Elan Hotel Lake Nojiri

8.7
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.7/10, based on 126 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
Lake Views Mountain Setting Countryside Escape Quiet Village Indoor Bath
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 8,0/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 8,0/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 9,0/10

Ryokan highlights

Lakefront-style ryokan stay in Shinano with strong ski access, scenic views, and warm hospitality.

Lake Nojiri SettingNear Lake Nojiri, with scenic water views and an easy lakeside atmosphere.
Ski Area AccessWell placed for reaching multiple ski resorts around Myoko, Madarao, and Kurohime.
Warm HospitalityReviews consistently praise attentive staff and notably kind, helpful service.
Comfortable RoomsGuests often mention clean, comfortable rooms with practical modern conveniences.
Family FriendlyFamily rooms, child-friendly options, and review patterns suggest easy stays with kids.
Good Value StayStrong review scores for value make it appealing for scenic, activity-based trips.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsScenery and lake access are the main draw, so one night works for check-in, baths, breakfast, and a lakeside walk, while two nights gives time for boating, hiking, or a nearby outing without forcing the pace.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-2 night Lake Nojiri nature stay for relaxed scenery, outdoor activity, and a quieter stop between bigger destinations, not as a classic onsen ryokan base.

Know before booking

Not a true onsen ryokanVerified materials point to Japanese baths, but not a strong classic hot-spring ryokan identity, so do not book expecting a famous onsen-town stay.
Limited around the hotelThe immediate Lake Nojiri area is scenic but quiet, so travelers wanting dense sightseeing or many evening options may feel done quickly.
Access is not urban-easyThis works better for travelers comfortable with a rural lake setting and some transfer planning rather than fast city-style station convenience.

Food & drinks

Verified lakeside hotel at 16 Nojiri with breakfast included, a bar noted on listing pages, and useful nearby lake-area dining.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Hotel breakfast venue; simple in-house meals are the clearest confirmed option.

  • Continental breakfastfoodIncluded morning meal.
  • Coffee or teadrinkTypical breakfast hot drinks.
  • Light breakfast setspecialtySimple traveler-friendly start.
Bar (on-site)
on-site

A bar is listed for the property, but specific drinks are not clearly detailed.

  • BeerdrinkBar service likely available.
  • Wine or spiritsdrinkExact list not published.
  • Evening drinksspecialtyRelaxed after-activity stop.
Cafe & Restaurant LAMP (nearby)
nearbynear Lake Nojiri

Popular nearby lakeside spot for coffee, local beer, burgers, steak, and ethnic-style dishes.

  • HamburgersfoodServed in warmer months.
  • Sirloin steakfoodDinner favorite with potatoes.
  • Local craft beerdrinkIncludes regional beers.
  • Drip coffeedrinkCafe staple by the lake.
  • Seasonal vegetable platesspecialtyColorful shareable dishes.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Elan Hotel Lake Nojiri is a lakeside stay near Lake Nojiri, best reached via Kurohime Station with a short taxi or local transfer rather than on foot with luggage.

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 pick for travelers who want lake views, warm service, and easy access to outdoor activities around Lake Nojiri. It is less suitable if you want a full-service ryokan experience, many on-site facilities, or easy rail-based mobility without planning ahead.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Beautiful Lake Nojiri settingThe hotel is directly by Lake Nojiri, so the scenery is a real part of the stay rather than a distant attraction. This location suits travelers who want a calm nature-focused base with mountain and water views.
  • Excellent guest serviceGuest feedback consistently highlights especially attentive and helpful hosts, including practical assistance beyond basic check-in. That level of care can make a big difference in a rural area.
  • Good base for ski tripsThe property is positioned well for winter travelers heading to surrounding ski areas in the wider Myoko and northern Nagano zone. It works especially well for guests who want lodging away from the busiest resort centers.
  • Comfortable rooms with solid basicsReviews point to clean, comfortable rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and practical modern conveniences rather than old-fashioned minimalism. This makes it appealing for travelers who want comfort without paying for luxury frills.
  • Breakfast adds valueBreakfast is a notable inclusion and is often mentioned positively by guests. For an area where dining can require more planning, that helps start the day easily.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not a classic ryokan stayThis property feels more like a small lakeside hotel than a traditional ryokan with elaborate kaiseki, tatami-focused ambiance, and a deeply Japanese ritualized stay. Travelers seeking a heritage ryokan atmosphere may find it too modern and simple.
  • Limited on-site facilitiesThe amenity offering appears fairly modest, with the bath area described by some guests as small and without the extensive wellness setup some Japanese stays offer. If you want a destination property with many facilities, this may feel light.
  • A car is very helpfulThe area is scenic but not especially convenient without transport, especially outside peak seasons. Travelers relying entirely on trains and spontaneous local dining may find logistics restrictive.
  • Quiet area can feel isolatedLake Nojiri is peaceful, but that also means fewer immediate options for shops, restaurants, and evening activity right around the hotel. This suits slow travel better than a lively town stay.
  • Seasonality affects the experienceThe stay seems to depend quite a bit on when you visit, with stronger appeal in ski and outdoor seasons than in quieter shoulder periods. Outside those times, the area can feel less active and convenient.

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: 66th out of 166 ryokans in Nagano.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
61st Ogiwarakan 8.7/10 598
62nd Yudanaka Seifuso 8.7/10 461
63rd Hotel Housei 8.7/10 312
64th Ichinokurasou 8.7/10 157
65th Yokokura Ryokan 8.7/10 133
66th Elan Hotel Lake Nojiri Current ryokan 8.7/10 126
67th Uruoikan 8.7/10 98
68th Hotel Takimoto 8.7/10 90
69th Rakki OnsenRyokan 楽奇温泉旅館 8.6/10 631
70th Okara Sansō 9.0/10 17
71st Club Wyndham Chikumakan Nagano 8.6/10 606
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