Chuoukan Shimizuya Ryokan

I had a wonderful stay at this traditional Japanese ryokan. The couple that runs it is lovely. It was just a bit of an adjustment from having modern amenities and an ensuite bathroom but I wanted the real experience and I got it! Definitely recommended.

164 year old ryokan and sixth generation family running it! Shows it age but hosts were great and the breakfast was really nice.

Before booking, I'd really recommend looking up all of the etiquette required when staying at a Ryokan. You really need to know what to expect before getting there, as I feel like this is among the most traditional you'll find in Nagano. But if you've learnt all of that, and you're up for it, this is a perfect stay. The hosts are incredibly welcoming and hospitable. But don't expect any English, and make sure you know the Ryokan rules.

The Ryokan was beautiful, clean, comfortable, and conveniently located in Nagano, and the owners were extremely kind and helpful. We loved our stay there!

Lovely Ryokan in the historic area of Nagano. Perfect spot to experience true Japanese hospitality.

A peaceful and calming stay. Charming hosts and what a spread at the japanese breakfast, a lot of work went into it.

The staff was very kind and accomodating.

It was a fabulous opportunity to stay at a traditional Ryoken and treated with Japanese hospitality. The location was also perfect and we could walk to the temple any many of the best restaurants which our hosts easily knew! So grateful.

In the middle of it all, it’s a hostel type property but don’t let that discourage you. Lovely couple that welcome you and help you with whatever you need. Location is amazing with a short walk to the temple and to all eateries. Room is cozy, overall I loved the experience

It was a great and affordable ryokan! The couple who own the ryokan was kind and assisted us as much as they could. It was kinda cold but the rooms were heated properly. Overall great stay!

Excellent place to get the traditional Japanese experience.

Great to experience a Ryokan stay at a reasonable price. Superior service by a very nice couple. Highly reccomended!!

This seemed like a very traditional, well cared for, old, lodge. Couple who run it are very hospitable with many unique features such as tea service, slippers, large breakfast, linens, hot hand packs provided etc. Cold and dark. Thin walls. Shared washing and toilets.

We enjoyed our stay

incredibly kind owners, wonderful room!

I rarely leaves review. This is one of those time that I thing leaving a proper review let others make good decision. First, the good thing. The property is very near to main attraction. In walking distance. Now, the not so nice things. 1. The place is so cold. Our family is left shivering whenever we get out of the room. And the toilet is not inside the room. 2. This is a very old property. So, very steep stairs to negotiate especially if you have heavy luggage. 3. The so call "hot spring" is really so so. Dont be trick by the picture that is shown. Also, the bath room is so cold as it is winter, Not enough heating. 4. finally, the men's toilet bidet is not working. This is the first time ever I encounter a bidet in Japan that is not working. A very disappointing stay and also a very expensive one. Definitely not worth what we paid for.

Chuoukan Shimizuya Ryokan is a historical building in a convenient location. It is a 10 minute walk to the famous Zenkōji Temple and only 1 minute from the locals' favourite ramen and tonkatsu. However, the highlight of this Ryokan are the hosts. They made every effort to make us feel welcome and comfortable, despite the language barrier. I strongly recommend staying at Chuoukan Shimizuya Ryokan if you value culture and coziness.

the couple who owns it are so so nice and lovely.

3 weeks before traveling to Nagano, we suffer a great loss from my father passing away. We wrote to this ryokan to cancel or change the dates. None of this options were avaliable and they didn't respond. We also call by telephone and a really rude and unpolite guy answer and didn't gave us any option or alternative dates to book with them. Terrible.

This Ryokan was perfectly located on the main street in Nagano. This Ryokan is very old, and has very steep stairs. Toilets are located on various floors between main floors. Bath only open 7-9am then again in the evening. Tatami mats were comfortable, and street side views windows were lovely.