Guests appreciate well-maintained indoor and outdoor onsen baths, including private-feeling tubs with direct views of the waterfall — a highlight for relaxation and atmosphere.
Comfortable, authentic accommodation
The house is valued for its traditional, well-appointed character: spacious, bright rooms, comfortable futons and a refined but warm ambiance that many guests found restful and memorable.
Negative Reviews
Fixed meal times limit early departures
Meal and breakfast schedules are fixed, which can force guests to delay departures or adjust transport plans (for example, not being able to leave before around 10:00 after breakfast).
Waterfall noise can be loud
Because the property sits next to a powerful waterfall, the constant roar—especially during rainy seasons—may be disturbing for light sleepers unless they use ear protection.
Inconsistent room decor / some rooms feel dated
A few guests noted that room decoration and furnishings vary; some rooms appeared more rudimentary or slightly old-fashioned compared with others, which is a matter of taste.
Visible maintenance items and unfinished landscaping
Some reviewers mentioned practical or visual issues (e.g., exposed hoses in the onsen area, garden not finished on arrival), and that photos do not fully match the current appearance in places.
Price perceived as high by some
A minority of guests felt the experience was somewhat expensive, noting the cost as a potential downside despite acknowledging the quality of the stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
The inn accepts only one private group per day; the property is arranged across a few traditional bedrooms (the listing shows three bedrooms), so check your reservation for exact maximum occupancy.
The ryokan offers indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for exclusive use by your group, and guests are generally able to use the baths throughout their stay; confirm any specific rules when you book.
The owners offer complimentary pickup and drop-off from the nearest JR station (Nagiso) or nearby Tsumago on request; please provide your arrival time in advance.
The closest major airport is Matsumoto (roughly 90–100 km); from there take public transport to JR Nagiso station and the inn can arrange station pickup.
Staff at the ryokan speak Japanese and English.
Dinner and breakfast are served on-site as traditional Japanese multi-course meals using local ingredients; notify the inn in advance for dietary requests.
Pets are not permitted, and the inn is reserved exclusively for your party since it accepts only one group per day, giving you full privacy.
The property is in a remote, forested area with limited nearby shops, so guests typically rely on the ryokan for meals and should bring small essentials or ask hosts for assistance.
Nearby highlights include the historic post towns (Tsumago and Otsumago), local temples, waterfalls, hiking trails and fishing; the hosts can help arrange walks and local drop-offs.
Check-in is from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM; please confirm your arrival time ahead of arrival so the hosts can arrange station pickup and meal timing.