During the Nara Period (710-784), Buddhist monks set up "fuseya," or "free houses," to shelter wandering nomads, from samurai to tradesmen. Over the centuries, these evolved into Ryokans and eventually into the luxe spaces we know today, giving everyone a chance to live like the Japanese, with all the comforts of contemporary life.

Though their purpose and amenities have evolved, their timeless features remain—the soft creak of shoji screens, the cool weave of tatami mats, and the undeniable comfort of futon bedding.

To make things easy, we’ve curated seven exceptional ryokans for your next trip to Nagano. Chosen for their heritage, access to hot springs, and outstanding kaiseki dining, they promise to elevate your holiday.

Just a five-minute taxi ride from JR Nagano Station brings you to Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan, where a Jizo statue—a revered figure of spiritual importance—greets you upon arrival.

Sitting on Nakamise Street, less than a kilometer from the Zenkoji Temple Complex and surrounded by moody izakayas and eateries, this Ryokan’s prime location is perfect for sightseers. Yet, what many don’t know is the historical significance of its site— 3 centuries ago it was the location of Zenkoji Temple’s original main hall.

Tradition reigns in this family-run establishment, so having a few Japanese phrases handy is helpful, as English signage is scarce. That said, the staff’s attentiveness ensures a smooth and welcoming stay.

For modern comfort, the 18 m² Standard Twin Rooms are excellent, while those seeking a quintessential ryokan stay will appreciate the 30 m² deluxe tatami rooms with futon bedding and glorious tree-lined views. Despite its central location, the ryokan is a sanctuary of peace, ensuring deep restful nights of sleep.

While every room has a flat-screen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi, the ryokan’s proximity to attractions like the Daihonzan Daihongan, Shinano Art Museum, and Japanese Traditional Paper Museum makes it hard to stay indoors.

Start your mornings with green tea and a traditional Japanese breakfast. In the evenings, wash away the day's fatigue in the on-site onsen, before relishing a lavish kaiseki dinner that features numerous mouthwatering dishes. Vegan and vegetarian guests are thoughtfully accommodated.

Chestnut beams overhead, a crackling fireplace, and tatami floors that are so pristine you hesitate to step on them—that's Yadoya Shiroganeya for you. Lanterns from another era softly light the space, wrapping you in a warmth that feels both rare and familiar.

Founded in the mid-1930s, this inn has been a pioneer in welcoming travelers in the Togakushi region of Nagano. After a painstaking renovation in 2017, it now shines with the look and feel of the Taisho and Showa era architecture.

As you can tell, this is not your average Ryokan stay. With just three 8-tatami mat rooms on the second floor, the inn hosts only one group at a time, guaranteeing complete privacy for 2 to 8 guests.

Modern updates like earthquake-resistant design and winter-ready insulation mean you’ll feel snug and secure, even on the snowiest of Nagano nights.

Dogs are welcome, too, making it a space for both humans and their four-legged companions to unwind.

Soak away the chill in one of two private onsens, then gather for meals focusing on fresh, local ingredients—think perfectly prepared beef and seafood specialties.

Staying at Yadoya Shiroganeya is less about checking off sightseeing spots and more about slowing down. Wander through nearby dense forests, stumble across tucked-away shrines, hike under a canopy of towering trees, and listen for the calls of birds hidden in the greenery.

Solo travelers will need to look elsewhere, as Shiroganeya is designed for shared experiences for a minimum of 2 guests.

If you have plenty of time, no agenda, and a desire to get a feel of a truly traditional family-run stay, spend a night or two at Yokokura Ryokan.

Tucked into the hills of Nagano, this intimate 150-year-old family-run inn has all the hallmarks of a traditional stay—tatami mats, paper doors, and an air of quiet that stretches for miles.

Insider tip: If you can, snag the 33 m² Japanese-style room with five futons and a private terrace. It’s pricier but worth every yen. The 26 m² Economy Japanese-Style Room is also lovely, perfect for those on a tighter budget.

Don’t be deterred by the shared bathrooms—what it lacks in private amenities, it makes up for in hospitality.

Breakfast and dinner are included, a blessing given the lack of dining options nearby, and vegetarians are thoughtfully catered to.

Winter visitors can spend time on the slopes as there's excellent skiing nearby, while summer guests might spend their days hiking the trails and visiting the Tokakushi Chusha Shrine.

A rental car is recommended for convenience, though buses are available to the town if you’re not in a rush. Either way, Yokokura Ryokan promises a memorable and authentic escape.

Yakuōin reimagines what a Ryokan stay in Nagano can be. Adjacent to the historic Zenkoji Temple, this iconic shukubo (temple lodging) holds over a millennium of history under its roof. Perfectly restored to honor its Taisho-era origins, Yakuoin Temple is a Ryokan stay that feels a world away from modern distractions.

Mornings start early with the echoes of chants at 5 a.m. Join the monks in the inner sanctuary as they perform their daily prayers. With an English-speaking guide alongside, it’s a rare opportunity to understand centuries-old Buddhist practices.

Choose from the 27 m² Family Room with a shared Bathroom with 5 futon beds or the Quadruple Room with a shared bathroom with 4 futon beds.

Between simple yet tasteful tatami rooms and delectable vegetarian meals cooked using Shinshu’s seasonal harvest, the stay at Yaukoin is a pleasure for all five senses and is deeply rooted in tradition.

An on-site onsen is available for guests, but make sure to book via the signboard. Since it’s a temple, Yakuoin follows a 9 p.m. curfew, so plan your day around these customs.

Try your hand at sutra copying, a quiet practice that brings focus and stillness, or get on the nearby trails that lead to landmarks connected to Zenkoji’s extensive past.

Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan is a short walk from Zenko-ji Temple and has a past that's over 160 years long. Once a late-19th-century store, it now runs as a ryokan steeped in nostalgia, with antique furnishings and maze-like hallways that feel like walking into a vintage Japanese film.

This ryokan has become a landmark in its own right, exuding an aura deeply inspired by its Meiji-era origins. Run by an extremely kind husband-and-wife duo, the inn accommodates everyone, from solo travelers in single Japanese-style rooms to families in quadruple and triple setups.

Expect simplicity over luxury and extravagance—tatami floors, shared bathrooms, and quintessential Japanese hospitality are the focus here. Children are welcome, but extra beds or cots aren’t provided.

Evenings at Chuokan Shimizuya are for unwinding in the indoor bath, while mornings start with a generous spread featuring salmon, omelet, and local favorites.

The Ryokan is a quick 10-minute bus ride from JR Nagano Station and within walking distance of the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Museum.

Just minutes from Zenko-ji Temple, end your day with a moonlit walk to the temple—perhaps stopping for a late-night snack at a nearby combini.

Hidden in Nagano’s quieter corners, Kinasanoyu Hotel & Cottage is designed for slowing down and reconnecting with both nature and yourself.

Choose between traditional Japanese-style rooms, spacious twins, or a 55 m² private cottage with a bunk bed and 4 futons. The cottage even comes with a kitchen—perfect for nights when you’d rather cook than search for a restaurant.

Mornings begin with a soak in the mineral-rich Oku-Susobana onsen, where the steam has a way of dissolving both time and worries.

With its generous room sizes—a rarity in Japan—this ryokan’s biggest advantage lies in its peaceful, remote location.

While activities in the immediate area are limited, the grounds of Kinasanoyu have plenty to keep you occupied. Spend your day wandering through the gardens, warming up in the onsen, or just de-stress in the comfort of your room or cottage.

Winter visitors might even see playful snow monkeys lounging in the soft powder near the Ryokan.

One tip: bring bug spray during the warmer months if uninvited winged guests aren’t your thing.