Yudanaka Yasuragi
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 685 reviews
Yudanaka Yasuragi is a small, family-run ryokan in Yamanouchi, Nagano, made up of six guest rooms that blend traditional Japanese details with essential modern comforts. Guest rooms have tatami flooring and futon bedding, air conditioning, a refrigerator and electric kettle, and yukata robes are provided; some room types include private toilets. The intimate scale supports a quiet, personal atmosphere and attentive service, with a complimentary shuttle available from the nearby station on request and on-site parking for guests, making the property a convenient base for the local mountains and attractions.
Bath facilities comprise two indoor hot-spring baths, one arranged to capture an outdoor view, and the property operates shared onsen that can be reserved for private use by guests; reception manages reservation slots to allow exclusive bathing when available. That arrangement makes it straightforward for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Nagano to book short, private sessions for couples or small groups while retaining access to communal thermal baths at other times, a practical feature for après‑hike or après‑ski relaxation.
Dinners follow ryokan tradition with multi-course Japanese meals prepared from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients; evening kaiseki menus frequently feature a wagyu main on selected plans, and breakfasts offer both Japanese and simple continental options. The hosts provide hands-on hospitality including luggage help and local guidance, and the compact size of the inn means meals are home-cooked and service is highly personal. Some communal amenities, such as massage chairs, may be available on request, and the property functions as a calm, well‑located base for exploring the onsen town and surrounding nature in Nagano prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yudanaka Yasuragi
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience
Guests repeatedly praise the onsen(s) — private reservable baths that are very relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Warm, attentive hosts
Owners are described as extremely kind and helpful: they provide pick-up/drop-off to the station and monkey park, help with luggage, clear snow from cars, give small gifts and offer personalised service.
Delicious homemade meals
Dinner (often multi-course) and breakfasts are frequently noted as fresh, generous and very tasty; vegan options and traditional Japanese breakfasts are available.
Authentic, traditional ryokan atmosphere
The property offers a strong traditional experience — traditional decor, yukata/kimonos provided, typical meals and a cozy mountain setting that guests found immersive.
Clean, comfortable and well-equipped rooms
Rooms are described as spacious, clean, bright and comfortable with everything needed for a pleasant stay; futons were noted as comfortable by several guests.
Negative Reviews
Firm pillows or cushions
Multiple guests mentioned pillows or cushions being too hard or uncomfortable — a recurring minor complaint.
Hard tatami for some guests
A few reviewers noted the tatami floor can feel firm or hard at first, which might be an issue for those sensitive to firmer sleeping surfaces.
No en-suite bathroom / shared onsen setup
Some visitors were initially surprised or slightly unsettled by the lack of a private in-room bathroom and the need to book the onsen for private use.
Location not within walking distance to some nearby onsen areas
One guest found the property a bit far to walk to Shibu Onsen; guests relying on walking should plan accordingly or use host transport.
Timing / weather can affect activities
A short stay or bad weather (arriving late, rain the next day) can prevent planned outings like visiting the snow monkeys, so allow enough time for local activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary but typically accommodate 2–4 guests depending on the room type; some rooms list 2, 3 or 4 futons so family configurations are available.
The property has on-site hot‑spring baths (two indoor baths, one with an outdoor feel) that all guests may use and can be reserved for private use through reception.
Yes — the ryokan provides a free pick‑up service from Yudanaka Station on request; the inn is also about an eight‑minute walk from the station if you prefer to walk.
Most guests arrive via Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), take the Shinkansen to Nagano and then transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yudanaka; there are limited regional flights to Matsumoto but rail transfers from Nagano are the common route.
Staff speak English and Japanese and can assist with directions, local recommendations and basic guest needs.
Expect traditional touches such as tatami floors, futon bedding, provided yukata robes and kaiseki‑style dinners using local ingredients (the host highlights wagyu as a main dish), delivered in an intimate ryokan setting.
Jigokudani Monkey Park is a short drive away and the Shiga‑Kogen ski area is roughly a 15‑minute drive; the staff can advise on timings and arrange or suggest transport.
The ryokan is about an 8‑minute walk from Yudanaka Station and offers shuttle service; local buses and taxis are available for excursions to nearby sights.
Check‑in is from 15:00 until 23:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; guests are asked to inform the property of their expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not allowed; there is a convenience store directly behind the inn, and the ryokan serves dinner and breakfast (dinner generally requires a reservation by noon on your arrival day).