Overview

Step into the heart of Nozawa Onsen and experience a ryokan that brings the ancient power of hot springs directly to you. Ryokan SAKAYA has welcomed travelers for 18 generations, and everything here—from the naturally flowing hot spring water to the thoughtful hospitality—reflects that history. You’re not just staying in a traditional inn. You’re connecting to centuries of culture in a hot spring village where locals still walk the streets in yukata, and steam rises gently from the bathhouses scattered across town.

You’ll stay just minutes from thirteen public hot spring bathhouses. This is one of Japan’s most atmospheric hot spring resorts, and Ryokan SAKAYA sits right at its heart. From the moment you enter, you’ll feel a deep sense of calm, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of an authentic onsen village.

Accommodation

Ryokan SAKAYA offers a range of Japanese and Japanese-Western rooms. Each space includes tatami floors, soft lighting, and thoughtful details that help you unwind. The rooms are quiet, spacious, and filled with the kind of simplicity that makes it easy to relax.

Choose from rooms with sunken kotatsu tables, twin beds, or traditional futon setups. Standard guest rooms range from 35 to 40 square meters, while larger suites stretch up to 54 square meters with separate antechambers and seating areas. For something compact and cozy, select a 28 to 32 square meter room designed for comfort and value. All rooms come with a private shower and toilet, mini refrigerator, tea set, towel drier, hair dryer, and free Wi-Fi.

If you’re traveling with a group or planning a long stay, book the Lux Condo -JON NOBI. This 100 square meter suite includes three bedrooms, a full kitchen, a spacious living and dining area, and everything you need to feel at home.

Dining

At Ryokan SAKAYA, every meal celebrates the seasons and the rich soil of the Nagano-Niigata region. The chefs craft creative Japanese dishes using local vegetables, wild mountain herbs, mushrooms, and fresh ingredients grown nearby. The meals aren’t just beautifully arranged—they’re bold in flavor, colorful in presentation, and deeply satisfying.

You’ll enjoy a multi-course dinner that changes with the seasons. Each dish showcases the land’s natural gifts, with both delicate and powerful flavors. For drinks, try locally brewed sake like Mizuo, made from spring water drawn from the area’s own hot springs. Or enjoy Masumi and Kizan, two of Nagano’s most well-known sakes. Add a side of Nozawana—a pickled local green with a kick of chili—and you’ll have a dining experience rooted in the local tradition.

Onsen and Wellness

The highlight of your stay is the hot spring experience. Ryokan SAKAYA uses fresh, undiluted spring water that flows directly from a natural source on the grounds. This water has aged deep underground, drawing minerals from ancient rock layers. When it rises to the surface, it produces soft, fragrant steam and mineral-rich “flowers” of sulfur—visible proof of a real, first-rate hot spring.

The indoor baths—Takano-yu for men and Tsukino-yu for women—are built using traditional bathhouse techniques, with woodwork crafted by shrine carpenters. The dim lighting and warm stone create a tranquil atmosphere that soothes your body and mind.

Step outside to the open-air baths at Tsukimino-tani. Here, you can soak beneath the sky and feel the cool breeze on your skin as the hot water eases away your stress. For private time, reserve Matsuno-Yu, a family bath inside the ryokan where you can bathe in peace.

If you stay at the Lux Condo -JON NOBI, you also have access to Kameno-yu, a large outdoor bath on the grounds that offers a resort-style soak. Bathing suits are required for this open-air experience.

Guests with Tattoos

Tattoos are common among international travelers, and Ryokan SAKAYA offers private bathing options such as Matsuno-Yu, allowing you to enjoy the hot spring experience without concern.

Facilities

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
• Air-conditioned rooms with shower and toilet
• Hair dryers and towel driers in every room
• Mini refrigerators and tea sets
• Family bath for private onsen use
• Large open-air bath available for condo guests
• Locally inspired meals served in a relaxed setting
• Easy access to public bathhouses and village shops

If you’re visiting during winter or holiday season, the ryokan accepts reservations for guests staying three nights or more and who agree to the early cancellation policy. Be sure to check the seasonal details and book early.

Activities

Nozawa Onsen isn’t just about bathing—though you’ll find more than a dozen public baths within walking distance. The streets are full of charm, with locals and travelers alike strolling through town in yukata. You can visit souvenir shops, enjoy street food like steamed buns or soft-serve, and see the steam rise from the wooden bathhouses that dot the village.

If you’re visiting in winter, Nozawa Onsen is also a ski destination. The ryokan becomes a perfect retreat after a day on the slopes. In other seasons, hike through the forested hills, visit mountain temples, or simply enjoy the mountain air and the natural rhythm of life in this historic village.

Additional Features

• 18 generations of family hospitality
• Rooms for solo travelers, couples, and groups
• Lux Condo available for extended stays
• Private and communal baths sourced directly from the spring
• Seasonal cuisine rooted in the Nagano-Niigata region
• Access to nearby public onsen and village life
• Long-stay and winter booking options available