Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan

9.1
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.1/10, based on 2,535 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 2:00 PM
Temple District Old Town City Center Public Onsen Indoor Bath Kaiseki Cuisine
Staff 9,4/10
Facilities 8,5/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 8,8/10
Value for money 8,8/10
Location 9,5/10

Ryokan highlights

A historic ryokan inside the Zenkoji precinct, best suited for temple-focused stays in Nagano.

Zenkoji Precinct StaySet within the Zenkoji temple grounds for exceptionally easy early-morning visits.
Temple HeritageA long-established ryokan with deep ties to the history and atmosphere of Zenkoji.
Morning Service AccessWell placed for guests wanting to experience Zenkoji's traditional morning ceremony.
Japanese MealsOffers seasonal Japanese dining, including breakfast and kaiseki-style dinner plans.
Traditional RoomsTatami-based Japanese rooms create a classic ryokan stay near the temple.
Walkable SightseeingConvenient on foot for Nakamise shops, nearby temple sites, and the art museum.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1 nightTemple-location is the main driver: arrive by afternoon, walk Zenko-ji and Monzen streets, eat dinner at the ryokan, use the small communal bath, then attend the morning service before moving on.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-night cultural stay by Zenko-ji rather than a long onsen retreat or wider Nagano base.

Know before booking

Not a hot-spring ryokanIt has a communal bath, but this is not a destination onsen property for extensive bath-hopping.
Dinner timing mattersDinner requires advance reservation and early arrival, so late check-in can reduce the ryokan experience.
Limited long-stay pullThe immediate area is strong for Zenko-ji and a short town walk, but weak for several slow sightseeing days on foot.

Food & drinks

A Zenko-ji gatefront ryokan with Japanese breakfast, set-menu dinner, and easy access to Nagano local food nearby.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Japanese meals served at the ryokan restaurant or dining area.

  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional morning set.
  • Kaiseki dinnerfoodSeasonal multi-course dinner.
  • Local cuisinespecialtyNagano-style regional flavors.
  • Room service set mealfoodSet menu may be served in-room.
Irohado Zenkoji Nakamise (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Popular Nakamise stop for Nagano oyaki snacks.

  • OyakispecialtyNagano stuffed dumpling.
  • Nozawana fillingfoodClassic mustard leaf filling.
  • Seasonal vegetable fillingsfoodLocal savory choices.
  • TeadrinkSimple pairing for snacks.
Imamura Soba Main Store (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Useful nearby choice for Shinshu soba around Zenko-ji.

  • Shinshu sobafoodLocal buckwheat noodles.
  • Zaru sobafoodCold soba with dipping sauce.
  • Hot sobafoodWarm noodle bowl option.
  • Soba teadrinkLight buckwheat tea.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan appears to be a Zenkoji-area property in central Nagano, best reached from Nagano Station by bus or short taxi rather than on foot with heavy luggage.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

A characterful traditional ryokan in Nagano City with an exceptionally strong location for visiting Zenko-ji Temple. It is a great fit if you want old-school atmosphere and convenience, but less ideal if you expect a resort-style onsen stay or large modern rooms.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Steps from Zenko-jiThis ryokan sits within the Zenko-ji temple precincts, making early-morning walks and temple visits unusually easy. Few stays in Nagano put you this close to the heart of the pilgrimage atmosphere.
  • Historic temple-side characterThe property emphasizes a long history of hospitality by Zenko-ji, which gives the stay a sense of place that feels tied to the district rather than interchangeable. That heritage adds meaning if you want a culturally rooted overnight experience.
  • Authentic Japanese-style stayTatami rooms, shoji elements and futon bedding make it a strong pick for travelers who specifically want a classic ryokan feel in the city. It offers a more traditional mood than a standard business hotel in Nagano.
  • Helpful room mix for different travelersThe ryokan offers both Japanese-style rooms and some newer Western twin options, which is useful if your group has mixed comfort levels. Private Western-style bathrooms in rooms also make the traditional format easier for first-time ryokan guests.
  • Good base for local sightseeingBeyond Zenko-ji, you can easily reach nearby cultural stops such as the Shinano Art Museum area on foot. The location works especially well for travelers focused on Nagano City rather than remote hot-spring seclusion.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not a destination onsen ryokanIf you are looking for a luxury hot-spring retreat with scenic rotenburo baths, this is the wrong type of ryokan. The bathing experience is more practical and traditional than spa-like.
  • Temple-area setting can feel busyBeing on the approach to Zenko-ji is excellent for access, but the area can feel active rather than secluded during visiting hours. Travelers wanting a quiet countryside escape may find it less serene than expected.
  • Traditional rooms may not suit everyoneSleeping on futons and using a more classic room layout can be charming for some guests but uncomfortable for others, especially on longer stays. Those who strongly prefer full Western hotel ergonomics may struggle.
  • Less convenient for station-first travelersThe main appeal is proximity to Zenko-ji, not being next to Nagano Station. If most of your trip depends on train convenience, the location may feel less efficient than staying nearer the station area.
  • Older-style property feelIts appeal comes from heritage and atmosphere, but that can also mean a more old-fashioned feel compared with newer hotels. Travelers expecting sleek design, expansive facilities or a polished luxury finish may be underwhelmed.

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: 25th out of 166 ryokans in Nagano.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
20th Keiryuso Siorie 9.3/10 128
21st Yorozuya 9.2/10 261
22nd Kyousen 9.4/10 64
23rd Bessho Onsen Midoriya 9.3/10 97
24th Oiwakeya Ryokan 9.2/10 171
25th Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan Current ryokan 9.1/10 2,535
26th Ishinoyu Lodge 9.3/10 73
27th Ichinoyu Katei 9.1/10 358
28th Ryokan Warabino 9.1/10 240
29th 雀の宿 やぐら Suzumenoyado Yagura 9.5/10 31
30th Tateshina Shinyu Onsen 9.0/10 576
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Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

1

4 days – Nagano > Yamagata > Nara > Oita

4 stops
Maya Weber Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
City Center 25% Hot Spring Town 25% Old Town 13% Quiet Village 13% Sea Views 12% Station Access 12%
1. Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan 2. Yūsuitei Isagoya 3. Hotel Asyl Nara 4. Kannawaso

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