What are the options for visiting as a day tripper versus staying overnight?

Yamada Ryokan offers both day-trip bathing and overnight accommodations. For day visitors, there are two options: a "drop-in bath" lasting about an hour for 700 yen (reception hours 10:00-14:30), or a "day trip to cure the hot springs" where you can bathe multiple times while taking breaks in a private room. Overnight stays start from 13,200 yen per person and include one night with two meals, consumption tax, and service charge. The ryokan has a capacity of 80 guests.

What type of hot spring water does Yamada Ryokan have and what are its benefits?

The main building, called Motoyu, features a sodium bicarbonate spring (baking soda onsen) containing radon, drawn at 44 degrees directly from the source behind the inn without adding water or heating. This spring quality is known as "beauty bath" because it naturally removes oil and secretions from the skin without requiring soap. The water even flows from the taps used for washing, providing a luxurious experience. The hot spring has been designated as a national hot spring resort and its drinking waters are known to be effective for treating cuts, diabetes, and liver disease.

What bathing facilities are available at Yamada Ryokan?

Yamada Ryokan offers the main indoor Motoyu bath with abundant hot spring water flowing directly from the source. The bathroom includes a reclining bath area with wooden pillows for relaxation. Additionally, an observation bath is open seasonally from mid-April to early November. Located at an altitude of 850 meters on the mountainside, this outdoor bath provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sky, making it ideal for visitors during warmer months when road access is easier.

How can I reach Yamada Ryokan and what payment methods are accepted?

Yamada Ryokan is located at 18836 Nakatsuchi, Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture. By public transport, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Itoigawa Station (about 2 hours from Tokyo), then transfer to the JR Oito Line. Alternatively, take an express bus to Hakuba Village and then use the JR Oito Line. By car from Nagano or Matsumoto, turn at Otari Onsen Entrance on Route 148 for approximately 20 minutes. Important: Bathing fees can only be paid in cash, so bring cash before arrival. For reservations and inquiries, contact 0261-85-1221.

Nagano

Yamada Ryokan

4.5 (499)Japanese InnTourist AttractionHotelLodgingPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Yamada Ryokan is a historic hot spring inn located in Otari village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture, in the Japanese Alps region. The property has a history spanning more than 450 years and is known as the hidden onsen of Takeda Shingen, the famous 16th-century feudal lord and military commander. This connection to one of Japan's most celebrated historical figures adds considerable cultural significance to the ryokan's legacy.

The main building, called "Motoyu," features a baking soda onsen containing radon, known for its therapeutic properties. The natural hot spring waters have drawn visitors for centuries, maintaining the traditional bathing culture that defines Japanese ryokan hospitality. Guests experience authentic Japanese accommodations with tatami rooms, kaiseki meals featuring local ingredients, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in centuries-old bathing rituals.

The inn offers both overnight stays and day-trip bathing experiences. Accommodation capacity reaches 80 people, with overnight rates starting from 13,200 yen per person including one night with two meals, consumption tax, and service charge. Day visitors can access the original Motoyu bath and an outdoor bath with mountain views. Day-trip bathing costs 500 yen for Motoyu and 700 yen for Shinyu Sotoyu, with a combination ladder ticket available for 1,000 yen.

Yamada Ryokan is located at 18836 Nakatsuchi, Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture and operates year-round. The ryokan can be reached by traveling to Otari village in the northern Japanese Alps region. Contact information for reservations and inquiries is available at 0261-85-1221. The surrounding area offers access to mountain scenery and serves as a base for exploring the Japan Alps region throughout all seasons.

Phone

+81 261-85-1221

Website

otari-onsen.net

Overview

Address

18836 Nakatsuchi, Otari, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9511, Japan

Traveler reviews

We stayed overnight at the ryokan and we had such a lovely time. We stayed in a taisho era room (100 years old) with an amazing view. The hotel staff immediately greeted us upon arrival and showed us our room. All the staff were so kind and helpful. The food for dinner and breakfast was delicious and plentiful. The outdoor bath is lukewarm, so you can stay in it for a long time (good for us gaikokujin) and enjoy the incredible view. The two indoor baths were hot and my skin felt amazing after. The buildings are very old, so there are some things to consider if you’re unfamiliar with old buildings in Japan. One thing is the room doors don’t lock. They are just sliding Japanese doors. We didn’t mind that at all, but if that is something that would make you uncomfortable, don’t stay in that room. Maybe the newer rooms have locks, I don’t know. Another thing is because it’s autumn and in the mountains, there were many kame mushi (stink bugs). But the staff provide tools to deal with them if you want. Overall, I really recommend this ryokan! It was truly a great experience and I can’t wait to go back one day.

Kat

Oct 19, 2025

This inn is located very remote mountain area. So you must enjoy great scenery. More over, you can enjoy very good old day's Japanese style building. Also, you have a great time with their nice meal and local brewery which makes great sake!

星野亜精（所属税理士）

Sep 12, 2020

retrospective and warm atomosphere

大和田博敬

Aug 25, 2025

A charming inn. The building is old, but it's well-maintained, so it doesn't feel unpleasant. You can drink the spring water. The food isn't extravagant, rather simple, but the portions are satisfying. The outdoor bath has a nice location, but personally, I preferred the indoor bath with its magnificent, free-flowing hot spring water, which was fresher and more unique. There's an old building and a new building, but if you don't mind the toilets and locks, the old building is more reasonably priced and recommended, as you can feel the atmosphere of a historic inn. The road to the inn is also in good condition.

國広

Sep 3, 2026

This is a hot spring inn located in Otari Village, Nagano Prefecture. From the outside, it has a charming and substantial feel that comes with age. Inside, there is a warm atmosphere unique to wooden buildings, and combined with the atmosphere of being deep in the mountains and the chirping of birds, you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. The hot springs were a little lukewarm in the open-air bath and hotter in the indoor bath. The food was delicious, and I was particularly impressed by the salt-grilled river fish, I think it was char. The staff also provided attentive service. This is an inn that I would definitely recommend you visit at least once.