Overview

Tokiwaya Ryokan Inn has welcomed travelers for over 380 years. Founded during the Edo period, it stands in the heart of Nozawa Onsen and continues to carry the spirit of its first generation into the future. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the deep history woven into every part of the ryokan. The nearby Oyu bathhouse, a symbol of the town, is visible from many areas of the inn and offers a glimpse into the rich culture of the hot spring village.

This inn draws its water from two natural springs, filling the large baths with free-flowing hot water around the clock. When you step into the bath, the natural warmth sinks deep into your muscles, melting away any tension. Meals blend Japanese and French influences, served in private dining spaces. Each dish features local and seasonal ingredients, presented as a creative, flavorful journey through the Nozawa region.

From its location, cuisine, and historic onsen to the comforting rooms and thoughtful service, Tokiwaya Ryokan Inn promises a stay that soothes both body and spirit.

Accommodation

The rooms at Tokiwaya Ryokan Inn combine traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. Many face the lively Oyu-dori street or overlook Nozawa’s famous hot spring landmarks. Every room includes a private bath, washlet toilet, TV, fridge, and Wi-Fi. The entire building is non-smoking, and each stay includes access to the inn’s natural hot spring baths.

Special Room – S Type

Enjoy two Japanese-style rooms (18m² and 11m²) plus wide rim seating and large windows overlooking Oyu-dori. A massage chair helps you unwind after your bath. This corner room offers plenty of space for groups of up to six.

Japanese-Western Room – A Type

This renovated room features a Japanese tatami area (18m²), twin beds, and a wide rim seating area. You can look out over the lively Oyu-dori from your window. For parties of three or more, a futon will be provided in the tatami room.

Japanese-Western Room – B Type

A cozy option limited to just one room at the inn, this layout includes an 11m² tatami space and twin beds. While it doesn’t offer a view, it suits travelers who prefer sleeping in beds.

Japanese Room – Type B

A classic Japanese-style room (18m² to 22m²) with a wide rim. Some of these rooms offer views of Oyu-dori or the iconic Oyu bathhouse. This simple, popular layout suits solo travelers or small groups.

Western Room – B Type

Renovated in 2023, this twin room includes an extra bed to accommodate up to three people. Smoking is allowed only on the balcony during warmer months. The room includes a shower, washlet, and standard modern comforts.

Dining

Tokiwaya’s cuisine blends traditional Japanese ingredients with French culinary techniques to create an original full-course dining experience. Every dish features local flavors and ingredients, carefully chosen to highlight the changing seasons of Nozawa.

Dinner

You’ll sit down to a creative full-course meal, with seasonal dishes prepared just for your visit. For example, in summer you might enjoy grilled Shinshu salmon, smoked trout, or roasted sea bass with hazelnut and anchovy sauce. Each course finishes with a sweet touch—like a house-made custard flan.

Breakfast

Wake up to a traditional Japanese breakfast, complete with local specialties such as Shinshu miso soup, grilled fish, pickled Nozawana, and a skillet of grilled vegetables and bacon. Your morning meal also includes hot spring eggs, yogurt with fruit, and 100% Shinshu apple juice.

Beverages

You can enjoy local sake from Iiyama, Shinshu apple cider, and a selection of wines, beer, and soft drinks. The drink menu complements both traditional and Western-style dishes.

Dining Spaces

• Tokiwatei: Fully private dining rooms with traditional touches and table seating.
• Chikuma: A semi-private dining room with a modern design and wheelchair accessibility.
• Nest Hawk: A hall that accommodates larger parties with table seating in a Japanese-style room.

Onsen and Wellness

Tokiwaya Ryokan Inn offers two large communal baths, each drawing water from a different spring. The onsen water flows directly from the source, completely untreated and rich in minerals that help soothe muscle pain, skin conditions, and fatigue.

Sennin Buro (1000-Person Bath)

Named after Empress Komyō, this spacious bath draws from the same three springs as Nozawa’s public Oyu bath. The space features black granite and local stone, creating a calm, dignified atmosphere. The area includes a reclining bath and a gentler lukewarm section. Men and women alternate access at 9:00 PM daily.

Spring type: Hypotonic alkaline simple sulfur spring (pH 7.4)

Bath access: Open 24 hours

Yakushi no Yu

This bath draws from the inn’s own private spring. Near the bath, you’ll find a statue of the Child-rearing Kannon, associated with blessings for childbirth and parenting. The water here has a higher pH (8.5) and offers additional health benefits.

Spring type: Weakly alkaline sulfur spring

Bath access: Open 24 hours

The water at both baths may help with issues like joint pain, nerve conditions, eczema, digestive problems, insomnia, circulation, and more.

Guests with Tattoos

Tokiwaya does not restrict access to its onsen facilities for travelers with tattoos, allowing everyone to enjoy the baths in comfort.

Facilities

Tokiwaya blends old-world charm with practical convenience. In the lobby, you’ll find a nostalgic tea room and displays showing the inn’s long history. You can relax before check-in or unwind before departure in this quiet space. The Child-rearing Kannon statue stands just outside the bathhouse, a reminder of the inn’s spiritual roots.

• In-room massage chair (in select rooms)
• Tea sweets and onsen lotion available for purchase
• Capsule coffee machines in select rooms
• On-site table tennis
• Yukata, towels, toothbrushes, and other personal items provided
• Storage space for skis and gear
• Credit cards accepted (Visa, JCB, MasterCard, DC, NICOS)

Activities

Tokiwaya Ryokan Inn offers optional local experiences like soba-making, pottery, canoeing, and golf—all available for an additional fee. You can also book massages or enjoy traditional Japanese games like shogi and go.

Additional Features

• Total of 17 rooms: 9 Japanese-style, 5 Japanese-Western, and 3 Western
• Wi-Fi available in all rooms
• Check-in from 15:00 to 17:30; contact the inn if arriving after 18:00
• Check-out by 10:00
• All indoor areas are non-smoking
• Free-flowing hot spring water, available 24/7 in both baths
• Private dining options for every meal

Whether you’re here for the hot springs, the food, or simply to slow down, Tokiwaya Ryokan Inn offers the kind of stay that leaves a lasting impression. Experience centuries of tradition, brought gently into the present.