5-Star Hotels in Nagano Prefecture, Japan

Hotel was a short drive to the ski resort. Front office staff were very pleasant, they also had a complimentary lounge with drinks. Room was clean and spacious

I discovered this gem on Xiaohongshu, and it was even more stunning in person than in the photos! The hotel is nestled in a tranquil forest within a private villa area, complete with a secluded path that leads directly to Hoshino Onsen and Harunire Terrace. The interior design is incredibly thoughtful and tasteful; the kitchen and tableware, in particular, were exquisitely chosen and felt very high-quality. The bedding was so unbelievably soft and comfortable, it felt like sleeping on clouds! Every detail revealed impeccable taste. I was so impressed, I even asked the owner where they sourced some of the items, haha! It was an incredibly satisfying stay, and I'm already planning my next visit with friends!

It was a very comfortable stay. The room was especially clean, the staff were attentive, and the breakfast buffet was excellent. It was only a one-night stay, but it was a great experience, especially when combined with the various experiences I had in Hakuba. The only thing I noticed was that the shower water made a big mess on the bathroom floor, even though it was a twin room. If I have the chance to return, I'd like to have dinner there as well.

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.

Excellent and excellent hotel, close to the cloud pool, travel alone locally Fufu has a set meal for one person. The set meal for one person is a bit small. The quiet and healthy meal is great. It is eye-catching and delicious. I am curious about the sun wind of another store. I also asked the staff to help book the sun wind lunch the next day. It is also perfect.  Quiet Sen's room type and furniture layout will be slightly different, but each room is very luxurious, there are 24-hour constant temperature hot springs, surrounded by forests, living here is really quiet.

We booked three rooms for three adults, but one turned out to be a sofa bed. It was quite hard and narrow (around 90cm wide), making it very uncomfortable for an adult to sleep on. While the suite's living room was exceptionally spacious, it felt largely wasted. The hotel's spa wasn't particularly impressive, so we skipped it. Overall, for over 7000, it was quite disappointing. However, the hotel's location is truly superb, offering great convenience for getting around. Due to this experience, I wouldn't book a suite again. The room's carpet also had a persistent, unpleasant odor that wouldn't dissipate, even with the door closed, and the bathroom's shower fixtures weren't working properly. The hotel's courtyard, though pretty, was far too small. On the positive side, the service was genuinely excellent, and the complimentary round-trip shuttle service to the train station was incredibly convenient. A standard room might be acceptable for a single night's stay, primarily because of the fantastic location.

Room is good but service can be improved. First of all I’m gold member but the hotel didn’t allow me to early check in when I arrived at hotel at noon time. Secondly, they charge extra for basic amenities like shower cap. Last but not least, a brand new non-opened cup noodle of mine was missing after room cleaning…

Although the hotel name says Karuizawa, it is actually in Miyota-cho next door (locals also complained to me because no one came if it was only Miyota). It costs 6,000-7,000 yen to take a taxi from Karuizawa to the hotel. The shuttle taxi arranged by the hotel can only pick up at Miyota Station (take the Shinano Railway, three stations away from Karuizawa). I told the hotel that I wanted to celebrate my mother's birthday, so I prepared greeting cards, desserts and bear towels, but compared with the previous hotels that were not so expensive, it seemed a bit cheap. There is no extra charge for soft drinks and alcoholic drinks in the room refrigerator. They are provided according to the number of people. We have four people staying (four bottles of local apple juice, four bottles of local peach juice, four cans of Suntory oolong tea, four bottles of Perrier, four cans of Karuizawa beer, four cans of Yebisu beer and two bottles of local sparkling wine). The content provided is also a bit average compared to other Japanese hotels of the same price that provide Moët & Chandon champagne. The dinner content is sufficient and delicious, and the chef will come to meet at the end. The marshmallow roasting activity is from 17:00 to 19:00. Check out at 11:00 the next morning, and the hotel also provides free delivery service to Miyota Station.

The hotel room is large, the bed is very comfortable, and the sound insulation is very good. Overall very comfortable. The breakfast is mainly Japanese style, with a lot of varieties, including coffee and bread, and the restaurant environment is comfortable. However, the location of the hotel is relatively remote, and the nearby restaurants close very early.

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