I still remember my first trip to Nagano. I went to Tangram Ski Circus, a ski resort in Shinano, and stayed at Barton Hotel. After a long day on the slopes, soaking in an onsen was the perfect way to relax. In Nagano, the combination of hot onsen water, crisp air, and surrounding nature makes the experience unforgettable.
It’s not just the onsen that make Nagano special. The region is famous for its snowy mountains, 80 ski resorts, Jigokudani Monkey Park, charming rural villages, breathtaking landscapes. And among these, you’ll find traditional Japanese inns, known as ryokan, that offer the perfect setting for a peaceful getaway. Some ryokan take the experience even further by offering private onsen, where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in complete privacy.
So if you’re planning a trip to Nagano, here are 10 ryokan with private onsen that promise an unforgettable experience, sorted by budget range.
- Quick Comparison: Ryokan with Private Onsen in Nagano
- Kamesei Ryokan (Affordable)
- Wafu-no-Yado Masuya (Mid-range)
- Ryokan Warabino (Affordable)
- Ryokan Biyu no Yado (Mid-range)
- Shibu Onsen Yumoto Ryokan (Affordable)
- Aburaya Tousen (Luxury)
- Shibu Onsen Kokuya (Mid-range)
- Ichinoyu Katei (Mid-range)
- Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku (Luxury)
- Seni Onsen Iwanoyu (Luxury)
Quick Comparison: Ryokan with Private Onsen in Nagano
| Ryokan | Location | Starting Price (for two adults) | Private Onsen Option | Unique Features | Link |
| Kamesei Ryokan | Chikuma (Togura-Kamiyamada) | ~¥11,000 | Free reservable outdoor bath | Foreign-friendly, cultural activities | Booking.com |
| Wafu-no-Yado Masuya | Yudanaka Onsen | ~¥22,000 | Some rooms w/ private bath + reservable outdoor bath | Elegant, very kind staff | Booking.com |
| Ryokan Warabino | Takayama Village (rural) | ~¥23,000 | 4 private baths (no booking needed) | Secluded, farm-to-table cuisine | Booking.com |
| Ryokan Biyu no Yado | Yudanaka Onsen | ~¥25,000 | Rooftop private bath (paid) | 4 onsen types, English-speaking staff | Booking.com |
| Shibu Onsen Yumoto Ryokan | Shibu Onsen (central) | ~¥33,000 | Reservable outdoor bath (40 min slots) | Edo-period inn, very affordable | Agoda |
| Aburaya Tousen | Yudanaka Onsen | ~¥40,000 | Some rooms w/ private bath + reservable baths | Stylish, rooftop bar, 11 bath types | Booking.com |
| Shibu Onsen Kokuya | Shibu Onsen | ~¥43,000 | Some rooms w/ private bath + 2 reservable baths | Historic, 9 bath types, amazing meals | Booking.com |
| Ichinoyu Katei | Shibu Onsen | ~¥45,000 | Free private bath (40 min slots) | Small, very quiet, great service | Booking.com |
| Kanbayashi Senjukaku | Near Snow Monkey Park | ~¥52,000 | One reservable private bath | Imperial guests, indoor pool, snow garden views | Booking.com |
| Seni Onsen Iwanoyu | Suzaka (rural, remote) | ~¥90,000 | 5 unique private baths (free access) | True luxury, artistic dining, mountain retreat | IKYU |
Kamesei Ryokan (Affordable)
- Best for: Travelers who want a culturally immersive, foreigner-friendly ryokan outside the tourist areas
- Price range for two adults: ¥11,000—¥30,000
Kamesei Ryokan sits in the quiet onsen town of Togura-Kamiyamada, about 30 minutes south of Nagano City. This family-run inn has gained a reputation for its warm hospitality, mostly thanks to Tyler, the American-born third-generation innkeeper who runs it with his Japanese wife. If you’re intimidated by staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan or worried about communication, this is a great place to start. The atmosphere is down-to-earth, casual, and welcoming, like visiting a friend’s home.
The rooms are traditional, with tatami floors, futon bedding, and sliding doors, but the vibe isn’t overly formal. Some rooms have private toilets, others share. The ryokan is an older wooden structure, which means some creaks and thin walls, but it’s clean, charming, and thoughtfully maintained. You’ll also find small touches like retro Japanese art and hand-picked antiques in the hallways, adding to the nostalgic Showa-era feel.
Kamesei’s highlight is the outdoor private onsen, the Shinano-buro, which you can book for free. It’s a cozy rock-lined tub set in a quiet garden and is especially atmospheric in the snow. Booking is simple — just reserve your time slot at the front desk and enjoy the space to yourself. There are also public indoor baths for men and women, and the onsen water here is slightly sulfuric, famous for its silky effect on the skin.
Meals are a mix of home-style kaiseki and local specialties like apple-fed pork, mountain vegetables, and handmade miso soup. Breakfast includes items like grilled fish and local fruit, and portions are generous. Meals are served in a communal dining area, but Tyler and his team go out of their way to explain dishes and chat with guests, which many remember as a highlight.
Kamesei also offers something you won’t find at most ryokan: cultural activities. Depending on availability, you might be invited on a bike tour around town, join a taiko drum demonstration, or even catch a local geisha performance. Tyler sometimes drives guests to scenic spots around the town or the nearby mountains. These experiences aren’t guaranteed, but they reflect the ryokan’s unique strength: genuine hospitality and personal interaction.
This isn’t the place to go if you want ultra-modern amenities or elegant dining. But if you’re open to meeting your hosts, chatting with other travelers, and soaking in a more personal kind of onsen experience, Kamesei offers something truly memorable, especially at this price point.
Wafu-no-Yado Masuya (Mid-range)
- Best for: Travelers who want comfort and elegance without straying too far from tradition
- Price range for two adults: ¥22,000—¥70,000
Wafu-no-Yado Masuya is a well-regarded ryokan in Yudanaka Onsen that balances tradition and comfort with quiet sophistication. It’s not flashy, but everything is just right: calm rooms, refined food, polished service. It’s a good choice if you want a proper ryokan experience with a bit of style, but without breaking the bank.
The ryokan is family-run, and the staff are known for being genuinely kind and attentive. English is spoken to some extent, but more importantly, the team goes out of their way to make you feel welcome, explaining the meals, helping with transport, and accommodating requests where possible.
Rooms are clean and classically styled. They have four rooms with open-air baths on the balcony though even the standard rooms feel peaceful and well-cared for. You can also book a private outdoor bath on-site, free of charge. The public indoor bath area is smaller than in some larger ryokan, but well-maintained and rarely crowded.
The food here is one of the highlights. Dinner is served kaiseki-style, featuring local Shinshu beef, mountain vegetables, and seasonal dishes. The presentation is beautiful, but not overdone. It feels like dining at a good countryside restaurant rather than a formal hotel. Breakfast follows a similar approach: thoughtful, balanced, and filling, with rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and small sides. Meals are usually served in private rooms or semi-private areas, depending on the room plan.
Masuya is a 7-minute walk from Yudanaka Station, with a shuttle available by request. It’s close enough to reach the Snow Monkey Park in 15–20 minutes, but far enough to avoid the usual tourist traffic. The ryokan is also part of the Yudanaka-Shibu onsen area, so you can walk to a few public baths nearby if you want to explore further.
In short, Masuya is great for people who want a comfortable, quiet, and traditionally run ryokan with little luxuries like private baths and good food, but don’t necessarily need the most upscale or remote setting. It’s ideal for a first or second ryokan stay where you want to feel looked after but still enjoy your space.
Ryokan Warabino (Affordable)
- Best for: Couples or solo travelers looking for a quiet mountain getaway
- Price range for two adults: ¥23,000—¥40,000
Ryokan Warabino is a secluded retreat in the hills of Takayama Village, about 40 minutes by car from Nagano. It’s a great option if you want to fully unplug and soak in nature, literally and figuratively. This is not a place for sightseeing-packed itineraries. It’s best suited for travelers who want to stay put, enjoy the onsen, eat well, and rest.
The ryokan has just eight rooms, each with rustic Japanese design and big windows looking out over the forest or valley. Rooms are clean and atmospheric, though not flashy. Some include features like a sunken hearth or small veranda, adding to the mountain-lodge feel.
The standout feature here is the onsen setup. Warabino doesn’t have large public baths. Instead, it offers four private hot spring baths, which are freely available on a first-come basis. No need to book time slots. If the door is unlocked, you’re free to enter and enjoy a quiet soak. Each bath has its own character: some are indoor, others are open-air with views of the trees and sky. Most guests say they never had to wait, even when the ryokan is full.
Meals are served in the dining hall, spaced out for privacy. The cuisine focuses on seasonal, local ingredients, like mushrooms in autumn, hotpots in winter, mountain vegetables year-round. The presentation is refined, but the style is rooted in countryside cooking. You won’t get showy kaiseki here, but the flavors are excellent and portions generous.
Because of its location, there’s not much to do nearby. This is the kind of place where you arrive, take off your shoes, and settle in. The staff are friendly and give you space, though they’re happy to help with logistics like train station transfers if requested in advance.
Warabino is ideal if you want a peaceful ryokan stay with real privacy, especially when it comes to bathing. At this price, getting free access to four private baths and meals of this quality is rare.
Ryokan Biyu no Yado (Mid-range)
- Best for: A comfortable, all-round onsen experience with English-speaking staff and multiple bath options
- Price range for two adults: ¥25,000—¥90,000
Ryokan Biyu no Yado is a good middle-ground option: large enough to offer solid amenities, small enough to feel relaxed and welcoming. Located in Yudanaka Onsen, it’s about a 10-minute walk from the station, but most guests use the free shuttle. It’s one of the best choices if you’re looking for a ryokan that’s easy to book, comfortable for first-timers, and still delivers on the traditional experience.
The ryokan has 45 rooms, so it’s bigger than many others on this list, which allows it to offer features like a rooftop onsen, a bar lounge, and even occasional cultural performances. While the vibe is a bit more hotel-like with some guests in Western clothing and others in yukata, it still keeps the essence of a ryokan, with tatami mat rooms, futons, and Japanese-style meals.
One of the major draws here is the range of onsen options. There are indoor and outdoor public baths (open 24 hours), a reservable rooftop bath with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and a private family bath you can rent for an extra fee. The water is gentle on the skin, slightly alkaline, and especially nice during winter when the rooftop bath overlooks snow-covered rooftops. Many guests say they never had to wait to use the baths, even during busy periods.
Rooms come in both Japanese and Western styles. You can choose a full tatami room or a hybrid with beds and a low table area. Most rooms have private toilets and showers (though not onsen water), and deluxe rooms may feature jet baths. The interiors are simple but comfortable and well-maintained.
Meals are traditional, served in the dining room, with Nagano specialties like shabu-shabu, local vegetables, and grilled fish. Dinner is set-course and breakfast is either buffet-style or a set menu depending on the number of guests. While the food experience isn’t as intimate as in smaller ryokan, it’s consistent and well-reviewed. There’s also a bar with a good sake selection if you want a drink after your bath.
The staff at Biyu no Yado are one of its strongest points. Many speak English fluently, and they’re used to helping international guests plan visits to the Snow Monkey Park or book ski rentals in winter. The ryokan also runs a morning shuttle to the monkey park trailhead and can arrange tours and local activities upon request.
Overall, Ryokan Biyu no Yado is a great pick if you want variety, comfort, and convenience. It doesn’t try to be ultra-traditional or overly luxurious — instead, it focuses on providing a stress-free onsen stay with just enough cultural depth to feel special. For travelers who want to enjoy Nagano’s hot springs without worrying about language or logistics, this place checks a lot of boxes.
Shibu Onsen Yumoto Ryokan (Affordable)
- Best for: Budget travelers who want a traditional experience with a private bath
- Price range for two adults: ¥33,000—¥45,000
Yumoto Ryokan is the most affordable ryokan on this list, but don’t let the price fool you. If you want to stay somewhere that feels “local” and don’t need luxury amenities, Yumoto is a great pick.
The building is a classic wooden ryokan: creaky floors, narrow hallways, and tatami rooms with sliding paper doors. Rooms are small and basic with futons on the floor, shared toilets, and minimal decoration, but they’re clean and have that warm, old-Japan atmosphere you don’t get in modern hotels. Most rooms don’t have private baths, but that’s where the private onsen comes in.
Guests can book the outdoor private bath for free, in 40-minute slots. It’s a simple stone bath tucked in a quiet courtyard, surrounded by bamboo fencing and snow in winter. The water comes from the same natural spring as the nearby monkey park, known for its soft, slightly alkaline texture that’s gentle on the skin. There’s also a small public bath inside if you just want a quick soak.
Meals are served in a dining hall and are surprisingly generous for the price. Expect hotpot, grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, miso soup, rice, and local pickles. Nothing fancy, but all homemade and hearty. Breakfast includes rice porridge, egg dishes, and miso soup — enough to keep you full until late afternoon.
The ryokan is located right in the middle of Shibu Onsen, which means you can walk out in your yukata, get your bathhouse stamp booklet, and start exploring the town’s nine historic public baths. Yumoto participates in the local bathhouse key system, so you can try them all if you want.
Service is friendly but informal as this is a small, family-run place, not a polished resort. English may be limited, but the staff are helpful and used to international guests. If you’re planning to visit the snow monkeys, they can help with directions or arrange transport.
For travelers on a tighter budget who still want that classic ryokan experience with private bath included, Yumoto Ryokan is the best-value option in Shibu Onsen.
Aburaya Tousen (Luxury)
- Best for: Couples or travelers looking for a modern, romantic onsen stay with upscale amenities
- Price range for two adults: ¥40,000—¥110,000
Aburaya Tousen stands out as the most contemporary ryokan in Yudanaka Onsen. While many ryokan lean into their rustic charm, Aburaya goes the opposite way, offering a sleek, design-conscious stay that still respects the core elements of Japanese hospitality. If you want a private onsen with views, elegant rooms, and a rooftop bar to unwind after dinner, this is your place.
Rooms range from standard Western-Japanese hybrids to luxury suites with private open-air baths. The interiors are minimalist and warm, with modern lighting, wood accents, and subtle Japanese touches. Most rooms have separate sitting areas and private toilets. For those splurging, the “Premium” suites come with terraces, oversized baths, and panoramic views of the mountains or town.
Aburaya offers multiple private onsen options. Some rooms have their own baths, and there are also reservable onsen on the top floor with impressive views, perfect at night when the town lights are glowing below. The public baths include both indoor and outdoor options, clean and stylish, though smaller than what you’d find at more traditional ryokan.
The rooftop lounge and bar is a rare feature, offering drinks, snacks, and the kind of relaxed vibe you’d expect at a boutique hotel. It’s a nice option for couples wanting a quiet evening spot after their bath. You’ll also find massage services and optional spa treatments available for booking.
Meals are refined and well-paced, with the option of in-room dining or meals served in semi-private booths. Dinner includes local specialties like wagyu, Shinshu vegetables, and creative takes on Japanese dishes. Breakfast is served as a Japanese or Western set, depending on your preference.
Location-wise, Aburaya is very convenient — just a few minutes’ walk from Yudanaka Station. Shuttle service to the snow monkey park and other local attractions is also available.
If you’re new to ryokan or just prefer modern comforts, this is one of the most accessible yet high-quality options in the area. While it lacks the deep historic charm of some other inns, it makes up for it with privacy, service, and attention to detail. Aburaya is ideal for travelers who prioritize comfort, design, and a little indulgence without losing the essence of a ryokan stay.
Shibu Onsen Kokuya (Mid-range)
- Best for: Visitors looking for a rich, classic onsen experience in the heart of a historic hot spring town
- Price range for two adults: ¥43,000—¥100,000
Kokuya is one of the best-known ryokan in Shibu Onsen, and for good reason. It’s been run by the same family for over 400 years, sits in a prime location, and offers a rare level of bath variety. If your main priority is soaking in as many different onsen types as possible, this is the place.
The building is traditional but well-maintained. Rooms are a mix of Japanese and Japanese-Western styles, some with private open-air baths. Even the simpler rooms are spacious for Japanese standards and come with a small seating area. The interiors are not especially modern, but they’re cozy and well-kept. For many guests, the highlight is the wide range of onsen: nine baths in total, two of which can be reserved privately, plus others that alternate by gender. The baths vary in mineral content, temperature, and layout, from cypress wood tubs to rock-lined pools and small cave-like baths. You could easily spend an entire afternoon rotating between them.
Kokuya also participates in Shibu Onsen’s bathhouse key system, so you can explore all nine public bathhouses around the town if you want to go beyond the ryokan. But honestly, many guests end up just staying put because the on-site baths are so good.
Meals are served in-room or in private dining rooms depending on your plan. The cuisine is traditional and seasonal, using local ingredients like Shinshu beef, river fish, and fresh produce. While it’s a bit more formal than some other ryokan, the atmosphere stays relaxed. Breakfast is hearty, with rice, miso, and a spread of small dishes.
The ryokan is located right on the main street of Shibu, which is ideal if you want to stroll in your yukata, visit the local temples, or stop by the local sweets shop. It’s also close to the entrance for the snow monkey park trail, and shuttle service is available.
If you’re looking for a place where onsen variety, history, and location all come together, Kokuya delivers — especially for travelers who want a slightly upgraded experience that still feels deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.
Ichinoyu Katei (Mid-range)
- Best for: Travelers who want a small, quiet, and traditional ryokan with a private bath
- Price range for two adults: ¥45,000—¥60,000
Ichinoyu Katei is a boutique ryokan with only 11 rooms, tucked into a quiet side street of Shibu Onsen. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something peaceful, personal, and not too touristy. The vibe is calm and refined, but still relaxed, perfect for couples or anyone who wants to slow down for a night or two.
Rooms are traditional, with tatami floors, futon bedding, and simple alcove decorations. Everything is very clean and well-maintained, with a few modern touches added during recent renovations. The building is compact, so it’s easy to get around, and the staff provide thoughtful service without being overbearing. English is limited, but communication is smooth thanks to helpful printed materials.
There’s a small indoor onsen bath which you can reserve for private use. There are also several outdoor and indoor communal baths, and like all Shibu ryokan, guests receive a key to access the town’s nine historic public baths.
Meals are served in private dining rooms and are one of the highlights. Dinner is a traditional kaiseki-style course meal with items like wagyu, sashimi, tempura, and handmade soba noodles. The breakfast set includes rice porridge, grilled fish, and other local items. The pacing is gentle, and the setting is quiet with no rush, no background noise, just you and the food.
Access is easy via a 7-minute shuttle from Yudanaka Station. Once there, you’re just steps from the charming lantern-lit streets of Shibu. It’s not the most luxurious ryokan, but it’s well-balanced: not too expensive, not too touristy, and with a private bath included in the base rate. If you want a simple, traditional ryokan experience with some personal space and quiet, Ichinoyu Katei delivers.
Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku (Luxury)
- Best for: Travelers seeking a luxury ryokan experience near the Snow Monkey Park, with a refined and quiet atmosphere
- Price range for two adults: ¥52,000—¥120,000
Senjukaku is the most refined ryokan near the entrance of the Snow Monkey Park, and it has the pedigree to back it up — it’s where the Japanese Imperial family stays when they visit the region. That reputation comes with high expectations, and the ryokan delivers on nearly all of them: peaceful surroundings, excellent food, and a calm, dignified atmosphere that feels a step above.
The building is traditional but spacious, set on a wooded property with carefully manicured gardens. In winter, the snow-covered trees around the outdoor baths make the entire area feel like a private retreat. Rooms are large for Japanese standards, with polished wood floors, tatami spaces, and some suites featuring private gardens or attached baths. Even standard rooms have a sense of quiet luxury.
There’s only one private bath available for reservation, but the main indoor and outdoor public baths are beautiful, surrounded by natural views and impeccably clean. The water comes from the same spring used by the monkeys at nearby Jigokudani, and it’s known for its smooth feel on the skin.
Dinner is kaiseki-style and extremely well-reviewed: not overly experimental, but beautifully crafted with high-end ingredients. Expect seasonal touches like snow crab, matsutake mushrooms, or wagyu beef depending on the time of year. Breakfast is similarly balanced, with both Japanese and Western options available.
Senjukaku doesn’t try to be flashy or trendy. There are no in-room iPads or rooftop bars. Instead, the focus is on stillness, quality, and treating guests with quiet respect. The staff are discreet but attentive, and many speak some English. Service feels personal without ever being overbearing.
The location is perfect if you’re planning to visit the snow monkeys, as the ryokan is just a 5-minute walk from the park trail. Shuttle service to and from Yudanaka Station is available.
Seni Onsen Iwanoyu (Luxury)
- Best for: Luxury travelers or couples looking for deep relaxation in a remote, high-end setting
- Price for two adults: ¥90,000+
Seni Onsen Iwanoyu is in a different league from the other ryokan on this list, both in starting price and experience. It’s located in the mountains above Suzaka, far from the main tourist routes, and operates more like a hidden sanctuary than a regular inn. If you’re celebrating something or simply want to splurge on one unforgettable night, this is the place.
The ryokan is surrounded by trees and silence. It only has a few suites, each designed with artistic detail (sculpted wood furniture, traditional textiles), private terraces, and deep-soak tubs facing the forest. Some rooms have private onsen, but the real draw is the series of five private bath houses scattered across the property, each free to use and with its own design: rock bath, hinoki tub, panoramic forest view. There’s no need to book a time — just check if the door is open and enjoy.
The food here is as memorable as the setting. Dinner is kaiseki-style but with a modern twist: delicately plated courses, local wagyu, mountain vegetables, and hand-crafted desserts. Ingredients are organic and seasonal, and the service is intentionally slow-paced so you can fully enjoy it. Breakfast is similarly refined, with a mix of Japanese classics and lighter items depending on your preference.
There’s no entertainment, no shops, no bustling lobby. This is a place for quiet. You’re encouraged to spend the evening reading, bathing, or just sitting by the window. Most guests stay only one or two nights and many describe the experience as a reset, both mentally and physically.
It’s worth noting that the location is remote. You’ll need a car or request a pickup in advance, and you likely won’t be leaving once you arrive. But that’s the point. Iwanoyu is meant to be a destination in itself, not a base for sightseeing. For travelers looking for a true escape with privacy, high-end dining, and onsen that feel like art installations, Seni Onsen Iwanoyu is hard to beat. It’s not cheap, but it’s the kind of place you remember for years.
Note as well that Seni Onsen Iwanoyu is extremely hard to book as you will need to reserve months in advance to secure a room.
Looking for something else? Booking.com has a large selection of ryokan and is usually my go-to platform when booking accommodations in Japan. Enter your preferred date and click the Search button below to search for other ryokans in Nagano:
Comments are closed.