Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan

The hotel is amazing. Literally it's out of an anime -like spirited away. When wandering around Nagano one day, one of the restaurants we ate for dinner asked where we were staying. After telling them they said, "that's a very famous ryokan your staying at." And I wasn't sure why until staying there. It was a perfect traditional Japanese ryokan, what you would purposefully come to Japan for. The stairway up and around to our room was very much like all the different stairways in spirited away. Loved the experience. Our room was also spacious and very traditional. There is no private bathroom and the toilet is separate, the washing area for brushing teeth was also public and the shower is where you would onsen. It's definitely an experience. The only thing was the water was consistently cold when washing face, hands or brushing teeth but because of how great they were I would still rate it highest because of what they exceled at. We loved how neat, tidy and diligent the staff was. It was family - and they made it feel completely welcome and warm. They were the sweetest to our son who can be a handful but that's how they showed they care. We loved it. It was also super convenient and great how everything was close by. Not like Tokyo, a little more like some of the streets in Kyoto. We wish we stayed there longer. Will definitely suggest to anyone staying and will definitely come back for a long stay next time we are in Japan.

This is a very tradition Japanese house. The only concern is the climbing of stairs. If you are a person with mobility, it will be a better choice for you to choose another place as there's no elevator.

My google map failed to take me to the right address. Once at the ryokan, took my heavy bag climbed up stairway and a little walk to my room. The toilet is outside but next to the room. No shower. It’s downstair, at the communal bath / onsen. The location is quite good, yet, I won’t return.

Historic Inn, truely different experience. Great location, short walk to large temple. 20 plus minute walk to central station and main restaurant area, nice evening walk. Simple, healthy Japanese bfast Would recommend only for those who dont need modern creature comforts.

Fantastic owner. We were well taken care off. Truly a magical place to stay. Traditional ryokan with lovely elderly couple. Highly recommended.

I loved the authenticity of this Ryokan. The couple that ran the ryokan was very sweet and spoke to me most times I came and went from my room. The husband even drove me to the Nagano Station because I had 3 suitcases and looked like I was struggling. So kind! The only thing that I wasn't thrilled with was the curfew. I was working remotely from my room on my computer during Chicago hours (-13 hours) so I needed a snack in the middle of the night and felt uncomfortable unlocking the door to go grab some food. The location was amazing and super close to Zenko-ji so I went 3 days in a row. Also two doors down from the best oyaki place ever!

We had a very nice stay here. Couple who run the place is very amiable. The lady who took care of us was very patient with us. She allowed my family to use the onsen even when we came back late after 10pm which is closing time. Breakfast on 1st morning, we were tired from journey, so she came to room & woke us up to ask wether we still have breakfast. She is such a sweet lady. Wld love to come & stay if we were to come.

Very good but please expect that the bathrooms are shared.

Great!