Yorozuya
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 324 reviews
Yorozuya sits in the Yudanaka Onsen area of Yamanouchi, a compact, traditionally styled ryokan that places guests within easy reach of the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and nearby ski terrain. The property is a short walk from Yudanaka Station and offers a free shuttle for arrivals, making it a practical base for day trips across the region. Guest rooms preserve classic Japanese finishes — tatami floors, low tables and futon bedding — with a choice of room sizes that include private bathrooms and small terraces. Public spaces include a lobby lounge, souvenir shop and private dining rooms where multi-course dinners and accommodated dietary requests are served in a measured, attentive service style.
Hot spring provision is a defining feature: Yorozuya draws from three sources to supply six distinct baths, among them the Momoyama Bath, a pure-wood structure registered as a tangible cultural property, and a garden open-air bath framed by mature greenery. Bathing options include indoor baths, an open-air bath and a hot tub, with separate hours for men and women that alternate daily; private bathing is available for an additional fee and some room types offer in-room bathing facilities. These arrangements make the property both a ryokan with private onsen in Yamanouchi, Nagano and a traditional ryokan with onsen in Nagano, suited to travellers seeking either communal thermal experiences or paid private use.
Practical amenities target comfortable multi-night stays: free on-site parking, complimentary lobby Wi‑Fi, and a 24-hour reception. The ryokan operates on a half-board model with breakfast and kaiseki-style dinners timed to the kitchen schedule; advance notice permits halal, vegan or other special menus. Staff manage luggage and arrival times to coordinate dinner service, and the house policies address tattoos and private-bath reservations so guests can plan their onsen use in advance. Overall, the property combines historic bathing architecture with straightforward access and considered in-house dining for a focused hot-spring stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yorozuya
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff and service
Many reviews highlight exceptionally friendly, welcoming and attentive staff who go out of their way to make guests comfortable and explain things in English when needed.
Outstanding traditional meals
Repeated praise for the kaiseki-style dinners and breakfasts — described as delicious, beautifully presented, varied and generous in portion size.
Beautiful, historic onsen
The public and private onsen are consistently described as superb, atmospheric and well maintained — a standout feature that many guests called unforgettable.
Authentic ryokan atmosphere and decor
Guests appreciated the traditional, atmospheric interior and carefully preserved ryokan character; many said the setting felt luxurious and movie‑like despite an older exterior.
Clean, spacious rooms and convenient access
Reviews note roomy, tidy accommodations, helpful private dining options and overall good location/access (walking distance to station or shuttle service available).
Negative Reviews
Aged building and worn finishes
Several guests mentioned visible wear and dated finishes on the exterior and in parts of the hotel; some felt areas could benefit from refurbishment or fresh decoration.
Rustic bathrooms and limited modern amenities
A few reviews called the toilets and some bathroom facilities a bit rustic; others reported difficulty finding or operating climate controls and a lack of Western-style beds or sofas in some rooms.
Language barrier
Multiple guests noted staff have limited English, which can make communication harder — though they also emphasised that staff make strong efforts to help.
Noise and room comfort issues
Isolated complaints included a continuous ventilation noise in a room that couldn’t be turned off and general concerns about temperature control (e.g. indoor baths being very hot).
Onsen scheduling and accessibility limits
A few guests pointed out limited times for certain historic onsen (notably less evening time for women in some sections) or that some onsen areas are busier, which can restrict access for parts of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin rooms for 2 up to a Japanese-style family room with 6 futons; some rooms sleep 3–4 guests. Children are not permitted and extra beds or cots are not available.
The property has public hot-spring baths, open-air baths and hot tubs, and also offers reservable private (kashikiri) baths. Guests with tattoos may be refused entry to public baths, so use of a private bath is recommended if you have tattoos.
A free shuttle to/from the train station is available but must be reserved at the time of booking; there is no advertised airport shuttle. For airports, see directions below or contact the property for transfer advice.
The closest airport cited is Matsumoto (about 104 km); most guests travel by train to Yudanaka Station and then walk or take the station shuttle. Yorozuya is approximately a 7–8 minute walk from Yudanaka Station.
Staff are reported to be helpful and able to explain key information in English; they can assist with local arrangements and special requests. It’s best to state any needs when booking or on arrival.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is until 10:00. You must inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance and update them if your plans change.
Dinner and à la carte breakfast are served on-site, with traditional local cuisine frequently praised by guests. The ryokan can accommodate dietary requests if notified in advance.
Yorozuya is close to Jigokudani Monkey Park (about 4.1 km) and Ryuoo Ski Park (about 10 km); Zenkoji Temple and other Nagano sights are reachable by regional transport. The Yudanaka–Shibu Onsen area also offers onsen streets and local shops within walking distance.
Private onsen (reservable kashikiri baths) are offered and many guests report meals served in private dining rooms. Ask the property when booking to reserve these facilities.
Pets are not permitted at the property. Restaurants, bars and convenience stores are available within a short walk around Yudanaka Station and the nearby onsen area.