Tsuki no Shizuka
8/10 Excellent - Based on 83 reviews
Tsuki no Shizuka is a traditional Japanese inn tucked into a quiet mountain area near Matsumoto, presenting a measured blend of historic character and functional modern comforts. The property offers both tatami rooms with futon bedding and Western-style rooms with beds, a 24-hour front desk, garden spaces and complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas; some room types include in-room spa baths. Located a short drive or a 20-minute bus ride from JR Matsumoto Station, the ryokan with onsen in Nagano positions guests for easy access to Matsumoto Castle and onward bus connections to destinations such as Kamikochi and Takayama.
Bathing facilities are a central feature: the inn maintains a historic hot spring bathhouse with an open-air bath and public bathing areas that draw on the local thermal source, and the property arranges massages and spa treatments for added relaxation. Meals highlight regional ingredients and seasonal preparation, with dinner-inclusive plans served in an on-site dining room led by a kitchen that emphasizes local produce; a traditional Japanese breakfast is also offered. The accommodation includes an annex and multiple building styles that reflect both renovated and relocated historical structures, and staff provide shuttle or local transport assistance where available.
Practical details for planning a stay include multi-lingual reception services, free on-site parking and arrangements for luggage or car rental on request; the property’s house rules note that children are not accepted. Room categories span shared-bath options to suites that advertise private spa facilities, and guests typically receive a yukata for use around the ryokan and to the bathing areas. For visitors seeking an authentic Matsumoto-area ryokan with onsen Nagano, the inn offers a straightforward base for exploring local sights while experiencing paced, traditional hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tsuki no Shizuka
Positive Reviews
Relaxing, well‑kept onsen
Multiple guests praised the onsen as a highlight — clean, pleasant indoor and outdoor baths, not overcrowded and very relaxing; some described the outdoor bath as especially delightful.
Friendly, attentive staff
Reviews repeatedly mention warm, polite and helpful staff who go out of their way to assist guests, explain procedures despite limited English and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Excellent breakfast and good food options
Many guests enjoyed the breakfast (described as varied, tasty and well prepared); several noted that meals were good when taken and the kitchen staff received praise.
Traditional ryokan atmosphere and amenities
Reviewers appreciated the authentic, comfy, traditional ambience — spacious tatami rooms or Western beds on request, provision of yukata, and charming Showa‑era character.
Good value and convenient access
Guests found the ryokan reasonably priced for what it offers; location is convenient by a short bus ride from the station and staff assist with parking when needed.
Negative Reviews
Outdated facilities and decor
Several guests felt the property is in need of renovation — dated decor, older wings and fixtures, and a general retro feel that some found charming and others found in need of updating.
Lack of private in‑room bathing options
Many rooms do not include a private shower or bath, which was inconvenient for guests who could not use the public onsen (e.g., during menstruation or for other reasons) and would have preferred shower facilities.
Limited operating hours and small bathing areas
Some reviewers noted the onsen or public facilities close early (around 8pm) and that the baths and bar areas are relatively small, which can be restrictive for late arrivals or those wanting to stay out later.
Noise, odors and awkward fixtures in places
A few guests reported issues such as unpleasant toilet odour, loud mechanical/boiler noise near the outdoor bath, and awkwardly placed basin or toilet fixtures that made use less comfortable.
Minor accessibility and logistical inconveniences
Comments included a narrow elevator, tight parking (requiring staff help), slow checkout timing, and occasionally awkward room door/toilet layouts that affected ease of movement for some guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are intended for adult guests; children are not accepted and extra beds or cribs are not available. Some rooms are tatami with futon while others have Western beds, typically suited for one or two adults.
Yes — the property has a historic hot spring with public indoor baths and an open-air (rotenburo) onsen for guests. Baths are gender-separated and use natural hot spring water.
Private baths are not listed as a standard feature; the property primarily offers public and open-air baths, so please contact the ryokan directly to request private-use options or reservations.
The ryokan provides a local shuttle service to Matsumoto (please inform the property of your arrival time). JR Matsumoto Station is the nearest major hub and is about a 20-minute bus ride from the ryokan; airport travelers normally transfer to Matsumoto Station by train or bus first.
Staff can assist guests in basic English but Japanese is the primary language; contact the ryokan in advance if you require specific language support or assistance.
Guests with dinner-inclusive plans are served traditional Japanese meals in the ryokan’s restaurant (local, multi-course style), and a Japanese-style breakfast is offered. If you wish to add dinner or have dietary restrictions, notify the property at least one day before arrival.
Matsumoto Castle is about a 15-minute drive away, and buses from Matsumoto Station provide access to destinations such as Kamikochi, Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen and Takayama. The ryokan is a convenient base for sightseeing in the Matsumoto area.
Buses run between JR Matsumoto Station and local destinations; the ryokan offers on-site private parking and can arrange car rentals on request. Many guests find a rental car gives more flexibility for regional travel.
Check-in is from 15:00 until 23:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the property asks that you inform them of your expected arrival time in advance. Guests are also requested to indicate the gender of each guest to prepare appropriate bathing amenities.
Pets and parties/events are not permitted at the property, and whole-ryokan privatization is not advertised — contact the ryokan for special requests. The ryokan is somewhat rural with limited shops within walking distance, so many guests shop in central Matsumoto for groceries and essentials.