Yudanaka Tawaraya Ryokan

“Wonderful private onsen!”

Tawaraya is a very nice Ryokan and Onsen in the small town of Yudanaka. While not very distinctive from the outside, the interior is very quaint. The rooms are traditional Japanese tatami rooms with futons and low tables, and ours had a private western-style toilet attached (with all the Japanes… Mais

Tawaraya is a very nice Ryokan and Onsen in the small town of Yudanaka. While not very distinctive from the outside, the interior is very quaint. The rooms are traditional Japanese tatami rooms with futons and low tables, and ours had a private western-style toilet attached (with all the Japanese gadgets that are the norm!). There is no private shower or bath attached to the room, however the main attraction of this place is access to the onsen. There are both a male and female only indoor onsen where you can shower and bathe from 1600 - 0900 daily. In addition there is a beautiful outdoor onsen surrounded by rocks and a Japanese garden. This onsen has specific times set aside for male-only, female-only, mixed, and private bathing. The private sessions are in the evening from 1900-2100 in 30 minute slots. These session are booked in advance, and you can choose from available times, so you know when you can go and have the entire pool to yourself. Like most onsens, any form of clothing/bathing suit/large towel is not allowed. Yukata, tabi socks and towels for before/after the onsen are provided, as well as a small one to bring into the onsen. The temperature of the onsen is perfect. Hot enough to be comfortable, but not too hot so you can't stay in! There are also slightly cooler sections of the pool or areas to sit partly out of the water if desired. The onsen is closed from 0900-1600 for cleaning daily. Breakfast is served in a western-style dining area (tables and chairs) but consists of a traditional Japanese-style breakfast with rice, soup, small bowls of fish, veggies, tofu, egg, etc., plus an additional hot-pot you use to cook an additional dish provided. Very yummy and filling (and I'm not usually a fan of Japanese breakfasts - but each one we had was different and satisfying). The staff was all very welcoming and friendly. The location is convenient to Yudanaka train station, just a 3 block walk away. Go down the hill to the SE 1 block, turn right at the first traffic light at the bottom and then 2 blocks to find it on the right. There is the name in English on the door. The staff also speak English. The room was comfortable for sleeping. I do find sitting on floors not comfortable for long periods, however we were never in the room long enough for that to be an issue. There is a heater in the room (visited in Feb during a snow event), which kept the room very comfortable. There is also a kettle in the room to make tea. Wifi worked well. The ryokan is a short walk (2 blocks) from the bus stop that takes you to the Snow Monkey Park (and other onsens or ski areas). The staff here can provide directions and timetable. There is no need to go to the train station to catch the bus as payment (credit card or cash) can be made on the bus. Recommended to take the first bus in the morning to the Snow Monkey Park at about 0825 as it takes 10-15 minutes to get the park, and then there is about a half hour walk to the actual entrance to the Snow Monkey area which opens at 0900 in the winter. We noted more people arriving after 1000, and even though it was busy when we arrived just after 0915, it was much busier later! There were also lots of monkeys there when we visited. There are also many restaurants within walking distance of the Ryokan. I highly recommend the Yukanaka Brewing Complex just across the river. Most places have English menus or staff that speak English. Yudanaka is easy to get to from Tokyo. There are direct Shinkansen to Nagano from Tokyo Station, taking about 1.5 hours, then take the Nagano-Dentetsu line (just outside of Nagano station) straight to the terminus at Yudanaka (about 45 minutes depending on the train, limited express or other). We really enjoyed our stay at Tawaraya and would return if ever in the area again!

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