Kohan no Yado Fujiya Ryokan

We had dinner included, and there was plenty to eat. The shabu-shabu and other dishes were delicious, and there was a handy place to dry our skis and gear. The room had enough space for two, and the price for both of us was under 20,000 yen, which felt like good value. We stayed on a weekday while visiting a ski resort in Nagano Prefecture, so the parking lot out front was empty. The bath was warm at a good temperature, but the drain seemed blocked. Water pooled across the washing area until it was hard to tell where it ended and the tub began, and it was uncomfortable to stand in. It overflowed again when I bathed in the morning. Apart from that problem, I'd like to stay here again.

We stayed in a Japanese-style room in May 2025. It was old but clean, with the futon already laid out and a little indirect lamp, so we could relax. My husband is a picky eater, and the home-style small dishes suited him; I also prefer those to Western or Italian food. The menu was easy for him to eat. He goes fishing, so being right in front of Lake Nojiri was convenient. The food was delicious, including the grilled young bamboo served with its skin on, and fish that was fluffy inside with crisp skin and just the right amount of salt. The exterior has a retro Showa-era look. The bath isn't a hot spring, but it warmed us up. Tastes differ, of course, but for one night with two meals the price is quite reasonable. With ingredient and utility costs going up, I think they're doing a good job.

At night the area gets pitch black, so take care if you go out, even though there's a convenience store, gas station, and restaurant nearby. I was on a motorcycle tour over the long weekend in early November and booked this place on the second day because it was reasonably cheap and still had a vacancy when Nagano City had no good rooms left. It sits right by the lake, about five minutes from the interchange. I could park my bike under the eaves, though quite a few flying insects were around there. The Japanese-style room had a direct view of Lake Nojiri and was decent for the price. I only booked the room, so I can't comment on the food. The bath was average. I was a little wary of finding a cheap place still available during a long weekend, but it had no issues, a great view, and a convenient location. I'd recommend it.

The first night was fine in some ways: there were no bugs in my room, and although the washlet water pressure was so weak it was pointless, I was comfortable enough to consider staying again when I came back to Lake Nojiri during the April fishing ban. I've gone there every year, and I'm traveling around the country now. But on the second night, the pillow had been kicked off the futon, as if someone had only been in to collect a tip or clean up the trash. Maybe they're only attentive when busy. My bath towels were folded neatly, but the face towel I'd used the night before was still hanging there, wrinkled and apparently meant to be reused. No fresh towels, and no sign the room had been cleaned. The front desk guy looked worn out. It was a terrible stay, and I won't return. My first hotel stay here really shocked me ( `_v´). Maybe it's because the place is near an intersection where there are lots of accidents? “It's tough for people with psychic abilities.”