The TOJIBA 松川館
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The TOJIBA Matsukawakan is a quietly renovated Showa-era inn set in the mountain woods of Takayama village in Nagano Prefecture, built around a centuries-old alkaline source that the team manages as a free-flowing (kakenagashi) spring. The property keeps its scale deliberately small — nine guest rooms — to focus on traditional hot-spring culture and measured hospitality. Guests find a mix of tatami-floored rooms and simple modern comforts, with communal spaces arranged to make the most of the valley views and the surrounding national-park landscape.
Bathing and thermal facilities form the core of the experience: multiple indoor and outdoor baths fed directly from the source, private open-air tubs that can be reserved for small groups, and two purpose-built saunas sited for forest and ridge-side relaxation. Those features position the inn as a ryokan with onsen Nagano, while the availability of bookable private baths and kashikiri options also make it a ryokan with private onsen Nagano; the on-site program typically describes six distinct hot-spring and sauna experiences, from quiet indoor soaks to guided forest and sky-sauna sessions designed for alternating hot-and-cold bathing.
Meals draw on Shinshu ingredients and seasonal game and mountain produce, presented in modestly prepared set menus and a restorative breakfast rooted in traditional obanzai. Practical details reflect its mountain setting: a free shuttle service from Nagano Station has been expanded in recent months and advance requests are advised, and there is on-site parking for self-driving guests. Overall the property suits travellers seeking a focused thermal and sauna retreat in the Northern Alps, with attentive service and a clear emphasis on bathing culture rather than large-scale resort amenities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: The TOJIBA 松川館
Positive Reviews
Outstanding forest sauna experience
Multiple guests praised the on-site forest saunas (both low- and high-temperature), the atmospheric sauna sessions around the bonfire and even star-filled night views — described as a unique, deeply relaxing experience.
Delicious local cuisine
Meals were repeatedly highlighted as excellent, featuring many local ingredients such as a wide variety of mushrooms and game (jibie). Breakfast porridge and plentiful rice were noted as especially satisfying.
High-quality hot springs (onsen)
Reviewers remarked on the excellent spring quality, with source-fed hot water that left skin smooth and provided lasting warmth; onsen-hopping opportunities nearby were also appreciated.
Friendly, attentive staff and family-friendly atmosphere
Staff were frequently described as warm and helpful; the ryokan welcomed children and multigenerational groups, with family-friendly amenities like retro game corners and table tennis that guests enjoyed.
Private open-air baths, scenic location and drink options
Guests enjoyed the private open-air baths (good atmosphere) and the rural, nature-surrounded setting (waterfalls, national-park scenery). Several reviewers also liked the all-you-can-drink alcohol and soft-drink offerings.
Negative Reviews
Access and scheduling for specialty saunas
Some guests were frustrated by limited hours or extra charges for special saunas (e.g., rooftop/’sky’ sauna requiring a separate fee and evening-only scheduling), which affected their plans.
Safety/condition of access routes to forest sauna
A guest noted that the stairway leading to the forest sauna felt somewhat unstable or poorly fitted, causing concern about the route’s safety.
Room comfort, heating and bedding issues
A few reviewers mentioned thin futons causing back discomfort and, in one case, inadequate room heating, leaving rooms feeling cold for some guests.
Breakfast and drink-selection expectations
Some guests wanted more traditional breakfast items (miso soup, raw egg, nori) and suggested the complimentary soft-drink selection could be improved with higher-quality or healthier options.
Accessibility and occasional service problems
Isolated but serious concerns included lack of barrier-free facilities and a broken washlet, and at least one guest reported unsatisfactory customer service during their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include twin, triple and quadruple layouts with futons available; most room types accommodate between 1 and 4 guests and some overlook the Matsukawa valley.
The ryokan has a source-flow indoor onsen for guests, access to historic local public baths nearby, and a guest-only open-air (kashikiri) bath that can be reserved.
Yes — the open-air private bath is bookable for staying guests and the facility offers private sauna bookings that should be reserved in advance.
There are two private sauna experiences (a forest sauna and a sky/rooftop sauna); both are private, allow self‑löyly, include a cold plunge, and rely on the indoor baths for showering.
The ryokan offers a scheduled free shuttle for guests by prior reservation (please request in advance); the usual public route is via Nagano Station and the local Nagano Dentetsu line to Suzaka/Obuse with a final bus or 20–30 minute car transfer, while the nearest regional airport is roughly 95 km away.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00.
The ryokan provides English information and staff can assist in English, though availability may be limited for detailed requests — contacting the ryokan before arrival is recommended for special needs.
The area is best known for mountain walks, valley views and nearby attractions such as Jigokudani (monkey park), local waterfalls and ski areas; guests commonly combine onsen time with nature walks and short day trips in Nagano Prefecture.
Pets are not accepted; private facilities such as the open‑air bath and saunas can be reserved, and private dining or group arrangements can usually be made with advance notice.
The ryokan serves seasonal local cuisine and an on‑site breakfast; basic shops and convenience stores are located in the nearest towns a short drive away rather than immediately on the ryokan grounds.