Kamesei Ryokan

We enjoyed the traditional rooms and their great location, and we’d go back knowing better what to expect. But arriving in town and at the motel, we all felt like deer in headlights. The whole place had a strange, closed-door feel, and perhaps people were just tired of tourists. We initially felt unwelcome and unsupported. There was no food offered or available on-site, and no place to shower if using the public onsen isn’t for you or you have kids. Some more guidance and recommendations at the start would’ve helped. Food options and a private shower would make this feel closer to a 4-5 star stay.

Dinner and breakfast were a real highlight. The dishes were beautifully prepared and well explained, and our Villa room was spacious and comfortable for two. We were new to the whole ryokan and hot springs experience and knew we might get the etiquette wrong. Having a host who spoke English helped us figure things out. Tyler and Mari were indispensable and happy to guide us through questions, and we appreciated the ride from Togura station. The men’s and women’s onsen switch halfway through the evening, which is thoughtful since one is noticeably bigger. We especially enjoyed the outdoor onsen on a chilly January night. The town had a quiet, retro feel, and I wish we’d had more time to explore it. We’ll just have to come back. If you’re visiting Nagano, a night here is absolutely worth it.

Tyler picked us up from the station, which was helpful and made for a lovely start. My friends and I stayed one night, though I honestly could’ve stayed a whole week. The room was cozy and the futons comfortable. There are bathrooms, but showers and baths are taken in the hotel’s hot springs area. The public baths switch, so you can enjoy both. I was grateful they could provide such a delicious gluten-free meal with a good variety, since gluten-free ryokan options are hard to find. Learning about the ryokan’s history was interesting, and I enjoyed spotting turtle figures around the building. Thanks, Tyler, Mari, and Kamesei staff, for a lovely getaway!

My family and I are vegan, and the vegan meal option was what first drew us here. It turned out to be the best vegan meal we’ve ever had, with dishes I’d never seen before, and everything was fabulous. The onsen was top-notch too, and we loved the reservable private bath. Just total relaxation. Our 7-year-old and my wife and I also had a great time in the upstairs playroom, especially during some pretty fierce ping pong games. Tyler-san and all the other staff were exceptional. I only wish we’d stayed longer. We’ll definitely be coming back to this magical place.