Yama no Yado Meiji Onsen
6,6/10 Good - Based on 12 reviews
Yama no Yado Meiji Onsen sits in a quiet ravine of the Tateshina highlands, a family-run mountain ryokan with more than 130 years of history where a stream and a small waterfall run beside the property. It is known as a ryokan with onsen in Nagano: guests come for the naturally hued hot springs, open-air views and the surrounding forest. Rooms are simple, Japanese-style, with choices that face the stream or the inland woods to frame the seasonal scenery.
Bathing is communal: the property operates thermal pools drawn from a local source, with indoor and open-air bathing areas; rooms do not include private baths, so visitors use shared facilities. Meals concentrate on regional, seasonal produce served in the dining area or communal space and reflect a home-style approach. Practical amenities include on-site parking, complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, a small library and a lounge. The inn requests arrival by late afternoon because the access road becomes dark after 17:00, and guests may return to the baths on their check-out day.
Set in the Oku-Tateshina area and framed by the Yatsugatake foothills, the ryokan provides direct access to nearby woodland walks and a short drive to scenic spots such as Shirakaba and Suwa lakes. Access is straightforward by private car—about 160 minutes from central Tokyo—or by train to Chino Station followed by a local bus or taxi. The atmosphere suits travelers seeking a rustic mountain retreat focused on bathing, seasonal food and quiet nature rather than contemporary luxury.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yama no Yado Meiji Onsen
Positive Reviews
Beautiful natural setting and views
Multiple reviewers praised the ryokan’s location, noting excellent mountain and nature views and a tranquil, secluded atmosphere ideal for relaxation.
Friendly, helpful staff
Guests described staff as very friendly and accommodating, including being patient and understanding with visitors who were not fluent in Japanese.
Notable onsen experience (varied baths)
Several guests highlighted the onsen as a major positive, enjoying alternating use of a hot red-bath and a clear cold spring which many found very pleasant and restorative.
Convenient access to nearby walking spots
Reviewers appreciated being able to walk to a nearby pond and enjoy immediate access to local nature trails and scenic spots.
Good, varied breakfast using natural ingredients
Breakfast was praised for its variety and use of plentiful natural/local ingredients, with guests finding it delicious.
Negative Reviews
Room comfort issues
Some guests reported the room was not comfortable, indicating problems with bedding or general room comfort during their stay.
Onsen temperature inconsistency
At least one reviewer experienced the onsen as not warm enough; there appears to be inconsistency in water temperature or expectations about bath warmth.
No complimentary water and high-priced bottled water
A guest noted there was no free drinking water available and that small bottles sold on-site were expensive, which felt inconvenient and overpriced.
Dinner quantity and quality concerns
Several reviewers mentioned dinner issues: one found the tempura overly oily, others felt the dinner portions lacked volume or variety, especially compared with breakfast.
Reduced meal offerings on discounted plans affecting value
Guests on discounted plans reported that their meals contained fewer items compared with others, leading some to feel the cost-performance or value was poor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are set up with futons; standard triples sleep up to 3 guests and the larger Japanese-style room can accommodate up to 6 guests. Enter the exact number of guests when booking to see available room types.
Yes — the property has a natural hot spring bath; guest reviews describe iron-rich water with distinct reddish tones and multiple temperature pools for soaking. The baths are traditional and valued by visitors for their therapeutic quality.
The onsen is primarily a public/shared facility and private-use baths are not listed as standard; guests should contact the property directly to ask about any possible private reservation options. Day-trip users sometimes share the facilities, so availability can vary.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the nearest major airport (Matsumoto) is about 50–52 km away. Guests commonly arrive by rental car, private vehicle (free on-site parking), or taxi from nearby train stations.
Staff communication is primarily in Japanese; English may be limited at the ryokan. Bring a translation app or simple Japanese phrases if you have specific requests.
Check-in is between 15:00 and 17:00, and check-out is between 08:00 and 10:00. If you expect to arrive outside those times, notify the property in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the property, and parties or similar events are not allowed. The ryokan operates as a quiet, traditional lodging rather than an event venue.
The ryokan is in a rural, mountain area with limited nearby shops; there are more shopping options in Chino town or near larger stations. Guests driving in often stop for supplies before arriving and can use the free parking.
There is an on-site restaurant serving Japanese cuisine, typically multi-course dinners and breakfast offerings. Special dietary requests should be mentioned to the property in advance.
The ryokan is a good base for hiking and nature — nearby highlights include Shirakaba Lake, Lake Suwa and local mountain trails; Kami-Suwa and regional attractions are reachable by car. Public buses are limited, so a car or taxi is the most practical way to visit surrounding sights.