Nagano Prefecture hotels & places to stay

There was shuttle bus around every 20mins from Karuizawa Station going to different parts of the hotel until 9PM so going to and from the station was not a problem. Checkin and checkout was also surprisingly very fast. I reserved one of the west cottages for an overnight stay for 3 people. When we arrived in the Hotel, the receptionist told us that if we do not smoke, we will be moved to a larger non-smoking room. We didn't expected that "larger" meant a room for 6 people! (the cottage has 6 beds, 6 slippers, 3 toilet, etc). It was very nice. Our cottage was a little far from the main part of the hotel so a staff drove us to the cottage (by a small car) and picked us up immediately when we called and said we wanted to see the souvenir shop. The souvenir shop was very good. We were surprised to see so many varieties of Karuizawa/Nagano specialties, it was like a summary of the shopping streets. Some of these we saw while going around Karuizawa and the price is the same in Shopping Street and in the Prince Hotel Souvenir shop. The only bad point is the insects. Since the cottage is in the middle of a field, there were some insects (dead and alive) on some parts of the room. The room is equipped with an insect spray but when there was a time when the insect was too large/fast for us to handle, we called a staff and they came and took care of it immediately, so maybe this is still a plus point for them.

The hotel just finished the renovation for twin rooms this summer. Hot spring is the reason I chose this hotel. It is available to guests staying in twin rooms, not cottages. Japanese breakfast set was ok but fish was a bit overcooked. The hotel provided free bike rental and 24-hour free drink at the bar next to reception. There was shuttle bus service to and from Karuizawa station south exit every 30 minutes from 0800 to 2130, run by brown and green lines (for different directions).

This was my second stay for another 3 nights. Would recommend booking the Superior Twin Room. Very much bigger at 30 sq m. Worth the extra $$. Very reasonable price for the quality of sleep you get. A real 4=-star hotel. Very convenient to book tickets for outstation. The Apico Highway bus office is just opposite. Booked my ticket to Togakushi Shrine (must do) Buy the Togakushi Travel Pass which comes with a free ride to the famous Nagano famous (Zenkoiji). The walk back is all doiwn hill for 1,8m. Yopu can also buy tickets from here to Takayama, Matsumoto and Kamijkochi. At the East Gate of the Nagano Station, you can take buses to the surrounding ski resorts e.g. Happo-One . Or to Omachi or Shinado Omachi Station for the start of the Tateyama Alphine Route (Snow Wall) Will be back again.

Hotel Cypress Karuizawa had all we needed: (1) the hotel was close to the train station, Delicia supermarket and a duty free drug store further down the road and a McDonald’s (for the kids) by the main road. (2) The hotel provides free shuttle service to the ski resort, outlet malls and train station. The bus leaves/arrives right on schedule with thoughtful & courteous bus captains. They were patient with my old folks, whom needed assistance in boarding the bus. I really appreciate their kind understanding. (3) The hotel’s in-house onsen/public bath was the best feature of the hotel. It was very clean, spacious and the hot baths were extremely relaxing and pleasant. I did not have to try other onsens in the area because the one in the hotel was excellent. (4) The hotel staff were friendly, helpful and efficient. They helped to store our luggage as we had arrived earlier than check-in time. And when we came back later to the hotel, they had placed our heavy luggage in our room. I know it’s their job to do so, but in many hotels that I’ve stayed, they don’t bother to do so unless requested. Thus, I really appreciate their thoughtfulness; especially when I was travelling with a 4-year old and two 74-year olds! And thank you very much to one of the staff (sorry I didn’t get your name) whom had arranged our trip to Toys Kingdom. (5) Our room was clean, big and spacious. The only downside was there weren’t any utensils and cutleries in the kitchenette for us to utilise. Overall, I am very pleased with my 5-day stay at Hotel Cypress Karuizawa. I would come back to stay at the hotel again for sure. Thank you for making us feel so welcomed during our stay there.

There was a large craft fair taking place in Matsumoto, so the rooms we booked were literally the last left in the whole city. So, we didn't intentionally *choose* this hotel. But we were not disappointed. The service was excellent, the hotel was clean, and the rooms were comfortable. The bed was great and offered the best nights rest I had on my whole two-week vacation in Japan.

Family with 2 children 6 and 7 for skiing in new year. Staff were informative and helpful, organising our ski hire prior to our arrival which took away our need to wait in line / organise hire after arrival. This was the closest accommodation to Tsagaike snow fields which was more for beginners and a few intermediate runs - but great for the kids to prove their parallel skiing- five minutes by shuttle. The free shuttle bus pick up and drop off right outside hotel lobby to the main snow fields. At the end of a ski day, my 7 yo would step off the bus, and just prior to entering the lobby, she would help herself to a bowl of miso soup and rice with green curry while soaking her feet in the hot water tub - snacks provided by resort also free of charge. We also made use of the communal but gender specific hot baths daily after skiing. There's something very liberating about being with other females - but not to worry because the steam in the baths offer adequate modesty. Great for cold, sore muscles. Don't know if it was because it was new year, but the Japanese sweet mochi was made in lobby regularly which we could help ourselves to , as was the sake. There were several areas in the hotel which invited weary skiers a place to rest - upstairs for pool , downstairs for reading and gazing at the snow- covered landscape while reading your book or surfing the net on your iPad using their free wi-fi. Mainly western fare available - would definitely recommend booking dinner in French restaurant nightly - set menu that changes daily - but beware of large portions for children's meals. Bed was comfortable and under floor heating dried ski gear very quickly. More 4 star accommodation but the service and amenities definitely 5 star. Nil issues with communicating in English. Would have no hesitation in recommending for a family for ski holiday - but no sense of it being over run with children - it would seem the Japanese encourage quiet talking.

My wife and I stayed in this hotel for 5 nights for a ski trip. This is an older hotel (like most of the mid range hotels in Hakuba), not extravagant, but is clean and homely. We took a Chuo Taxi from Narita which, after 5.5 hours, dropped us off directly at the hotel. Otherwise, one can drive or take a train to Hakuba Station or Nagano Station and get connections there. The hotel is about 20mins ride from Happo-One and Goryu/47, so you need to take the free shuttle buses to get to the slopes and back. But since Hakuba consists of different ski resorts, one has to take shuttle buses anyway to get to the different resorts anyway. The hotel is located up a small hill, and away from any apres-ski activities, so one has to take a taxi for that. For us, this was no problem, as we usually enjoy a quiet time soaking in the onsen and then go for an early dinner anyway. We booked a Western style twin room a few months ahead and got a very good rate. The size of the room was not big but it has a sofabed, so can sleep three. Décor was older style but the room was very clean. There was a small flat screen TV and kettle. Heater and Wifi worked very well. Our package was Half Board. We found the breakfast and dinner buffets quite good, and there was decent variety (although we got a bit bored after 5 nights). Despite most of the front desk staff did not speak much English, they were extremely helpful, polite and friendly. Their efforts definitely scored top marks from us. Overall, this is a typical small and quiet mid-range hotel. It is older but clean hotel with most that you need for a quiet ski focused holiday. For us, it was excellent value for money. If you prefer having bars and restaurants nearby, this is not the hotel for you. But for us, we will definitely try to stay here again next time we ski in Hakuba.

- it's very convenience to take bus from Nagano Station ( bus stops at east exit ). there are three sites for Prince hotel, and i stay in the middle ( south wing) , and there is shuttle running in between punctually. - Not much entertainment provide there after day ski, but the bed was good, so sleep early also great to gain back energy. - Also, a hot bath area ( not onsen, but big hot water bath) locate at west wing only, its easy by taking shuttle there or have a night walk around 5-8 minutes on the road; still very enjoyable. - Food is quite expensive there and not much choice. i rather bring some food there by myself. - There is no hot water boiler inside room. they provide you a tall size vacuum water bottle which you can get hot water from the water heater at lift lobby, which i always walked few times a night to refill, which is quite tiring after a day's ski.

We enjoyed our stay at Kokuya. The guy (he was handsome and I told him he looked like a movie actor) who showed us to the room and explained the facilities of the ryokan did a great job. He and his assistant also handled our dinner and breakfast, explaining the various dishes. The food was fabulous. My wife and I have stayed at various ryokan, and I enjoyed the food here the most. For the first time, I could really see and appreciate the presentation aspects of each dish as a work of art. As like most ryokan, Kokoya is not modern, so some westerners might have some quibble with some aspect of the room layout (particularly the entrance to the bathroom--if not careful, you could lose your step when you open the door) or the stairs. When we checked out, the okamisama gave us onigiri to eat on our journey to Nagano. They were delicious. Kokuya also picked us up and dropped us off at Yudanaka station. Thank you, Kokuya, for a great stay.

We had a great stay at the Sunroute hotel. The staff were great, the hotel was really clean and the location was amazing. It's a 2 minute walk from the JR station if you take the Mi Do Ri bridge exit (grabbing some amazing food on the way through!) and everywhere around Nagano is really accessible from this hotel. If I had another decision to make with hotels in Nagano, this would definitely be top of the list.

Upon my arrival at the hotel I was immediately drawn by the quaint setting. The Hotel is a few decades old but maintained well. I was greeted by polite, professional and helpful staff. The guestroom (twin) is spacious with lots of sunlight coming through. It is cozy and comfortable. Bathroom is not bad, with quality (disposable) amenities provided. The public bath at the basement is however a slight disappointment. The temperature of the bath seems not hot enough and cleanliness is so-so. The Washoku (Japanese cuisine) breakfast is probably one of the best buffet meals I have had in Japan. Very delicious food made of local and fresh ingredients. Location-wise it may not be the closest to JR Matsumoto Station (15-min walk); but public bus and Hotel shuttle service is available. Recommended.

This golf-focused hotel with one of the most amazing views you will get anywhere in this world. You'll see Mount Asama with its heart shape natural carving towards the top of the mountain. All rooms face this side with mountain view, overlooking a gorgeous golf course and several km of woodland. Autumn with the red leaves is amazing! The room itself is roomy for Japan standards, twin room with a separate hallway and bathroom. Even though the hotel was refurbished in 2016, it's still got that 80s feel, particularly the bathroom and hallway sink. But this hotel isn't geared towards high end luxuries - it's geared towards the avid golfer who wants to have a wonderful view early in the morning and when they're back from a couple of rounds during the day. Negatives: taxi rides are Yen 27k-30k to Karuizawa (for a 15 minute ride, c. US$26/GBP20), a free shuttle bus only runs from 9am with about 4 trips, last bus around 5:20pm. Not much food options at the hotel. Best to have a car/rent.

Stayed 1 nite , however should have booked 2 nites but price rather hefty as we booked the room with own private bath. Rather rushed to visit the snow monkey at Jigokudani just with 1 nite. The hotel staff was so nice as to pick us up from Yudanaka station upon arrival by Nagano Dentetsu line , and thereafter dropped us at Jigokudani by 3pm. Snowing very heavily then , but the driver was so nice to escort us to the initial path of the monkey park up the mountains as we were rather doubtful of the way in the heavy snowing. Onsen/ open bath was superb in the cold winter.

Actually I travel with my 2 elderly parents, we stay at this good modern ryokan, room is clean and spacious, has western bed , the onsen facility is good enough, they have outdoor onsen also but we cannot enjoy the view as they have partition. View from hotel lounge is very soothing, The most experience is you can enjoy a japanese style breakfast and dinner (with additional cost), we love it soooo much, very delicious and unique, the best food I think as I try 3 ryokan for this journey, all the staff is very attentive, my fave is Christine, she can speak english fluently and very helpful to elderly. A recommended place to stay when you visit Nagano and the place is only 11 minutes from the snow monkey forest area.

we chose the mominoki primarily on value for money and proximity to sakka ski lifts. we wanted a breakfast inclusive rate, easy access to shuttle buses to sakka & other ski resorts, closeness to night eating venues or a night bus service. this hotel met all requirements and more. we arrived after midnight and check-in could not have been faster. our standard twin was warm, clean, quiet & comfortable. the bathroom was small but had plenty of hot water at good pressure. next morning we awoke to snow falling, icicles hanging from the eaves and the best buffet breakfast! fresh fruit, cereals, toast, croissants, juice, tea, coffee, miso soup, savoury japanese goodies, salads, bacon, mini sausages and eggs cooked to order by the lovely omelet chef who we were assured is also a fantastic skier. staff were always friendly & helpful including 3 well-traveled, aussie girls who were great to chat to & helped with plans for our diy day trip to see the snow monkeys. we tried 3 of 5 mominoki restaurants for dinner. the linnea buffet was really good and so easy if a lazy night in is needed. the after-ski/before-dinner onsen was bliss & not-to-be-missed. ski hire/drying room/storage is available at the wadano visitors centre located at the hotel's driveway entrance. we loved the hotel's retro ski lodge atmosphere. the guest lounge with its open fire was inviting for an evening social drink or to sit & catch up on emails. we hope to return next ski season for more snow and mominoki. highly recommended!

My husband and I were excited to spend three days in an onsen town lazing about and taking a lot of baths. He ended up getting sick during the first leg of the trip and was sick the entire time were were in Nagano. First of all, the ryokan was really easy to get to. Apparently, if you call them from Yudanaka station, they will come get you. We didn't know so we took a cab. Easy. Lovely room. We didn't have a river view but had the city view which ended up great since every morning we watched monkeys scamper across the retaining wall and across rooftops. The ofuros were really clean--it looks like this ryokan had some renovations done recently. Everything was really clean and a lot of it looked failry new. Loved the heated toilet in our room as well. As hubby was sick (mostly dehydration), we stayed in a lot. The nankai sans were really sweet and accomodating--offering onigiri and things were they discovered hubs wasn't able to eat breakfast at all. So there's not much to do in Andai/Shibu itself during the day. Most businesses are closed until the tourists come in the afternoon. It was pretty cool to walk around the deserted town and take pictures. So, this ryokan is located in Andai. This is only of importance if you plan to do the Shibu Onsen soto-yu because you won't get a key to Shibu onsen's soto-yu. You will get a key to Andai's soto-yu. Agoda doesn't make a distinction between Andai and Shibu (really, there isn't one, unless doing the 9 Shibu soto yu is on your agenda). You can still get the towel and stamp it but won't be able to take a bath in them. That was the only bummer for me personally. That said, I loved both the inside and outside baths at Masuya. The food was excellent, with locally sourced dishes. The staff was really wonderful and attentive. It felt like we were the only ones there even when they had full occupancy.

I totally recommend this Ryokan. Staff were lovely and could speak English. It was clean and very organized. We travelled with a 3 & 5 year old who enjoyed the private outdoor Onsen and the traditional sleeping futons on the floor. We had a hire car so it was an easy 1hr drive to and from Nagano. We didn't want to deal with trains and found it very easy to navigate around in the car! We travelled in April 2015 so no snow there but I believe its position would be great during winter. Overall we loved our stay!!!!

Probably one of the 2 best hotels in Nagano city. a few good restaurants, comfortable rooms and professional service. Location is good too, 10-15 minutes walk from the famous Zenkoji temple and the same distance from the train station too. I find it better then the metropolitan hotel, which beats this one, only by the location. Was the main hotel, during the Olympic game in 1998

They accept booking for one person, but for some reasons the minimum number of persons at time of booking via Agoda was 2. The owner kindly accepted a 1 person booking and halved my rate. The owner will gladly pick you up from the train station and back upon check out. Just go to the tourist info centre in front of the train station and they will gladly help to call the hotel to arrange the pick up.

I had stayed in this hotel for 14 nights. And I had one of the best trip in my life in Hakuba. Not only overwhelmed by the superb snow but also by stay in this hotel. I love how it's family owned and it creates an intimate atmosphere. I love how the manager's mum, who's a chef comes out from the kitchen every morning to greet you. Not only that, there werer different breakfast available on different day of the week. So you won't get bored of their food. The hot spring- although it's a bit small compare to the other hot springs I've been to, it's one of the best because it's all natural. My skin feel really soft after my stay there. I love the fact that the free shuttle bus stop is only metres away from the hotel. So I don't have to carry my heavy skiis to walk miles to the snow.Love manager, had been so helpful to contact the ski field for me when I told him I lost my phone & ski goggles. Overall, it was an awesome experience and I'll definitely go back and stay with them!

I arrived at the beautiful Hotel and was greeted by staff even when I was still in the shuttle van. I was then brought to the common area with a view of the lush green garden. I was then led to my room on the 2nd floor. There are in total 8 rooms in the entire building; and each room is equipped with everything a traveller would need and like. My room (junior twin) is very spacious - almost too spacious for single use - and there is an onsen bathtub all to myself. There is also an open-air onsen on the rooftop, where guests (NB: men and women together) enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Lake Suwa Dinner and breakfast are "performed" in a private dining room at the time you prefer. The experienced staff would explain each dish with details and cook (e.g. sukiyaki beef) in front of you. Every single dish is impeccably presented and tastes insanely good. Overall, a one-of-the-kind experience. Highly recommended to everyone who appreciates “the Japanese quality"!