Scout loves
- This old-style Japanese ryokan fits perfectly with the charm of historic Nozawa Onsen.
- Every guest receives personal attention from the owner, Ko.
- There is a magical garden area with snow-covered rocks surrounding a fishpond.
- Dinner here is worth experiencing. It features a Japanese style of cooking called Kaiseki.
- The owner's five cats have free reign of the lobby area and are very friendly.
Scout tips
- English TV is not available.
- There is a free washer and dryer as well as a drying room for ski clothes.
- Wi-Fi is free in the lounge area and it’s available in the rooms for a charge.
- Respect and follow the instructions for when your dinner will be available. Drinks are usually ordered ahead of time.
- The Ryokan has a curfew of 11pm.
- Like many Japanese hotels, parts of the building are showing signs of wear and tear.
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Kiriya Ryokan is a very authentic Japanese experience which may pose challenges to some travellers. Read our story about Staying in a Japanese hotel.
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We don't reccomend staying here if you are allergic to cats!
SCOUT REVIEW
Stepping in to Kiriya Ryokan is like stepping back in time. Steeped in tradition, it’s like a ryokan straight out of Kyoto – except luckily for us skiers it’s located right in the heart of Nozawa Onsen village.
Expertly run by Ko (who speaks fluent English) and her husband, the business has been in the family for 130 years. The oldest part of the current building structure is 70 years old.
Ko and her family offer a highly personalized service that makes it feel like you’re a guest in their home, rather than a hotel guest. You can even have a snuggle with one of their five cats that loll about in the lobby or the "cat lounge" The website has a full profile of each cat (they are all rescue cats) and they have "healing" benefits.
Breakfast is included in the rate and it includes a choice of Japanese or Western dishes. You also have the option of having dinner at the ryokan – consisting of an exceptionally delicious Japanese banquet (Western-style options may be available in the future).
There are just 15 rooms at Kiriya Ryokan, each furnished in the traditional Japanese style with tatami mats and futon beds (although these is one Western option). The traditional and some standard rooms do not have showers – guests use the onsen to bathe. Additionally, the hotel is within easy reach of some of Nozawa’s great public onsen.
We especially love the corner rooms that have gorgeous views of gardens covered in fluffy snow – it’s incredibly peaceful.
One thing about Kiriya Ryokan is that will be hard to leave and go back to normal hotels. You will definitely miss Ko’s hospitality, the fine food, the comfy futons and, of course, the cats.
Who should stay here
Kiriya Ryokan in Nozawa Onsen is perfect for those who wish to have a very traditional Japanese ryokan experience. The garden view rooms are particularly romantic.
Location
Kiriya Ryokan is a five minute walk from the main street of Nozawa Onsen, through meandering little side streets. It is a three minute walk up the hill to the travelator that leads to the Hikage base area.
- <5 min walk to lifts
About Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is perfect for skiers because it features a fantastic ski mountain, a traditional and thriving village and an abundance of hot springs. Cute and authentic, Nozawa Onsen provides the classic Japanese ski experience.
Read more about Nozawa Onsen and other hotels in the area.
Hotel Amenities
- Breakfast included in all rooms
- Dinner available at the hotel restaurant
- Garden
- Free laundry facilities
- parking (limited spaces)
- Table Tennis
- Ski storage and drying room
- Traditional Natural Onsen
- total number of rooms - 15
Hotel Policies
Kiriya Ryokan does not offer a pick up service from the local bus station. The hotel is approximately a 6 minute walk from the bus stop.Kiriya Ryokan is a typical Japanese hotel with onsen facilities. Please read our guides on staying in a Japanese Hotel and to Onsen Etiquette.
- All guests may be required to give their full name, age, passport number, postal address, nationality and occupation on or prior to check-in, in compliance with Japanese Law.
- Property is non-smoking.
- Cots (cribs) and highchairs can be requested at time of booking and are subject to availability and an extra charge.
- Guests accept responsibility for damage to the property, fittings, furniture, keys and other chattels caused during their occupation, including any consequential losses incurred.
- Credit card details and authorization may be required to be provided upon prior check-in as a security deposit.
- Check-out is 10AM. Late check-outs may be possible on a request basis and a charge applies.
- Parking during winter months is severely restricted and must be requested and confirmed for each booking if required.
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Children aged 0 - 12 are at a reduced rate. Please contact Scout for an updated quote based on the ages of those travelling.
Available: This selection is currently available for this price. Once you submit an inquiry our agents will confirm your booking via email and send you an invoice for a deposit. You will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking.
On Request: Our agents need to confirm availability of this room. Once you submit a request we will endeavour to get back to you by the next business day to confirm availability (some properties may take longer). If prices are listed they are the exact prices for your dates, room selection and room occupancy. Where prices are not listed we will confirm the price when we confirm availability. In either instance, you are not committed to your selection until after we confirm availability and price. Once you agree to that confirmation, you will be sent an invoice and will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking. If your requested room is not available, we will present alternative options.
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