Scout loves
- The charming onsen footbath near the entrance.
- The two large onsen are switched daily so there is an opportunity to use both
- Great location for access to the snow, just a five-minute walk to the Yu Road moving walkway and about an ten minute walk to the Nagasaka Gondola
- Guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner in traditional private dining rooms.
Scout tips
- Most rooms look to the village and neighbouring buildings
- The economy rooms have “older plumbing”
- Japanese breakfasts are served on the first morning and then western breakfasts can be requested.
- Traditional kaiseki dinners are served. Bookings are essential
- TVs in the rooms have Japanese channels only
- Tokiwaya is a very authentic Japanese experience which may pose challenges to some travellers. Read our story about Staying in a Japanese hotel.
SCOUT REVIEW
With a 370-year-old history Tokiwaya Ryokan is a traditional ryokan which is known to be one of Japan’s oldest. This heritage site is centrally located on Oyudori (Nozawa’s main street) right in the heart of the Nozawa Onsen village. If you are looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture it will not disappoint.
There is a feeling of history as you walk into Tokiwaya Ryokan. There are historical relics, arts and crafts as well as a shrine displayed in the lobby. Yet, while traditional, Tokiwaya has an inviting, relaxed atmosphere. Guests walk around the ryokan dressed their yukata robes, heading to or having enjoyed one of the onsite onsens. There is complimentary coffee offered in the lobby each morning as well as a bar which serves locally brewed beer.
The rooms at Tokiwaya Ryokan are all beautifully decorated in traditional Japanese style with tatami matting, rice paper screens and futon (a few rooms have western twin beds). Even the smallest rooms are relatively spacious, particularly by Japanese standards and all rooms have full en-suite facilities.
The onsen facilities at Tokiwaya are excellent and while they don’t have any outdoor onsen, there are two large indoor natural onsens which are very well known in the area for different healing properties. Men’s and women’s onsens are alternated daily so you can experience both onsens.
Breakfast at Tokiwaya Ryokan is an experience in itself. Breakfast is served in private dining rooms with traditional low tables and floor chairs. Japanese breakfast is served on the first morning, after that western breakfasts can be requested. Dinner can also be enjoyed at the hotel but bookings are required. Tokiwaya Ryokan serves the traditional kaiseki multi-course Japanese dinner which is a must to experience during your stay.
Who should stay here
Tokiwaya Ryokan is for those looking for an authentic Japanese experience in the heart of Nozawa Onsen.
Location
Tokiwaya Ryokan is a five-minute walk uphill to the moving walkway which gives easy access to the Hikage ski area. The Chuo Bus Terminal is also in easy walking distance. Being located in the heart of Nozawa Onsen there are also many restaurants within a stone’s throw from the front door.
- <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
- Free wifi
- Free Laundry Facilities
- Onsen
- Massage
- Restaurant
- Vending Machine
- Library
- Drying Room
- Ski Storage
- Room TVs have Japanese channels only
- Rooms have hairdryers, complimentary toiletries and a safe.
Hotel Policies
Tokiwaya Ryokan is a typical Japanese hotel with onsen facilities. Please read our guides on staying in a Japanese Hotel and to Onsen Etiquette.
Property T&Cs:
- 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.
- Early check in is possible if room is ready.
- 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.
- Children aged 11 and under 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.
Subscribe to the Scout newsletter - a regular roundup of news from the slopes and magazine articles.