Wood-framed outdoor onsen with stone spillway and mountain views at Sawaemon in Chūbu Nagano
Tatami mats, futon and low table in Sawaemon ryokan room, Chūbu Nagano Japan
Spacious tatami room with low dining table, zabuton cushions, tokonoma alcove and futon area at Sawaemon Nagano
Guests in spa robes receiving wooden log therapy in relaxation room at Sawaemon, Nagano
Mossy stone path through garden to Sawaemon entrance with blooming shrubs and warm lantern lighting
Japanese room with tatami, low table, shoji screens and twin beds at Sawaemon in Nagano, Chubu
Raw beef slices with vegetables beside a small tabletop grill and vine decoration at Sawaemon in Nagano
Stone garden path with mossy rocks and illuminated entrance at Sawaemon ryokan in Nagano, Chūbu

Sawaemon

9.1
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.1/10, based on 23 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 / Check-out until 10:00 AM
Mountain Setting Valley Scenery Hot Spring Town Private Onsen Open-Air Bath Indoor Bath
Staff 9,1/10
Facilities 9,2/10
Cleanliness 9,2/10
Comfort 9,3/10
Value for money 8,7/10
Location 9,2/10

Ryokan highlights

An intimate Lake Shirakaba highland ryokan known for scenic private baths, seasonal dining, and ski-area convenience.

Lake Shirakaba HighlandsSet above Lake Shirakaba on the Tateshina highland with a calm mountain setting.
Only Eight RoomsSmall-scale stay with just eight rooms for a quieter, more personal ryokan feel.
Scenic Private BathsFree reservable open-air baths look out over plateau scenery and surrounding mountains.
Seasonal Kaiseki MealsWell-regarded countryside kaiseki and original duck hot pot showcase local flavors.
Ski Slope AccessInside the ski area, making winter stays especially easy for skiers.
Japanese-Modern AtmosphereTraditional design details and warm wood interiors create a refined, relaxing mood.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsScenery and bath time are the strongest draw here: arrive in the afternoon, use the reservable open-air baths before dinner, stay for breakfast, then pair a second night with Lake Shirakaba, Kurumayama, or Venus Line sightseeing.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1-2 night Lake Shirakaba highland ryokan for baths, dinner, and mountain scenery, not as a major sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Remote without carJR Chino Station is the main rail gateway, but the highland location is not station-convenient and transfers take time.
Limited night sceneThis is a quiet plateau stay, so travelers wanting bars, shopping streets, or busy evening walks may feel stranded.
Can overstayUnless you are hiking, skiing, or driving the surrounding highlands, many travelers will find more than two nights too slow.

Food & drinks

Verified Lake Shirakaba ryokan with seasonal kaiseki-style meals, local sake, and a few useful nearby dining stops.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Ryokan dining for kaiseki-style meals and breakfast.

  • Seasonal kaisekifoodTraditional multi-course dinner.
  • Duck hot potspecialtyHouse original local favorite.
  • Rural cuisinefoodLocal Shinshu-style dishes.
  • Local sakedrinkNagano sake pairing.
Ryokuen (nearby)
nearbynear Lake Shirakaba

Established soba restaurant with lake views.

  • Shinshu sobafoodClassic local buckwheat noodles.
  • TempurafoodCommon pairing with soba.
  • Lake-view mealspecialtySoba stop by the lakeside.
  • BeerdrinkSimple drink option.
TOP'S 360° (nearby)
nearbyabout 9 min drive

Panoramic cafe on Mt. Kurumayama by the lift.

  • Oven-baked pizzafoodPopular cafe staple.
  • Taco ricefoodCasual hearty plate.
  • Venison keema curryspecialtyGame meat curry.
  • Herbal teadrinkWarm mountain cafe drink.
  • Hot chocolatedrinkSweet warming option.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Lake Shirakaba highland area, where arrival is usually easiest via JR Chino Station plus taxi or bus.

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 small, characterful ryokan above Lake Shirakaba that stands out for private open-air baths, mountain views, and a more intimate stay. It suits travelers seeking a quiet highland escape more than those wanting easy rail access or full-service luxury convenience.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Private open-air baths with real sceneryThe reservable open-air baths are a major draw, with views toward Mt. Tateshina, Kurumayama, and the surrounding highlands. This makes the bathing experience feel scenic rather than purely functional.
  • Only eight roomsWith just 8 rooms, the ryokan offers a quieter and more personal atmosphere than larger resort hotels around Lake Shirakaba. It is a strong fit for travelers who value calm and attentive hospitality.
  • Rooms feel more distinctive than standardThe rooms are not all copy-paste: some feature a king-size bed, a sunken kotatsu-style seating area, a hearth, or even a cave bath. That variety gives the stay more personality if you book the right room type.
  • Memorable Shinshu-style dinnerThe food goes beyond a generic kaiseki label with specialties such as duck hot pot, stone-grilled beef, char from local waters, Shinshu salmon sashimi, and highland vegetables. It should appeal to travelers who want a regional meal built around the area.
  • Excellent for a highland escape or ski tripIts Lake Shirakaba plateau setting at around 1,600 meters makes it attractive for cool-weather stays, scenic drives on the Venus Line, and winter ski access. It works especially well if you want nature right outside the ryokan.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Access is not especially easy without a carReaching the ryokan typically involves getting to Chino or Sakudaira and then continuing by taxi. If you want effortless train-to-inn convenience, this location may feel inconvenient.
  • Not ideal for travelers who dislike remote resort areasThis is a highland stay near Lake Shirakaba rather than a lively town-center ryokan. Travelers looking for walkable nightlife, dense shopping, or lots of evening activity may find the area too quiet.
  • Payment convenience may be limitedThe local tourism listing indicates that credit cards are not accepted. That can be annoying for international travelers who prefer card payments for everything.
  • Some appeal depends on room selectionThe most special touches, such as a cave bath or standout room features, are limited to certain rooms rather than all accommodations. A cheaper or more standard room may not deliver the same wow factor.
  • Better for couples and quiet stays than big groupsIts intimate scale and 28-person capacity make it feel more suited to relaxed, low-key stays than to travelers seeking broad facilities, multiple public spaces, or a bustling resort atmosphere. If you want many on-site amenities, it may feel small.

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: 58th out of 166 ryokans in Nagano.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
53rd Aritaya Ryokan 9.0/10 41
54th Hotel Tamanoyu 8.8/10 173
55th Hotel&Glamp YAMABOSHI 8.8/10 172
56th Hatsunoyu 9.1/10 26
57th Otogitei Kofu 8.8/10 97
58th Sawaemon Current ryokan 9.1/10 23
59th Sunrise Meiji-ya 9.3/10 15
60th Tsuruya Ryokan 8.7/10 638
61st Ogiwarakan 8.7/10 598
62nd Yudanaka Seifuso 8.7/10 461
63rd Hotel Housei 8.7/10 312
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