Milky turquoise outdoor onsen at Awanoyu with wooden spout, rock edge, traditional buildings and blossoming tree in Nagano
Turquoise outdoor onsen bath surrounded by trees at Awanoyu in Nagano, Chūbu
Outdoor onsen with wooden bathhouses surrounded by autumn maple foliage in Nagano mountains
Guest soaking in milky-blue outdoor onsen surrounded by snow at Awanoyu in Nagano
Booking.com award badge for Awanoyu with 8.2 Traveller Review Awards 2023 Nagano
Wooden ryokan entrance sign beneath a leafy canopy at Awanoyu in Nagano, Chūbu
Black timber castle with red bridge near Awanoyu in Nagano, Chūbu Japan
Turquoise outdoor onsen pool with wooden waterfall at Awanoyu in Nagano

Awanoyu

8.8
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.8/10, based on 251 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Forest Surroundings Valley Scenery Hot Spring Town Public Onsen Open-Air Bath Indoor Bath
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 9,0/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 8,0/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 9,0/10

Ryokan highlights

Historic mountain onsen ryokan in Shirahone Onsen, best known for its large milky open-air bath.

Iconic Milky OnsenLarge open-air bath with distinctive milky water is the property's signature experience.
Rare Carbonated SpringRare sulfur-bicarbonate spring and abundant flow create a memorable, body-warming soak.
Women-Friendly Mixed BathMixed bath includes a women-only entrance and low-visibility water for added comfort.
Shirahone Mountain SettingQuiet 1,500-meter setting surrounded by forest delivers a secluded alpine onsen atmosphere.
Thoughtful Kaiseki MealsSeasonal kaiseki highlights Shinshu ingredients, plus the ryokan's noted hot spring rice porridge.
Spacious Traditional RoomsJapanese-style rooms emphasize space, nature views, and a calm classic ryokan stay.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsScenery and bathing are the strongest reasons to stay here. One night works for check-in, dinner, evening bath, breakfast, and a slow morning soak. Two nights make sense only if you will pair the ryokan with Kamikochi, Norikura, or a deliberate no-rush onsen day.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a destination onsen stay or as a mountain-route stop between Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Norikura, and Takayama, not as a long sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Remote accessPublic transport is workable but slow, with bus transfers via Shin-Shimashima or Sawando. Late arrivals limit flexibility.
Thin sightseeing densityShirahone is a quiet onsen cluster, not a town with many shops, cafés, or walkable attractions.
Bath style mattersIts signature open-air bath is shared-use by men and women, which may not suit every traveler.

Food & drinks

Awanoyu Ryokan in Shirahone Onsen serves seasonal kaiseki and breakfast with its signature onsen porridge, with limited nearby dining in the small hot spring area.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Private-room ryokan dining for dinner and breakfast.

  • Shinano KaisekifoodSeasonal multi-course dinner.
  • Grilled River FishfoodSalt-grilled local stream fish.
  • Seiro Steamed CoursefoodVegetables, seafood, and meat steamed together.
  • Onsen PorridgespecialtyGentle hot spring rice porridge.
  • AperitifdrinkSmall pre-dinner drink.
Lounge (on-site)
on-site

Simple lounge space for a drink or light break; food details are limited.

  • CoffeedrinkHot coffee service may be available.
  • TeadrinkWarm tea in a quiet setting.
Kyudo (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Useful nearby local restaurant option in Shirahone Onsen.

  • SobafoodLikely a practical local noodle choice.
  • Set MealfoodSimple Japanese meal option.
  • Beer or SakedrinkTypical drink pairing may be available.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Awanoyu is a mountain onsen ryokan in Shirahone Onsen, typically reached via Matsumoto and Shin-Shimashima, then bus or taxi for the final approach.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

Awanoyu Ryokan is a distinctive Shirahone Onsen stay for travelers who want a famous milky open-air bath and a quiet mountain atmosphere. It is best for adults seeking a memorable onsen experience, but less ideal if you want modern luxury, easy access, or a fully private bathing style.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Famous milky outdoor bathThis ryokan is especially known for its large milky-white open-air onsen, which gives the stay a signature experience you are unlikely to confuse with a standard hotel bath. The setting feels atmospheric and scenic in every season.
  • Rare mixed bath done gentlyIts well-known mixed open-air bath is designed to feel less intimidating, with bath towels for bathing and a women-only route that lets female guests enter the water more discreetly. That makes it more approachable for couples than many traditional konyoku baths.
  • Peaceful mountain escapeSet in Shirahone Onsen in the mountains above Matsumoto, the ryokan suits travelers who want silence, forest views, and a removed-from-the-city feel. It works especially well as a restorative stop near alpine sightseeing areas.
  • Traditional ryokan atmosphereRooms are Japanese-style with tatami and futons, and the overall property leans into old-school onsen character rather than a generic resort look. If you want a classic countryside ryokan mood, this place delivers it strongly.
  • Memorable meal experienceDinner and breakfast are a meaningful part of the stay, with Japanese multi-course dining and a breakfast reputation that stands out among guests. It adds value if you want the full ryokan routine, not just a room and bath.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not suitable for childrenThe ryokan does not accept elementary-school-age children or younger, so it is a poor fit for many families. Adult travelers will find it easier to enjoy than parents planning a family onsen trip.
  • Access is not very easyIt is in a secluded mountain area, so getting there is less convenient than staying near Matsumoto Station or in town. In winter or bad weather, the journey can feel even more inconvenient.
  • Shared-bath concept is not for everyoneEven with towels and thoughtful design, the signature outdoor bath is still a mixed-gender bathing experience. Travelers who strongly prefer private or fully gender-separated bathing may feel uncomfortable.
  • Some areas may feel datedPart of the charm is its long history, but that can also mean some travelers will find the facilities older rather than sleek or newly renovated. If you want polished luxury, the atmosphere may feel more rustic than refined.
  • Day-use operation can be variableBecause the property also handles day-use bathing and warns that operations can change depending on conditions, the bathing environment may feel less predictable than at a strictly overnight-only luxury ryokan. Travelers wanting a tightly controlled premium experience may prefer a more exclusive setup.

Ranking around this ryokan in Nagano

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 50th out of 166 ryokans in Nagano.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
45th Hotel Saginoyu 8.9/10 144
46th Schole Hakuba 8.9/10 140
47th Nanakusa no Yu, Bessho Onsen 9.1/10 37
48th Suwa Grand Shrine Kameya Inn 8.9/10 109
49th Wafu-no-Yado MASUYA 8.8/10 1,038
50th Awanoyu Current ryokan 8.8/10 251
51st Izumiya Zenbe 8.8/10 236
52nd Aburaya Tousen 8.8/10 210
53rd Aritaya Ryokan 9.0/10 41
54th Hotel Tamanoyu 8.8/10 173
55th Hotel&Glamp YAMABOSHI 8.8/10 172
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Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

6 days – Shizuoka > Kanagawa > Tochigi > Kyoto

6 stops
Mila Robert Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Hot Spring Town 25% Forest Surroundings 19% Mountain Setting 19% Valley Scenery 19% Garden Setting 12% National Park 6%
1. Honjin 2. HAKONE NICA 3. Hacho no Yu 4. Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI 5. Awanoyu 6. +1 more

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