Multi-story riverside ryokan building with signage and mountain backdrop in Nagano Chūbu region
Traditional tatami room with low table, cushion chairs and large shoji windows overlooking mountains at Hoshikawakan, Nagano
Flowing water from a wooden spout into a traditional onsen tub at Hoshikawakan, Nagano
Traditional tatami room with low table, zabuton seating and sliding doors at Hoshikawakan in Nagano, Chūbu
Tatami room with low wooden table, cushions, shoji screens and tokonoma alcove at Hoshikawakan in Nagano
Buffet spread in tatami dining room at Hoshikawakan, Nagano, Chūbu
Futon bedding arranged on tatami mats in a simple ryokan room at Hoshikawakan Nagano
Flowing water over stones in a ryokan bath at Hoshikawakan in Nagano, Chūbu region

Hoshikawakan

8.3
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.3/10, based on 239 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
Hot Spring Town Station Access Hot Spring Bath Public Onsen Open-Air Bath Reservable Bath
Staff 8,3/10
Facilities 8,1/10
Cleanliness 8,0/10
Comfort 8,2/10
Value for money 8,3/10
Location 8,5/10

Ryokan highlights

A traditional onsen ryokan in Yudanaka Onsen with easy station access and strong sightseeing convenience.

Yudanaka Station WalkAbout a 3 to 5 minute walk from Yudanaka Station for easy arrivals.
Hot Spring BathsPublic hot spring bathing is a core draw, with open-air bath mentions online.
Snow Monkey BaseConvenient base for visiting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and nearby mountain sights.
Traditional Japanese StayJapanese-style rooms and classic ryokan atmosphere suit travelers wanting a local experience.
Family-Friendly FacilitiesFamily rooms and kid-friendly features make it practical for group or family stays.
Leisure ExtrasKaraoke and lounge-style facilities add casual evening entertainment beyond just sleeping.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsAccess is the strongest driver here: you can arrive by train, check in, bathe, eat dinner, sleep in a tatami room, then use the next day for Snow Monkey Park or onward travel. A second night works if you want a slower onsen rhythm or to pair the monkeys with Shibu or Shiga Kogen.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a practical 1-night or light 2-night stay in Yudanaka for hot springs, the Snow Monkey Park, and possible Shiga Kogen access rather than a long scenic ryokan retreat.

Know before booking

Limited long-stay depthGood for a short Yamanouchi stop, but the immediate area is not dense enough for many sightseeing-heavy days.
Not a remote retreatThis address is near Yudanaka Station, so expect convenience over deep mountain seclusion.
Feature set seems mid-rangeVerified info supports traditional rooms and baths, but not a high-luxury destination-ryokan experience.

Food & drinks

Hoshikawakan in Yamanouchi appears to offer included breakfast and dinner on site, with more varied dining a short walk away near Yudanaka Station.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Ryokan meal venue for included breakfast and dinner; likely simple Japanese set meals.

  • Japanese breakfastfoodSimple morning set meal.
  • Dinner setfoodJapanese dinner for staying guests.
  • TeadrinkStandard hot tea with meals.
Izakaya Kushidoraku (nearby)
nearby490 ft

Casual local izakaya known for grilled dishes and easy picture menus.

  • YakitorifoodGrilled chicken skewers.
  • GyozafoodPan-fried dumplings.
  • Potato croquettesfoodCrisp fried potato cakes.
  • BeerdrinkGood with grilled snacks.
Japanese Dining GOEN (nearby)
nearbynear Yudanaka Station

Popular Japanese dining spot with local ingredients and a broader dinner selection.

  • SobafoodLocal buckwheat noodles.
  • TempurafoodMixed fried items.
  • SushifoodClassic sushi selection.
  • YakitorifoodGrilled skewers.
  • Alcohol drinksdrinkBeer and other bar drinks.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Hoshikawakan is in central Yudanaka Onsen and is most conveniently reached via Yudanaka Station, with Nagano Station as the main long-distance rail gateway.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a practical hot-spring stay in Yudanaka Onsen with a very convenient station-side location and easy access to local sightseeing. It suits travelers who value onsen, space, and convenience more than polished luxury or intimate ryokan charm.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Easy walk from Yudanaka StationThe ryokan is only a short walk from Yudanaka Station, which makes arrival simple even without a car. That convenience is especially useful if you plan to visit the Snow Monkey Park area or move on to nearby ski zones.
  • Strong natural onsen appealThe property promotes 100% natural hot-spring water with a generous flow and multiple bath options, including reservable semi-open-air baths. That gives you a more relaxing bathing experience than a basic hotel public bath.
  • Good base for Snow Monkeys and skiingIt is well positioned for popular regional outings, with the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park access area reachable in about 10 minutes by car and major ski areas within roughly 20 to 30 minutes. This makes it a convenient all-round base rather than a remote retreat.
  • Large rooms for families or groupsThe ryokan offers spacious Japanese-style rooms, including larger 18 to 20 tatami options that are easier for families or small groups to share. That extra floor space is a real advantage over tighter business-hotel rooms.
  • Solid value-style meal plansThe inn is known for meal plans built around Shinshu flavors, with options such as premium beef sukiyaki, half-buffet service, and even drinks-inclusive plans. If you want an easy, bundled stay rather than hunting for dinner each night, that can be very appealing.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • More hotel-like than traditionalAlthough it offers tatami rooms and onsen, the property operates more like a larger practical onsen hotel than a refined boutique ryokan. Travelers seeking highly personalized service or a deeply atmospheric old-Japan stay may find it less distinctive.
  • Not a secluded scenic hideawayIts main strength is convenience near the station, not an isolated mountain setting with dramatic views. If you want a quiet luxury escape surrounded by nature, this location may feel too functional.
  • Some facilities feel group-orientedThe property includes banquet and group-use spaces, which suggests it can cater to tour groups and larger gatherings. That setup may be less appealing if you prefer a small, intimate ryokan with a calm adults-focused atmosphere.
  • Retail facilities are limitedSome on-site convenience features appear modest, and the gift shop has been noted as temporarily closed. If you like a ryokan with polished in-house extras and active lounge-style amenities, this may feel basic.
  • Less suited to design-led luxury seekersThis is better matched to travelers prioritizing access, baths, and room size than those chasing high-end aesthetics or standout contemporary design. If visual style is a major part of your stay, other ryokan in the Yudanaka-Shibu area may feel more special.

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: 102nd out of 166 ryokans in Nagano.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
97th Suzuranso 8.6/10 6
98th Tateshina Grand Hotel Takinoyu 8.3/10 2,908
99th Tamano-yu, Togura Kamiyamada Onsen 8.9/10 2
100th Ryokan Matsukaze 8.3/10 729
101st Tsuki no Shizuka 8.3/10 414
102nd Hoshikawakan Current ryokan 8.3/10 239
103rd Hotel Yudanaka 8.3/10 200
104th Shiga Kogen Hotel Shiga Sunvalley 8.3/10 162
105th Baigetsu Ryokan 8.6/10 3
106th Yoshinotei 8.3/10 48
107th Hotel & Onsen 2307 Shigakogen 8.3/10 42
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