Oiwakeya Ryokan
Assorted plated Japanese dishes and colorful garnishes on lacquer trays at Oiwakeya Ryokan Nagano
Bottles from in-house winery Domaine de Yunohara with glass and tasting counter at Oiwakeya Ryokan Nagano
Matsumoto Castle with moat and reflection, near Oiwakeya Ryokan in Nagano
Wooden footbridge over clear river with hikers near Oiwakeya Ryokan in Nagano mountains
Spacious tatami room with low table, floor chairs and shoji screens at Oiwakeya Ryokan Nagano
Tatami room with low table and shoji screens at Oiwakeya Ryokan in Nagano, Chūbu, Japan
Traditional tatami room with low table, floor chairs, shoji screens and television at Oiwakeya Ryokan, Nagano

Oiwakeya Ryokan

9.2
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.2/10, based on 171 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
Hot Spring Town Countryside Escape Hot Spring Bath Public Onsen Open-Air Bath Reservable Bath
Staff 9,5/10
Facilities 9,2/10
Cleanliness 9,6/10
Comfort 9,3/10
Value for money 8,8/10
Location 8,1/10

Ryokan highlights

A traditional Utsukushigahara Onsen ryokan in Matsumoto with varied baths, refined cuisine, and easy sightseeing access.

Utsukushigahara OnsenLocated in Matsumoto's Utsukushigahara Onsen area, right by the hot spring district.
Varied Bath OptionsOffers several bath types, including reservable private baths for quieter soaking.
Traditional DesignTimber interiors and classic ryokan styling create a strong Japanese inn atmosphere.
Well-Regarded MealsJapanese cuisine is a standout, with dinner and breakfast frequently praised by guests.
Matsumoto AccessConvenient base for Matsumoto Castle, museums, and the city center by short drive.
Free Parking EaseFree on-site parking adds convenience for road trips around Matsumoto and Nagano.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town setting is the main driver: arrive by mid-afternoon, settle into the baths, eat dinner on-site, sleep early, enjoy morning bathing and breakfast, then pair it with Matsumoto sightseeing before moving on. A second night works if you want a slower Matsumoto day or a scenic drive toward Utsukushigahara.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1-night or relaxed 2-night ryokan stay on the edge of Matsumoto: strong for baths, dinner, and a slower city-plus-onsen rhythm, but not ideal as a long regional base.

Know before booking

Not station-sideIt is in Satoyamabe’s Utsukushigahara Onsen area, not around Matsumoto Station, so transfers add time and luggage handling is less convenient.
Limited walk-out areaThis is a quiet onsen district rather than a restaurant or nightlife zone, so dinner outside and evening wandering are limited.
Overstay riskTwo nights is usually enough unless you are intentionally slowing down for baths, wine, and short local visits.

Food & drinks

Verified as Oiwakeya Ryokan in Utsukushigahara Onsen, serving seasonal kaiseki-style meals, breakfast, and lounge drinks on site.

Yukitei (on-site)
on-site

Private kura-style dinner room for seasonal kaiseki.

  • Seasonal KaisekifoodMulti-course creative Japanese dinner.
  • Shinshu SalmonfoodOptional main swap for meat-free diners.
  • Basashi UpgradespecialtyHorse sashimi option with sashimi course.
  • Shinshu Beef Stone GrillspecialtyUpgrade for a richer local main.
Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

On-site Japanese dining space for dinner and breakfast.

  • Creative KaisekifoodSeasonal Japanese set dinner.
  • Japanese BreakfastfoodMany small breakfast dishes.
  • Onsen Rice PorridgespecialtyHot porridge cooked with hot spring water.
  • Local RicefoodRice sourced from contracted farmers.
Lounge (on-site)
on-site

Relaxed drink corner with self-serve wine and coffee.

  • Local WinedrinkWine selected to match the meal.
  • Wine PairingspecialtyFour-glass pairing in select plans.
  • CoffeedrinkCoffee machine service in the lounge.

Access, transport and nearby sights

A traditional ryokan in the Satoyamabe/Asama Onsen side of Matsumoto, best reached via Matsumoto Station and a short final taxi or local bus connection.

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 strong choice for travelers who want a polished traditional ryokan stay in Matsumoto with standout meals and a calm onsen setting. It is less ideal if you want to be in the city center, keep costs low, or avoid a very traditional dining style.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Excellent kaiseki-style mealsDinner and breakfast are repeatedly described as a highlight, with multi-course Japanese dishes that feel like a core part of the stay rather than an add-on. This is a good pick if food is one of your main reasons for booking a ryokan.
  • Warm, attentive serviceGuests consistently praise the staff for being kind, welcoming, and helpful, including support for international travelers. That makes the experience feel more comfortable if this is your first ryokan stay.
  • Relaxing onsen atmosphereThe property is positioned as a hot spring ryokan in Utsukushigahara Onsen, and guests regularly mention the baths as pleasant and calming. There is also a private onsen option noted by past guests, which adds extra appeal for couples or travelers wanting more privacy.
  • Traditional feel without feeling roughTravelers describe it as atmospheric, peaceful, and elegant, while review scores for cleanliness and comfort are especially strong. It suits guests who want a classic ryokan mood but still care about polish and upkeep.
  • Distinctive local touchesThe ryokan highlights Shinshu ingredients, local wine, multiple bath types, a footbath, and even an Alps-view counter area. Those details make the stay feel rooted in Matsumoto and Nagano rather than like a generic inn.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not central for sightseeing on footIt is in the Satoyamabe hot spring area rather than downtown Matsumoto, so several guests note needing a bus or extra transit to reach the city center. If you want to walk easily to major urban sights, this may feel inconvenient.
  • Traditional meals may be challengingThe food is highly praised, but one guest specifically noted it as a serious culinary experience that may not suit every palate. Travelers who are picky eaters or new to Japanese multi-course dining may not enjoy every dish.
  • Premium ryokan pricingBecause the property leans into service, meals, and the full ryokan experience, it is better suited to travelers willing to spend for that package. Budget-focused guests may find better value in a simpler hotel in central Matsumoto.
  • Futon comfort can varyAt least one guest found the futon setup a little uncomfortable for a taller traveler. If you strongly prefer standard Western beds, room choice matters here.
  • Quiet retreat more than lively baseIts appeal is the calm, tucked-away atmosphere, which can feel almost rural compared with the center of Matsumoto. That is great for slowing down, but less ideal if you want nightlife, quick café-hopping, or a busier neighborhood right outside.

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: 24th out of 166 ryokans in Nagano.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
19th Minshuku Miyama 9.2/10 536
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 Current ryokan 9.2/10 171
25th Jizokan Matsuya 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
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Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

7 days – Shizuoka > Nagano > Kyoto > Gifu

7 stops
Arthur Blanc Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
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