Tamakyu Ryokan

9.4
Exceptional
(89 reviews)

2069 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan

+81 269-33-3591

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Hotel Description

Tamakyu Ryokan, located at 2069 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan, is a charming hot spring inn nestled in a tranquil side street, offering a serene escape for guests looking to relax and rejuvenate. Just 2 km from Yudanaka train station and the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum, the inn is ideally situated for visitors to explore the surrounding natural beauty and cultural sites. A short 3 km away, the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park invites travelers to observe wild snow monkeys in their natural habitat. The design of the Ryokan evokes a traditional Japanese aesthetic, with tatami floors, futons, and low wooden tables, creating a calm and minimalist ambiance. This is the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic, peaceful retreat in the Japanese Alps.
The Ryokan’s eight understated rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and comfortable futons, providing guests with a peaceful and cozy space to unwind. The tatami floors and traditional Japanese décor offer a serene atmosphere, ideal for relaxation after a day of exploration. The natural onsen (hot spring) bathhouses are one of the hotel's highlights, with communal indoor baths featuring natural hot spring water, offering an authentic Japanese bathing experience.
Tamakyu Ryokan provides a variety of special amenities to ensure a convenient and enjoyable stay. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, allowing guests to stay connected, while the public bath offers a soothing soak in mineral-rich hot spring water. Breakfast and dinner are available at the Ryokan, providing a traditional Japanese dining experience with fresh, local ingredients. Parking is also provided for guests arriving by car.
When it comes to accessibility, Tamakyu Ryokan is ideally located near key public transportation hubs, making it easy for guests to explore the area. Yudanaka Station is a short 5-minute taxi ride or 25-minute walk from the hotel, while Shibu Onsen is only a 4-minute walk away. For those traveling by air, Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport is about an hour and a half by taxi, or just over three hours by public transport.
Health and safety measures are a top priority at Tamakyu Ryokan. The inn follows strict hygiene protocols to ensure guests' well-being, with regular cleaning and disinfecting of all common areas and rooms. The staff is committed to providing a safe and comfortable stay for every guest.
There is no shortage of things to do while staying at Tamakyu Ryokan. Guests can explore the nearby Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, just a 13-minute drive away, where they can see the famous snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs. Shiga Kogen, a renowned ski resort with 71 lifts, is a 16-minute drive from the hotel, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. For those interested in winter sports, the Shigakogen Hasuike Ski Area is also nearby. Additionally, the Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, is an hour and nine minutes away by car.
The surrounding area offers several top sights and attractions, including Shiga Kogen, a popular destination for skiing and hiking, and Ryuoo Ski Park, a scenic mountain resort offering winter sports and panoramic views. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or cultural immersion, Tamakyu Ryokan provides the perfect base.
Dining options near the Ryokan are plentiful. Guests can enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants, including Chokkun Izakaya, an izakaya-style restaurant just a minute away by taxi, or the popular Kozushi sushi restaurant. For a more casual experience, Motoya offers excellent yakitori, while The Farmhouse provides a lively beer hall atmosphere. Gonki is another local favorite, offering a wide range of dishes to satisfy any palate.
Tamakyu Ryokan welcomes you to experience the peaceful beauty of Nagano and the warm hospitality of traditional Japanese innkeeping. Whether you’re soaking in the natural hot spring baths, savoring a delicious meal, or simply unwinding in the comfort of your room, this ryokan promises a memorable and authentic stay in the heart of Japan’s alpine region.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Located in a peaceful, secluded area off a side street, offering tranquility for guests.

2. Traditional Japanese design with tatami floors, futons, and low wooden tables in every room.

3. Natural onsen bathhouses with mineral-rich hot spring water for an authentic Japanese bathing experience.

4. Wi-Fi availability throughout the hotel to stay connected with ease.

5. Excellent service with breakfast and dinner options featuring fresh, local ingredients.

6. Convenient access to public transport with Yudanaka Station and Shibu Onsen within walking distance.

7. Proximity to famous attractions like the Snow Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen ski resorts.

8. Complimentary parking provided for guests traveling by car.

9. Emphasis on health and safety with regular cleaning and strict hygiene protocols.

10. Several renowned restaurants nearby, including Kozushi sushi and Chokkun Izakaya.


9.2 Exceptional

Location rating

Top sights

Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
13 min
Shiga Kogen
16 min
Shigakogen Hasuike Ski Area
16 min
Kusatsu Onsen
1 hr 9 min
Ryuoo Ski Park
23 min

Nearest locations

Chokkun Izakaya 居酒屋ちょっくん
1 min
Kozushi
1 min
Motoya
1 min
gonki
2 min
来々軒
2 min
Kaneshin
2 min
The Farmhouse
4 min
ショクドウヨロシキニチ
4 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating9.2
Nearest airportShinshu-Matsumoto Airport
Travel time to airport1 hr 31 min

Location

2069 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan

Airports:

Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 31 min

Transit: 3 hr 23 min

Transit:

Shibu Onsen

Walking: 4 min

Shibu Wagobashi

Walking: 1 min

Yudanaka Station

Taxi: 5 min

Walking: 25 min


Nearby locations

9.2

Exceptional Location

Off a narrow side street, this laid-back hot spring inn is 2 km from both Yudanaka train station, and the art exhibits at the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum. It’s 3 km from Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

Parking

Public bath

Public bath

Natural onsen

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

Air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

9.6

9 reviews

Wonderful
7
Excellent
2
Good
0
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
Cover Image for カラット

カラット

4/5
This is a good old ryokan, and the hot baths where men and women switch places at night are wonderful. When I entered the entrance, I was first impressed by the tatami flooring in front of the front desk.Many small inns have shared toilets, but this one had a good point because it was in the room. However, I was disappointed that there was no cold water pot in the room, so I only had hot water. The hot springs are quite hot, so you'll want to prepare water.The inside of the building was extremely clean, the people working there were very impressive, and the food was of good quality, using local ingredients.Breakfast is Japanese food. The grilled salmon was quite well-cooked, and I was disappointed that it became hard as it cooled, but the side dishes were all good for the body. The most popular item this time was the corn soup pot pie. I didn't have dinner because I had decided to eat out while walking around.The parking lot is located along the narrow street in front of the inn (about 30m east of the inn).You can enter the street in front of the inn by car, but unless you have a light vehicle, you cannot turn at the corner at the end of the street (you cannot exit from the back street), so if you enter from the east (along the river) and park in the parking lot, you will have to turn in when leaving. You will be able to exit by going back along the road. Even if you make a mistake, a car with a long wheelbase like the Alphard will not be able to make a U-turn in a narrow alley, so it is better to avoid going into the back alley and consult your hotel.Bath number 4 is right next door, and the next nearest bath number 5 is about 50 meters away. Both are super hot and the best.Of course, the hot springs at the inn are also the best, and although it's hot and makes you sweat, it's strange that you don't get sticky sweat.There are no vending machines or water coolers at the hotel, so it's best to buy it from a vending machine in an alley, or buy it along the way and store it in your room's refrigerator. Touring the hot springs can make you quite thirsty, so it's best to carry water with you.Also, the wooden clogs provided at the inn will make walking difficult and tiring if you are not used to them, so it is best to rent sandals or prepare your own.

Cover Image for 純子

純子

5/5
As others have written, the food is very delicious. It could even be called a culinary inn. The bath is also tasteful and unique to Shibu Onsen. It felt like I had hit a bargain. I didn't take any photos, but they are just as others have taken them.

Cover Image for H Spring

H Spring

5/5
The dishes are so careful and full of ingenuity that I'm constantly impressed. It was a kaiseki meal that was a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine, but both the appearance and taste were of a high standard. Located near the center of Shibu Onsen, it is very convenient for visiting public baths.

Cover Image for James Mouat

James Mouat

5/5
Excellent rooms in the traditional Japanese style. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Breakfast and dinner services are plentiful and delicious! I enjoyed my stay here immensely.

Cover Image for t.nakamura

t.nakamura

5/5
Located one street away from the main street of Shibu Onsen, it is quiet and relaxing.The meals are prepared with great care and everything is delicious.

Cover Image for Kim

Kim

5/5
Really recommend this traditional Japanese inn (ryokan)! I looked very nice, it was clean and the hosts were very friendly. They will give you a key to enter all the 9 hot springs.I booked via their official website. Everything is in Japanese but very easy to book if you use the translator on the website

Cover Image for 北澤克利

北澤克利

4/5
Although the building is old, it is very well kept and the tatami mats are clean.It was a room with a toilet and washroom (the best)However, stink bugs are coming in through the gaps in the windows, so there's nothing you can do about it!Dinner and breakfast are excellent.The waiter will explain the dishes.The indoor bath is also great, but the source water is apparently 60 degrees Celsius, so it's pretty hot.Wi-Fi is available and you can pay by credit card, so it seems easy to stay even in the old Shibu Onsen.Convenient parking lot nearby, but max 4 carsThe rest is along the river.Thank you to Tamaku Ryokan's wife and staff for visiting Shibu Onsen for the first time.

Cover Image for Gaia

Gaia

5/5
The food is really goodIt was delicious.The high quality of the materials andThe chef's passionNumerous masterpieces.Homemade picklesRice from the landlady's family, etc.It was the best.The location is also good for visiting the public baths.Conveniently located in the middleThe location is also good.Probably one of the best accommodations!

Cover Image for Mas Yam

Mas Yam

5/5
A small inn located deep in the hot spring town of Shibu Onsen. According to the host, there are only 5 rooms.When I arrived, I asked where to park and the owner and a young man who appeared to be a young man kindly showed me around. The staff at the inn were kind to me in every way, including providing information about meals, and I had a comfortable stay. Like the hot spring town, the inn had a Showa-era feel, but it had been cleaned and renovated and felt clean, and the environment was comfortable, taking into account the intense heat, with air conditioning working not only in the rooms but also in the hallways. There were some people with small children, but it was quiet probably because the rooms were separated.The dishes make use of local ingredients, and both dinner and breakfast were delicious while listening to the explanations. (My daughter said the rice was delicious, so I asked her about it and was told that the landlady's rice was made by her parents.) Also, the local beer that you can choose from at dinner was great.Although the hot spring was hot (due to the source being over 60 degrees Celsius) and we had to dilute it with water, the water was of good quality.It was also nice to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of an old-fashioned hot spring town, such as strolling around with my family while playing the geta clogs after dinner.This was my first time staying at an inn, and it was a warm and nice inn that I would like to stay at again.There was a hot spring manju shop nearby that steamed manju from early in the morning, which made for a great souvenir.