A beautiful part of Japan, the Nagano Prefecture has become increasingly popular with visitors looking to escape Tokyo for the weekend. Just a few hours from the city by train, it’s a brilliant retreat for keen hikers, bird watchers and traditional spa-goers. The region is also home to some bustling cities of its own. Nagano, once a temple town, gained fame in hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, whilst Matsumoto is best known for its striking castle. Many of the best places to stay in the Nagano Prefecture are clustered around Matsumoto, but our Gurus have also highlighted some superb rural hideaways.
Built around the imposing Buddhist Zenkoji Temple, Nagano expanded during the 20th century to encompass a number of nearby towns. The Winter Olympics fuelled further growth in and around the city, which continues to act as the gateway to the forested mountains which hide ancient Shinto shrines, bubbling hot springs and an abundance of bird life. Spend your days trekking, mountain biking and bird watching, or sinking into healing onsens after savouring delicious regional specialities.
Togakushi Village is another highlight. Don’t miss touring Togakushi Shrine or the Togakushi Folk Museum whilst in the area. Matsumoto, with its Museum of Art as well as the Ukiyoe Museum and a plethora of antique shops, is charming and well worth a day trip or romantic overnight stay. Boat trips on scenic Lake Kagami are also fabulous, and easily arranged through the best places to stay in Nagano Prefecture.
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Hakuba (Kitaazumi District, Nagano)
Tucked away in Hakuba's majestic mountains, this unique container hotel redefines rustic luxury. With its minimalist design, it offers a raw, unfiltered connection to nature. Boasting private spaces, a ramen shop deck, and eco-friendly practices, it's a special haven for the modern adventurer.
Matsumoto (Nagano)
A sleek hotel located in the heart of the city. Simply dressed rooms are all white on white with crisp linen and large windows, the best of which have views onto the Japan Alps. A range of restaurants offer everything from Japanese to French cuisines. A chic base to explore the city from.
Matsumoto (Nagano)
This charming hotel in downtown Matsumoto offers traditional Japanese-style rooms or, in the annexe, a retro feel with historical folk craft furniture, wooden beams and stucco walls. There's a restaurant and a cafe, plus guests can relax in the communal bath. A wonderful nostalgic step back in time.
Matsumoto (Nagano)
A boutique property offering contemporary Japanese style. Smart rooms are minimalist in design with enormous windows, sink-into western beds, low level dining tables and the best have hot spring baths. The restaurant serves up superlative regional dishes. A chic city base.
Matsumoto
Ideally located in the heart of town, nestled in the shadow of Matsumoto castle. A clever blend of old and new buildings feature rooms and suites with luxurious furnishings and neutral, earthy colours. Various dining options including Western fusion menus. A stylish city base.
Hakuba (Nagano)
A characterful family run property just a few minutes walk from the slopes. The rooms offer both Western and Japanese beds, paper shutters, tatami mats and plenty of light wood. Hearty dishes are served in the restaurant and the hosts' knowledge of the region is second to none. Charming.
Karuizawa (Nagano Prefecture)
A haven of chic, artistic design just steps from the station in Karuizawa. The rooms are a masterpiece of space optimization — cozy and intimate with artistic touches throughout and a compact bathroom. Enjoy friendly service, Spanish cuisine, and easy access to local gems.
Nozawa Onsen (Nozawa Onsen)
A traditional Ryokan situated in historical Nozawa Onsen village, just minutes from the slopes. Traditional rooms feature paper screens, tatami mats and an option of roll-down futons or Western beds. Regional cuisine, hot spring baths and friendly service make this a memorable stay.
Madarao (Madarao )
This boutique chalet is nestled in the heart of Madarao village. Originally constructed from local cedarwood, the property has undergone a full renovation and offers cosy, alpine-style interiors with Japanese accents. Enjoy après-ski by the open hearth after a day on the slopes.
Hakuba (Nagano Perfecture)
A contemporary hotel offering rooms and self catered apartments with easy access to the slopes. Chic design includes plenty of glass, modern art, sink-into beds and polished wooden floors. A chic restaurant and cosy lounge provide the ideal spot to unwind post a day on the slopes. Superb.
Matsumoto (Nagano)
An onsen hotel situated in the hills high above Matsumoto city. Tastefully decorated rooms in warm wood and burnt orange have floor-to-ceiling windows framing stunning views. There are several hot spring baths, plus a restaurant serving traditional multi-course meals. A picturesque relaxing stay.
Karuizawa
In the heart of Karuizawa, Hotel Indigo fuses modern luxury with cultural charm. Inspired by local history and nature, it features an inviting ambiance, traditional onsen-style baths, a fitness center, and a fine dining restaurant. A perfect retreat to experience Karuizawa's unique East-West blend.
Matsumoto (Nagano)
A tranquil resort nestled in the outskirts of Matsumoto. Sleek, modern rooms with elegant traditional furnishings including latticed shoji sliding doors. Eight types of bath fed by the Asama hot spring, daily musical recitals and superb kaiseki cuisine complete the picture. Fabulous!
Karuizawa
A smart modern hotel close to Old Karuizawa. A wide range of contemporary rooms and suites cater to both Japanese and Western tastes and feature local artworks; some come with private balcony. Two restaurants, plus wellness centre with onsen. Ideal base for exploring the stunning Shinshu mountains.
Hakuba (Kitaazumi District)
A boutique tented camp set in the Japanese Alps. Tents are cosy and rustic with feather-down duvets, simple minimalist furniture, and large private deck spaces. Gourmet cuisine is Italian with well-chosen wines. A rejuvenating outdoorsy stay with fire pits, stargazing, and wonderful mountain views.
Yamanouchi (Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun)
A small boutique luxury property boasting spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Choose from traditional Japanese or chic contemporary rooms. Find a whole floor dedicated to various kinds of hot spring baths for the ultimate relaxation experience. A spoiling stay.
Matsumoto
A charming hotel in the foothills of the alps close to River Azusa. Rooms offer traditional Japanese décor with woven tatami flooring, futons and soft colourings; some have private outdoor onsens. Leafy gardens, indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths and tranquil surroundings make this the perfect escape.
Hakuba (Nagano)
A luxury resort set amidst a picturesque forest and boasting access to no less than four ski resorts. Rooms are chic and contemporary with large windows allowing the outside in, crisp white linen and indulgent bathrooms. A number of onsens and expansive outdoor pool aid utter relaxation. Fabulous.
Yamanouchi (Yamanouchi)
This charming hotel neighbours Snow Monkey Park in Senjukaku. The elegant, Japanese-style rooms have traditional tatami flooring and a low table with seating cushions. Soak in the hotel's natural hot spring baths after a day tracking the macaques on the park trails.
Matsumoto (Nagano)
Situated 20 minutes outside the city centre, Matsumoto Jujo consists of two hotels, a bookstore, a bakery, a shop, a restaurant, and a cider brewery. The spacious rooms have an industrial feel with exposed concrete and wood; all have open-air hot spring baths. A perfect blend of comfort and style.
Hakuba (Japan)
Design-forward hideaway in Hakuba’s alpine valley, offering a quiet, considered stay. Interiors mix minimalist Japanese style with iconic Finn Juhl furniture. Expect a cosy bar, lounge spaces, and hearty breakfasts. A thoughtful blend of culture, comfort, and calm.
Karuizawa (Karuizawa)
A stylish small hotel that cleverly blends with the surrounding nature, designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban. Expect light open spaces, soft curves, and plenty of wood. Ten expansive rooms have outdoor space, high ceilings, and gorgeous minimalist style. Perfect for a weekend escape.
Hakuba (Hakuba-mura, Kita-azumi-gun)
A hotel that achieves both the feel of a cosy mountain lodge and a chic contemporary hotel. Rooms mix elegant Western styles with classic Japanese design. An atmospheric fire lit lounge offers the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes. A chic property ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Matsumoto (Matsumoto-shi )
The tranquil Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is located a few miles outside Matsumoto. Choose between Japanese or Western-style rooms and suites, enjoy a range of traditional kaiseki, modern Japanese and French cuisine at the restaurant, or unwind at the spa. A fabulous retreat with beautiful onsens.
Nagano Prefecture
Far from the bustle of Takayama city, Fujiiso offers inviting, traditionally styled rooms with tatami mat floors and stunning views of the mountains; the best feature balconies and suites have a private onsen. Fresh local cuisine and a communal onsen too. A tranquil alpine retreat.
Yamanouchi
A gorgeous, authentic ryokan nestled underneath Mt Yakebitai. Six individually designed rooms exude understated Japanese style and all feature tatami mats, futon beds and a lovely garden view. There are both indoor and outdoor onsen and seasonal Shinshu Kaiseki cuisine. Utter bliss.
Karuizawa (Kitasaku District)
A tranquil hotel surrounded by nature just over an hour from Tokyo. Airy rooms boast high ceilings and floors heated by hot springs, while the largest are spread over two floors. There's a spa, indoor and outdoor hot springs, and excellent local cuisine. The perfect spot for a rejuvenating getaway.
Yamanouchi (Japan)
Upscale adults-only retreat in the heart of Yamanouchi’s hot spring region. The mood is calm and refined, with clean-lined decor and nods to traditional Japanese aesthetics. There's a spa, open-air baths, and a bar, plus curated dining options. A quiet base for recharging and exploring nearby sites.
