Wafu-no-Yado MASUYA
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 709 reviews
Wafu-no-Yado MASUYA is a traditional Japanese inn set in the onsen town near Yudanaka in Nagano, housed in a historic building registered as a tangible cultural property. The property sits a short drive from Yudanaka Station and offers convenient access to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, making it a practical base for exploring the valley’s hot-spring villages and mountain scenery. Public areas combine simple, well-maintained communal spaces with a calm, low-key atmosphere designed around seasonal rhythms and regional crafts; a small lounge and on-site parking are available, and the property operates a shuttle service to nearby transport points on request.
Accommodation is arranged across twenty traditional-style rooms furnished with tatami flooring and futon bedding, and four of those rooms feature private open-air baths set to the property’s natural spring source. Guests may choose rooms with private outdoor soaking facilities or use the ryokan’s larger indoor and outdoor baths, all supplied by source-flowing hot springs; the combination of shared and in-room bathing options positions the property clearly as a ryokan with private onsen Nagano. Practical in-room amenities include a seating area, refrigerator and simple media, while the ryokan lends colored gowns for guests who wish to adopt a more traditional look around the premises.
Culinary offerings emphasise seasonal, local ingredients presented as multi-course kaiseki dinners and a morning meal reflecting the region’s produce; many courses are served in small private dining spaces to preserve privacy and focus. The inn also provides a modest programme of cultural touches such as flower-pressing activities and assistance with day trips to nearby attractions. With its combination of source-fed communal baths, a limited number of rooms with private baths, and easy access to Yamanouchi’s onsen circuit, the property functions well for visitors seeking a measured traditional stay at a ryokan with onsen Nagano.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Wafu-no-Yado MASUYA
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive hospitality
Multiple reviewers praised extremely welcoming, kind and helpful staff — from personalised meal arrangements (including vegetarian options) to assisting with luggage, providing tea on arrival and organising shuttle drops to attractions and the train station.
Exceptional meals (kaiseki)
Many guests highlighted the high-quality, carefully prepared dinners and breakfasts (seasonal ingredients, varied menus across nights) and described the kaiseki meals as delicious and memorable.
Relaxing, well-maintained onsens
Guests enjoyed the onsen facilities — described as clean, calm and well-equipped, with options to use private baths and devoted time in the baths as a major benefit of the stay.
Authentic ryokan experience and rooms
Reviews emphasised the traditional atmosphere: tatami and futon rooms, yukata and immersive Japanese-style service that provided a peaceful, authentic stay.
Convenient location and helpful services
Positive mentions included the ryokan’s central location in Shibu Onsen, free parking, complimentary or organised shuttles to Yudanaka/Snow Monkey Park and overall easy access to nearby attractions.
Negative Reviews
Onsen rules and tattoo restrictions
Several guests noted strict policies banning visible tattoos from public baths (though covering with bandages was offered), and that similar restrictions may apply in the surrounding town — important for tattooed visitors to know.
Small bathrooms and limited luggage space
Some reviewers warned that private bathrooms can be quite small and rooms have limited storage for larger suitcases, which may be inconvenient for longer stays.
Bath access information can be unclear
A few guests reported a lack of clear information about evening bath procedures (e.g. needing to request a key at reception), which led to finding doors closed if not informed.
Breakfast taste and cost concerns
At least one reviewer found the 2,200 yen per person breakfast not to their taste (specific items described as too sweet or too salty) and questioned the value for that price.
Accessibility and occasional room issues
Some practical drawbacks mentioned: steep steps at the main entrance (no ramp) complicating luggage handling, occasional noisy dining atmosphere, early-morning light due to no blackout blinds, and isolated reports of a faulty in-room toilet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese style with futon bedding and commonly accommodate 2 adults; some room types sleep families up to three or four, and children of all ages are welcome. Cribs and extra beds are not available so please enter the correct number and ages when booking.
Yes — the property has indoor and outdoor communal hot spring baths, and a few suite guestrooms include a private outdoor onsen for exclusive in-room use. Public baths are shared and follow typical Japanese onsen etiquette.
The ryokan provides free shuttle pick-up from Yudanaka Station (you can call on arrival) and offers a morning drop-off service to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Shuttle times and pickup procedures are handled by the property, so notify them of arrival details.
From Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports take a Shinkansen or limited express to Nagano, then transfer to the local train to Yudanaka Station, from which the ryokan is a short taxi ride or shuttle pickup. The official directions on the property’s site list common public-transport routes and driving times.
The ryokan provides information in English and staff can assist English-speaking guests, though service language levels may vary. If you need specific assistance, mention it when you reserve.
Traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners are served, typically in private dining rooms, and a Japanese-style breakfast is offered each morning. If you have dietary restrictions, notify the ryokan in advance so they can try to accommodate your requests.
The property is close to Shibu Onsen and about a 15-minute drive to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park; Heiwa Kannon and other local sights are also nearby, with Zenko-ji Temple roughly an hour by car. The ryokan can advise on local walking routes and day-trip options.
Free on-site parking is available (limited number of slots) and taxis serve the short route to Yudanaka Station; local buses and trains connect the area but schedules can be limited in rural seasons. The ryokan can provide pickup/drop-off information.
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM and checkout is at 11:00 AM; if you have dinner with the ryokan, the last check-in time may be earlier, so inform the property of your arrival time in advance. They request arrival details so meals and transfers can be arranged.
Pets are not allowed at the property; select suites offer private in-room onsen baths, but the main indoor and outdoor onsen are shared and typically not fully privatized. A convenience store is about a 15-minute walk away and a few restaurants are within a short stroll.