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Kamesei Ryokan
A hot spring known for beautiful skin, where Japanese charm meets warm international hospitality.
Nestled in Togura Kamiyamada Onsen in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture, this ryokan offers free-flowing natural hot spring baths and a Japanese setting overlooking a garden. The soft simple sulfur spring water is known as a bath for beautiful skin and is popular for leaving skin smooth. Along with the indoor bath, the open-air bath facing the garden lets you enjoy a relaxing soak surrounded by seasonal scenery.
Guest rooms are centered on calm Japanese-style tatami rooms, and some are designed for laid-back stays with views of the garden. Dinner features kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from Shinshu, including river fish, wild mountain vegetables, and local produce, letting guests savor the region’s bounty.
One of the ryokan’s defining features is Tyler, who is from the United States. Drawn to Japan’s hot spring culture, he helps run the inn and offers warm hospitality that puts not only domestic guests but also international travelers at ease. He can of course assist in English as well, which is especially reassuring for visitors from overseas.
Nearby attractions include Zenkoji Temple and the terraced rice fields of Obasute, making it easy to expand your trip beyond your hot spring stay.
Highlights
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A hot spring inn proud of its beautifying baths, where you can enjoy soft simple sulfur spring water straight from the source.
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Enjoy an exceptional soak in the open-air bath overlooking the garden, surrounded by seasonal natural beauty.
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Savor kaiseki cuisine filled with the flavors of Shinshu’s seasons, including local tastes and mountain village ingredients.
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Warm hospitality from Tyler, who is from the United States, and English-language support add to the appeal.
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With sightseeing spots such as Zenkoji Temple and the terraced rice fields of Obasute nearby, it is also a convenient base for travel.
Photos
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An open-air bath made with river stones by third-generation owner Mr. Lynch
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A room with an open-air bath, where you can relax while looking out at maple trees and fragrant olive trees
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Some rooms are named after mountains visible from the guest rooms, such as Yazu and Obayashi
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In addition to dishes generously made with ingredients from the mountains of Shinshu, there is also a wide selection of meat dishes such as shabu-shabu
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Meals can be enjoyed in private old folk house-style rooms, and there is also a large 56-tatami-mat hall for bigger groups
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
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Is early check-in or late check-out available?
No.
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Can I leave my luggage after check-out?
Yes.
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Is there a smoking area?
Yes.
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Is there free Wi-Fi available in the building?
Yes.
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Can I use the shared bath if I have tattoos?
Tattoos are allowed.
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Can you accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free meals?
Yes. Please let us know in advance.
Q
Are there showers in the guest rooms?
There are two rooms with a shower and an open-air bath.
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Is there a private bath available?
Yes, there is a private open-air bath. (2,000 yen/45 minutes)
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 亀清旅館
- Postal Code
- 389-0821
- Address
- 2-15-1 Kamiyamada Onsen, Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture
- Phone
- 026-275-1032
- Check-in
- 3:00pm–
- Check-out
- –10:00am
- Rates
- From 12,500 yen per person for 2 guests sharing 1 room, with breakfast and dinner included (tax included, bathing tax not included)
- Access
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Approx. 5 minutes by car from Togura Station on the Shinano Railway Line
*Free shuttle service available from 3:00pm to 5:30pm. - Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)