Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 9 reviews
Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso sits on the lower slopes of Mount Asama, offering a quietly rooted mountain retreat composed of a main ryokan, cottages and an adjacent auto-camp area. Set in woodland with views across the Asama foothills, the property balances traditional Japanese-style rooms with futons and low furnishings and a selection of self-contained cottages with kitchenettes. As a ryokan with onsen in Komoro, Nagano, it caters to hikers and families alike, with on-site parking, a small gardened terrace and straightforward facilities for outdoor activities.
The defining feature is its iron-rich spring: the source is used as free-flowing onsen water that oxidises to a distinctive reddish-brown hue and is prized for its warming quality. Baths are arranged to capture two different moods — a sheltered, forest-facing indoor pool and an open terrace bath that frames seasonal mountain views — both supplied directly from the source. Public bathing is the norm, and the property offers day-use bathing and private options for guests in certain units; standard bathing etiquette and separate gendered areas are observed.
Meals emphasise local produce and seasonal ingredients, with set menus that highlight mountain vegetables, hand-made soba and occasional foraged mushrooms; cottages offer optional BBQ plans. Beyond soaking, this ryokan with onsen in Nagano runs activities including guided mushroom walks, soba-making, horseback riding and direct access to Asama hiking trails, making it a practical base for exploration. Accommodation ranges from shared-bathroom guest rooms to cottages and lodges with private facilities, so guests should select the room type that fits their preference for privacy and comfort.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso
Positive Reviews
Excellent location for hiking (Mt. Asama)
Guests highlight the ryokan’s location in nature as ideal for hiking and accessing Mt. Asama — very convenient for outdoor activities and mountain excursions.
Relaxing onsen with pleasant water
Reviewers describe the onsen as pleasant and relaxing, with comfortable water temperature; some specifically praised the distinctive red-colored hot spring.
Delicious, plentiful local meals
Meals were repeatedly praised for tasty mountain-vegetable dishes and many courses; guests noted homemade touches (including hand-made soba and items like quiche) and generous portions.
Warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere
The owner’s attentive service and hospitality (omotenashi) received strong praise; guests appreciated the friendly atmosphere, including a sociable resident dog and owner involvement in meal preparation.
Scenic, tranquil setting away from tourist hotspots
Visitors enjoyed the peaceful mountain and forest views, the feeling of being away from busy tourist areas, and the overall calming, restorative experience.
Negative Reviews
Rooms have shared bathroom/toilet
Several guests noted that rooms use shared bathrooms and toilets rather than private en-suite facilities; some would have preferred an in-room toilet.
Facilities are simple—mountain-lodge style
Reviewers warned that the onsen and lodging are modest and reflect a mountain-lodge image, so expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
Attracts hikers/visitors using it as a trailhead
Some comments mention the property’s role as a trailhead for Mt. Asama and that it draws visitors coming specifically for hiking and the natural environment, which may affect the guest mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are Japanese-style with futons; typical options include economy (3 futons), standard (4 futons) and superior (5 futons), so rooms can sleep up to five people in a single unit.
The property has a hot‑spring (onsen) bathing area for guests; it is a communal onsen and private/reservable baths are not advertised.
No regular airport or station shuttle is listed; most guests arrive by car or taxi and the ryokan offers free on‑site parking.
The nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto Airport, roughly 70–75 km from the ryokan; driving or a taxi from the airport is the most direct option.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English proficiency is limited but staff are described as helpful and will assist basic English enquiries where possible.
You can expect a traditional ryokan stay with tatami rooms and Japanese‑style meals; the property serves an Asian breakfast and guests report locally sourced, seasonal home‑style dinners when available.
Nearby highlights include Mount Asama and Asama 2000 Park, the Honmachi historic district in Komoro, and Karuizawa and the Usui Pass area within reasonable driving distance.
The nearest rail access points are Miyota (Shinano Railway) and Karuizawa about 24 km away; from stations you will need a taxi or local bus, so travelling by car is the simplest option.
Standard check‑in starts at 14:00 (2:00 pm) with a typical latest check‑in in the evening, and check‑out is by 10:00 (10:00 am); confirm exact times when you book.
Pets are not permitted on the property; private onsen use is not advertised, and guests typically use the communal bath; convenience stores and small supermarkets in Komoro town are a short drive away for basic supplies.