Overview

Step into Kamesei Ryokan and let nature, history, and tradition guide you into a slower rhythm. Located in the classic onsen town of Togura-Kamiyamada in Nagano, this family-run ryokan invites you to reconnect with yourself. You’ll hear wild songbirds in the garden, sit by the irori hearth, sip tea while gazing at koi ponds, and rediscover calm. With its warm wood interiors and a story going back over a century, Kamesei offers more than accommodation—it offers a return to the present moment.

Accommodation

Kamesei Ryokan features 12 traditional rooms, each 10-tatami mat in size with private toilets. Seven rooms sit on the ground floor and feature individual pocket gardens, while five upstairs rooms offer views of the surrounding mountains.

First Floor Rooms with Gardens

Kodakara: Designed for romance and privacy, this room includes Kamiyamada’s largest private garden.

Anzu: Named after the region’s famous apricots, you can pick fresh fruit from the garden tree in early summer.

Kogyoku: This room features a heritage apple tree and seasonal fruit you can enjoy in autumn.

Tsumugi: Decorated with silk-themed items, this room highlights Nagano’s silk-weaving traditions.

Villa: Designed like a summer retreat, the natural materials and private deck offer comfort and escape.

Sarashina: Inspired by local prehistory, this room features Jomon-style design elements.

Sueh: Celebrates local Matsushiro pottery with ceramic details throughout the space.

Second Floor Mountain-View Rooms

Hattoh and Joyama: You rest in simple elegance while looking out to mountain peaks. Joyama also offers views of the central garden.

Each room includes tatami flooring, shoji screens, a tokonoma alcove, and a quiet sitting area.

Dining

No stay here feels complete without dinner. Chef Susumu Takei prepares 11-course kaiseki meals using Nagano’s local, seasonal ingredients. Dishes celebrate mountain flavors and are hand-crafted to express the essence of the region.

Dining Options

You dine in Hime-ike, the rustic farmhouse-style dining room with tables and chairs. For groups, there’s a banquet room with a stage for up to 50 people. You may also request in-room dining for an additional fee.

Dietary Options Available

• Vegetarian and vegan
• Gluten-free
• Allergy-sensitive
• Reduced-volume meals for seniors
• Junior and kids meals

Optional Dishes (Reserve in Advance)

You can request extras like shabu-shabu hot pots, Shinshu wagyu steak, or basashi.

Breakfast

Mornings begin with a healthy ryokan-style breakfast. You try grilled river fish, an onsen-cooked egg, Shinshu miso soup, pickles, and local side dishes. If you prefer toast and coffee, ask at check-in.

Onsen and Wellness

Kamesei’s onsen baths draw 100% natural spring water directly from the Kamiyamada source. The water is slightly alkaline and rich in sulfur, with a silky texture that leaves your skin smooth. Baths stay open 24 hours, with the temperature averaging 41°C.

Bath Facilities Include

• Men’s Indoor Bath: Kamesei’s largest indoor bath features a handmade ceramic turtle at the spout.
• “100-Year Bath”: The signature outdoor bath built from river stones by the owner himself.
• Women’s Baths: Includes a small indoor bath, plus two outdoor baths—a red cedar tub and a ceramic Shigaraki-yaki tub.
• Family Outdoor Bath “Shinano-Buro”: Surrounded by its own garden, this bath can be reserved for private use.

All onsen facilities are tattoo-friendly. If you prefer privacy, ask the front desk to reserve the family bath.

Spring Properties

• Source Temperature: 47.3°C
• Type: Pure sulfur spring
• Benefits: Soothes muscles, boosts circulation, helps with anxiety, stiffness, digestive issues, recovery, and more.

Guests with Tattoos

All communal baths at Kamesei Ryokan are open to those with tattoos. If you prefer to bathe in private, reserve the family outdoor bath.

Facilities

Lobby

You walk into a wide, welcoming space with an irori hearth at the center. The lobby also features a wood-burning stove, piano, brochures, and local goods for sale. Enjoy the rocking chair while watching koi in the garden.

Gardens

Everywhere you walk, the gardens bring nature into focus. You see azaleas, hydrangeas, and native trees in bloom or under snow. Each guest room either opens to a private pocket garden or views the central naka-niwa.

Family-Friendly Spaces

Kids have access to a hobby room with ping pong, toys, and books. A wooden train set, toy kitchen, and kid’s corner add charm. Families can also request a baby bath or dessert for children with dinner.

Other Amenities

A cold water cooler, drink refrigerator, and designated smoking areas are available for added comfort.

Activities

Kamesei Ryokan can arrange traditional entertainment during your stay:

• Geisha Show: Enjoy dancing, shamisen music, group participation, and classic geisha party games.
• Taiko Drum Performance: Feel the energy of a local drum troupe and join in the rhythm.
• Lion Dance: The shi-shi lion visits each person to dispel misfortune.

Performances must be booked in advance. Please inquire directly for details.

Additional Features

Kamesei Ryokan has 12 rooms.

Located in Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen, Chikuma, Nagano.

All rooms are non-smoking.

Family-friendly plans and tattoo-friendly bathing options available.

Free-flowing onsen water 24 hours a day.