Top 10 fantastic hostels/guesthouses in Nagano

Welcome to the enchanting heart of Japan's alpine paradise, Nagano. Known for its towering peaks and serene villages, this captivating region beckons winter lovers who seek snowboarding and skiing at its renowned resorts. But fret not, revel in the even warmer seasons too, as Nagano offers a delightful assortment of experiences for nature enthusiasts, snow sports aficionados, and those searching for a cozy retreat.

Dive into the local essence by choosing one of the enchanting hostels or guesthouses that not only promises a charming abode but also echoes the unique charm of the region.

1. Couch Potato Hostel – Nestled in Matsumoto, this laid-back hostel seamlessly blends vintage decor, mismatched couches, and modern convenience for a truly unique stay. Centrally located, it's perfect for exploring Matsumoto Castle and the Nakasendo Trail.
2. Bellscabin Guesthouse – Step into the incredible retreat that is Bellscabin Guesthouse, hidden in the quaint town of Karuizawa. This retro-inspired haven offers cozy comfort all year round, but it's particularly enchanting during the winter months.
3. Yamairo Guesthouse – This rustic gem is tucked away in the Hirugami Onsen area, offering a refuge from the bustling city. With its old Japanese architecture and an industrial/wooden interior, you're guaranteed a memorable and relaxing stay.
4. Farmer's Guesthouse Polepole – This vibrant hostel echoes the retro vibe of the previous option, yet its dark wooden interior is infused with character and quirkiness. It's the perfect spot for an energizing mountain escape, day or night.
5. Hill Top – For those seeking solitude amongst nature, Hill Top in Nagano Prefecture offers a humble retreat in the heart of the wilderness. With Kiso, one of the main areas along Nakasendo trail nearby, you'll find serenity in this unadorned sanctuary.
6. Hakuba Goryu Pension & Log Cottage Arumu – Embrace the cozy cabin charm of Hakuba Goryu Pension! Located next to the Goryu 47 slope, this welcoming log cabin-style establishment is perfect for unwinding after a long day on the slopes.
7. Hakuba Skala Inn – Hakuba Skala Inn in the Hakuba Valley promises a warm, family-style welcoming with a wood-burning stove, a bar, library, and comfortable rooms. With its impressive service and close proximity to nature, this cozy spot is perfect for quality relaxation.
8. Ringoya – Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere at Ringoya, a traditional soba-making house converted into a guesthouse. Feast on the aromatic, homemade soba noodles, relax in the tatami mats rooms, and be enveloped by genuine Japanese hospitality.
9. Guest House Yanagiya – This warm, wooden home in Ena, Gifu, exudes traditional Japanese vibes. It's an incredible area to explore for nature enthusiasts, with train-track bicycling adventures and expensivestrawberries to discover!
10. Nori's Sharehouse Hakuba – Conveniently located at the base of the Tsugaike resort, this cozy spot is a hit with ski and snowboard enthusiasts. With its comfortable rooms, hospitality, and great proximity to both nature and outdoor activities, it's the perfect base camp for your Hakuba adventure.

Seeking a guided tour to unveil the secrets and wonders of Japan? Look no further—we offer a myriad of tours led by knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking guides, including Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tours and Tokyo 1-Day Highlights Private Walking Tours (8 Hours). Additionally, our travel agency provides assistance for all your upcoming Japan travel needs. Tag us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok, or contact us with any questions or for help planning your dream trip!

Note: For snow sports enthusiasts, explore options such as Nozawa Onsen Accommodation for an all-year adventure, Mori no Ie (Nabekura Kogen) for a remote, snowy escape, and T Hotel Ryuoo (Shiga Kogen) for a luxurious getaway combined with nature and snow sports. Meanwhile, Shukubo Temple Lodging (Zenkoji, Nagano City), Hotarutei, and Yudanaka Onsen Guesthouses cater to cultural immersion. Lastly, Guesthouses in Nagano City and Yuzawa Onsen Accommodations are ideal for year-round versatility, offering a range of options for different interests and budgets.

The Couch Potato Hostel in Matsumoto offers a unique blend of vintage decor, modern convenience, and a central location, making it an excellent base for exploring Matsumoto Castle and the Nakasendo Trail.
Bellscabin Guesthouse, hidden in the quaint town of Karuizawa, provides cozy comfort all year round, especially during winter months, and is a charming retreat for nature enthusiasts and snow sports enthusiasts alike.
Yamairo Guesthouse in Hirugami Onsen area, with its old Japanese architecture and industrial/wooden interior, offers a memorable and relaxing stay amidst nature.
Farmer's Guesthouse Polepole boasts a retro vibe as well as a character-filled, dark wooden interior, making it the perfect spot for an energizing mountain escape in Nagano Prefecture.
Hill Top in Nagano Prefecture provides a humble retreat in the heart of the wilderness, offering solitude amongst nature and close proximity to the historic Kiso along Nakasendo trail.
Hakuba Goryu Pension & Log Cottage Arumu is a welcoming log cabin-style establishment located next to the Goryu 47 slope, ideal for unwinding after a long day on the slopes.
Hakuba Skala Inn in the Hakuba Valley offers a cozy, family-style welcoming with a wood-burning stove, a bar, library, and comfortable rooms, perfect for quality relaxation amidst nature.
Ringoya, a traditional soba-making house converted into a guesthouse, offers a tranquil atmosphere, genuine Japanese hospitality, and the opportunity to enjoy aromatic, homemade soba noodles.
Guest House Yanagiya in Ena, Gifu, exudes traditional Japanese vibes and is an incredible area for nature enthusiasts to explore, with train-track bicycling adventures and expansive strawberries to discover.
Nori's Sharehouse Hakuba, conveniently located at the base of the Tsugaike resort, is a popular spot with ski and snowboard enthusiasts, offering comfortable rooms, hospitality, and great proximity to both nature and outdoor activities.

For a guided tour to unveil the secrets and wonders of Japan, consider Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tours or Tokyo 1-Day Highlights Private Walking Tours (8 Hours), both led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides. Our travel agency can also assist with all your upcoming Japan travel needs. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok, or contact us with any questions or to help plan your dream trip.

For snow sports enthusiasts, consider Nozawa Onsen Accommodation for an all-year adventure, Mori no Ie (Nabekura Kogen) for a remote, snowy escape, T Hotel Ryuoo (Shiga Kogen) for a luxurious getaway combined with nature and snow sports, Shukubo Temple Lodging (Zenkoji, Nagano City) for cultural immersion, and Hotarutei, Yudanaka Onsen Guesthouses, Guesthouses in Nagano City, or Yuzawa Onsen Accommodations for year-round versatility, catering to different interests and budgets.