We recently stayed at Shoho. This is one of the typical Japanese-style properties. The hotel wouldn’t be luxurious, however, it’s quite cozy, functional, and clean. If you are going to stay here, I would highly recommend booking a room in the East Wing which is called “Higashino-Yakata”. Also, you might want to request a room on the highest floor possible. The room was renovated in May 2018. You will be able to see dynamic views of the Japanese Mt. Alps in good weather. That’s awesome! *When you specifically request about rooms or something, you might want to inform staff by e-mail in advance AFTER booking a room. Most of the staff here wouldn’t be difficult to listen to English. But they almost understand the English sentences which you write. This would be absolutory one of the good ways to avoid misunderstanding each other. I hope you wouldn’t mind it. Also if you have some problems with a thin Japanese-style mattress, or if you feel pain in your back, you might want to request staff to set up “two mattresses stacked” on a tatami floor. My mom always requests 2 ones as well when she stays at tatami rooms. Anyway, overall, the staff wouldn’t be sophisticated. However, here is in Nagano prefecture, so I guess it’s OK. Also the large public hot springs on-site are quite nice. We soaked in the baths many times during our stay. The spring quality was simply wonderful, like skin lotion. Only my issue is that the food experience for dinner and breakfast wouldn’t be special. Probably when we stay here next time, we would go out for dinner near Matsumoto station. The good service about the inn is you can leave your baggage at Ace Inn Matsumoto which is the sister inn of Shoho in front of Matsumoto station. Then you can ask to deliver yours to Shoho. Therefore you can directly go sightseeing before check-in. That’s very convenient. There is no charge for the service. The location of Shoho is a 20min drive away from Matsumoto station. The ryokan prepares a pick-up service from the station at 16:00 or 17:00. *No reservation required. Or you can get a taxi, 20min *approx.2,000yen. The neighborhood is not a typical onsen town. If you want to hang out in Yukata for hot spring hopping while feeling nostalgic in Nagano prefecture, the inn wouldn’t be for you. I would rather recommend visiting SHIBU Onsen. It takes 90min by car from Matsumoto city. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. *All information is as of the date that I posted on my blog. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
About Shoho
A popular travel destination since the Edo period, Utsukushigahara Onsen has been loved by people for a long time. A hotel that commands a view of the Northern Alps, Shoho is also located in an ideal spot that overlooks the renowned castle town, Matsumoto. Comfortable guest rooms where plenty of sunlight filters in. From the windows enjoy a panoramic view of Matsumoto. On clear days a full view of the bright Northern Alps under the sun can be seen. The main bath is one of the biggest bathes in the prefecture. Five differently-themed bathes are available for guests to unwind in. The hotel’s original kaiseki cuisine made from choice local seasonal ingredients is prepared with that thought in mind. Seasonal mountain herbs and certified ingredients produced in Shinshu.
Info about Shoho
| Style | Typical Onsen Hotel |
|---|---|
| Guest Rating | Wonderful 8.9 |
| Estimated Price | 30,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | +81-263-38-7711 from overseas 0263-38-7711 from domestic |
| Internet Connection | Free Wifi in the hotel |
| Booking | |
| Location | Shoho’s MAP |
| Access | 20min drive away from Matsumoto station |
| Address and TEL | TEL: +81-263-38-7711 FAX： +81-263-38-7700 |
| Official Homepage | Shoho’s HP |