5-Starhotels in Nagano Prefecture, Japan

"Service was in general good. Most staff can speak English and were very helpful.  We booked their teppanyaki restaurant but due to a member being sick, we cancelled it one day ahead.  However, we were then being told that there is a 50% charge which was not explained to us when we made the booking.  After some back and forth, they finally agreed to waive it.  Appreciated that but it was a hassle.  The apartment is nice and juices and water were included in the fridge.  There's no onsen nor swimming pool nor a gym in the hotel.  Breakfast was good with lots of varieties.  Location is excellent within walking distance to the Main Street in Echoland where most restaurants are.  Hotel provides shuttle buses to Happo One and Hakuba 47.  "

"優秀卓越的酒店，靠近雲場池，獨自旅遊當地有 Fufu有一個人的套餐會訂，，衹是一個人的套餐有點少，靜養之森的餐太棒了，養眼又美味，很好奇另一個店陽光之風，又請工作人員幫訂了第二天陽光之風的午餐，也很完美。靜養之森的房型和傢俱佈置會略有不同，但每一間都很奢華，都有24小時恆温温泉，周邊是森林，住在這裏真正靜養了。"

"It was a great experience to stay in this hotel! Very nice view and staff are very polite and willing to answer many questions. Outdoor area is very big that we could take bicycles with kids. Also there are kids outdoor playground that can spend whole day there. "

"One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. We visited in early November 2025 during the autumn season, and the beautiful foliage added such a romantic touch to the surroundings. I loved the modern interior, the comfortable bed, and the overall room layout. The hotel looks incredibly romantic at night too, especially with the reflections on the pond. The outdoor onsen was a highlight. It felt serene at night, and the maple trees lit up in the evening made it absolutely scenic. The onsen is located in a separate building, so you do have to walk through the cold, but it wasn’t an issue as the hotel provides thicker robes. If I had to nitpick, the indoor slippers weren’t the most comfortable. We drove during our stay, so getting to nearby attractions was easy. There’s a large supermarket and a pharmacy about 5–10 minutes away, which was very convenient — we didn’t even need to visit any convenience stores. This hotel impressed me so much that it made me look up where else Hotel Indigo has branches in Japan!"

"Een nacht van complete chaos, een nacht die ik voor altijd op mijn zwarte lijst zal zetten – Hoshinoya, het meest teleurstellende ”luxe” hotel waar ik ooit heb verbleven. Met hoge verwachtingen van het merk Hoshinoya plande ons gezin van vier deze reis, maar het bleek de meest rampzalige en onaangename nacht van mijn reiservaring te zijn. Ik moet deze recensie schrijven om iedereen te waarschuwen die een gezinsreis met kinderen plant. We hadden duidelijk een tweepersoonskamer geboekt, ervan overtuigd dat die voldoende zou zijn voor twee volwassenen en twee kinderen. Bij het inchecken deelde het personeel aan de receptie ons echter met een koude toon en een stijve glimlach mee dat de tweepersoonskamer vanwege het aantal en de leeftijd van de kinderen ”niet aan de eisen voldeed” en dat we niet samen konden verblijven. Hoe we het ook uitlegden of probeerden te communiceren, ze gedroegen zich als een geprogrammeerde machine en herhaalden steeds de hotelregels zonder enige coulance of oprechte intentie om het probleem op te lossen. Die koude en onpersoonlijke houding maakte direct een einde aan ons reisplezier. Het meest absurde probleem begon toen: we werden in de middle of nowhere achtergelaten. Het was laat en de twee kinderen waren uitgeput, maar we moesten ter plekke een nieuwe accommodatie vinden. Vol wanhoop en woede zochten we in allerijl naar het nabijgelegen Prince Hotel en boekten het 's avonds laat in de lobby. Gedurende het hele proces bood het hotelpersoneel geen enkele hulp, ze keken ons koud aan alsof onze benarde situatie hen niets aanging. Uiteindelijk, met onze vermoeide bagage en uitgeputte lichamen, ”ontsnapten” we midden in de nacht naar het Prince Hotel. De warme, begripvolle en efficiënte afhandeling in het Prince Hotel ontroerde ons bijna tot tranen. De dure nacht in het Hoshinoya voelde als een complete ironie. Ik begrijp dat hotels regels en voorschriften hebben, maar wordt de waarde van een tophotel niet juist weerspiegeld in de zorg voor ”gasten” en de wijsheid om flexibel om te gaan met onverwachte situaties? Het Hoshinoya voelde voor mij slechts aan als een ”luxe showroom” vol starre voorwaarden en een kille sfeer. Het is misschien geschikt voor alleenreizenden die extreme eenzaamheid zoeken, maar voor een gezin bood het absoluut geen warmte. Deze ervaring was niet alleen geldverspilling, maar heeft ook ons ​​vertrouwen in dit merk volledig geschaad. Hoshinoya, voorgoed vaarwel."

"酒店房間寬敞房間有私湯温泉。裝修高級細緻，服務貼心熱情。品嚐了酒店的法式和意式晚餐套餐，非常美味細緻，至少米其林一星的級別。酒店唯一缺點就是裏輕井澤較遠，不過酒店有免費專車接送去御代田火車站，坐火車去輕井澤大約15分鐘。這家酒店是低調奢華的代表，級別不輸虹夕諾亞，性價比很高"

"Located approx 20min walk from the station, but close to the old Ginza street. The rooms are a little old but well maintained. There is an indoor and outdoor onsen on the third floor and breakfast is very good."

"家族旅行で2泊しました。7万坪という広大な敷地にホテル3つのとチャペル、披露宴会場を合わせ持った贅沢なつくりでリラックスしたひとときを堪能しました。朝食のブッフェも夕食フレンチも美味しく、サービスも良かったです。温泉の大浴場もあり緑も多く散歩も心地よいひとときでした。1泊ではなく、2泊、3泊するのもオススメです。"

"This is the best hotel we ever stayed at. If you are reading this review, it means you already decided on going to the middle of no where Japan. Byaku more or less owns the town. There are other ryokans but nowhere close the the quality of this. They also have the only restaurant open late and it is amazing!!! Furthermore book it on a Friday/Sat/Sunday so you can enjoy the sake brewery next to the hot springs. Also get rooms with your own Onsen, it’s worth it the public ones aren’t co gender"

"Staying at Shoho in Matsumoto was an unforgettable experience that truly deserves five stars. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Nagano Prefecture, this hotel seamlessly blends traditional Japanese elegance with modern luxury. From the moment we stepped into the lobby, we were enveloped by a warm and inviting ambiance that set the tone for the rest of our stay. Our room was a perfect sanctuary—spacious, meticulously clean, and adorned with subtle touches of Japanese artistry. The panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from our window were nothing short of breathtaking, especially when the mountains were bathed in the soft glow of sunrise. The traditional tatami flooring and comfortable futon bedding provided an authentic experience without sacrificing comfort. One of the standout features of Shoho is its exceptional onsen facilities. Soaking in the natural hot springs while gazing at the picturesque scenery was incredibly rejuvenating. The rotenburo (outdoor bath) offered a tranquil escape where the stresses of daily life simply melted away. The hotel's attention to detail extended to these spaces, with beautifully crafted woodwork and stone elements enhancing the overall atmosphere. Culinary delights awaited us at every meal. The kaiseki dinner was a masterpiece—a multi-course feast that highlighted seasonal and local ingredients. Each dish was artfully presented and demonstrated a profound respect for Japanese culinary traditions. The breakfast buffet was equally impressive, offering a wide array of both Japanese and Western options to suit all palates. The staff at Shoho went above and beyond to ensure our stay was exceptional. Their genuine hospitality was evident in every interaction, from assisting with our luggage to offering insightful recommendations on local attractions. Despite any language barriers, their kindness and professionalism shone through. The hotel's location is ideal for exploring the rich cultural heritage of Matsumoto. We were just a short drive from the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Strolling through the historic Nakamachi Street with its classic white-walled storehouses turned boutique shops and cafes was a delightful way to spend an afternoon. In addition to its proximity to cultural sites, Shoho serves as a great base for nature enthusiasts. The nearby Kamikochi Valley offers stunning hiking trails that showcase the unspoiled beauty of the Japanese Alps. Returning to the comfort of the hotel after a day of exploration was something we looked forward to, especially knowing a soothing onsen soak awaited us. In summary, Shoho encapsulates the essence of Japanese hospitality. Every aspect of our stay was thoughtfully curated to provide comfort, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. We left feeling deeply refreshed and with a greater appreciation for the wonders of Matsumoto. Shoho is more than just a place to stay—it's an experience that lingers long after you've departed. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and luxurious retreat in Japan."