Enjoy a Cool Summer in Nagano! 15 Hotels in Matsumoto, Shiojiri, Suwa

Nagano, a prefecture just an hour from central Tokyo, is known for its incredible nature, ski resorts, hot springs, and beautiful destinations. A sanctuary from the summer heat, Nagano is a cool and refreshing haven, offering pleasant temperatures for those who want to be surrounded by beautiful green foliage and airy nature.

In this article, we introduce 15 stylish and comfortable hotels located around some of Nagano's top sightseeing spots in Matsumoto City, its neighboring picturesque Shiojiri area, Suwa, and Nagano City.

15 Hotels in Nagano's Iconic Cities

Matsumoto City
1. Richmond Hotel Matsumoto (3 stars)
2. Hotel Buena Vista (4 stars)
3. Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto (4 stars)
4. Toyoko Inn Matsumoto Ekimae Hommachi (3 stars)
5. Alpico Plaza Hotel (3 stars)
Nagano City
6. Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa (3 stars)
7. Kokusai 21 International Hotel (4 stars)
8. Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (4 stars)
9. Hotel Nagano Avenue (3 stars)
10. Hotel JAL City Nagano (3 stars)
Shiojiri City
11. Kur and Hotel Shinshu (3 stars)
12. Hotel Nakamuraya (3 stars)
Azumino City
13. Izumigo AMBIENT Azumino Hotel (4 stars)
Suwa City
14. Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu (4 stars)
15. Hotel Route-Inn Kamisuwa (3 stars)

Matsumoto City

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Home to the iconic Matsumoto Castle, also known as Crow Castle due to its black-painted exterior, Matsumoto is full of historical charm and scenic beauty.

Visitors can enjoy mesmerizing views and access to the Japanese Alps for skiing and hiking, as well as panoramic views along the Utsukushigahara Highlands.

Incredible highlights of this historical samurai city include Nakamachi Street, a white and black-tiled Edo-style merchant street selling delicious snacks and goods, the beautiful Kamikochi, a highland full of natural beauty, and the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, home to works by Kusama Yayoi, who was born in Matsumoto, and other artists.

1. Richmond Hotel Matsumoto

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Situated just a 4-minute walk away from Matsumoto Station, Richmond Hotel Matsumoto provides a modern and chic stay for those visiting this fascinating city. Hotel rooms are designed with relaxing and calming natural interiors featuring wooden furniture alongside muted colored wallpaper and furnishings. Each room comes equipped with all essentials as well as a desk, fridge, and kettle.

Within the premises, guests can enjoy the hotel's 24-hour restaurant and pub, serving light meals along with English and Japanese breakfast in the morning. Other facilities include a 24-hour reception, a launderette, and vending machines.

Matsumoto Castle is just a 10-minute walk away, and visitors can also explore other nearby attractions such as Yohashira Ingu Shrine, Tage Jungu Shrine, Daishoji Temple, and the Kaichi School Museum.

2. Hotel Buena Vista

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Hotel Buena Vista, situated in the heart of Matsumoto, showcases incredible panoramic views of the Nagano mountainscape that can be enjoyed from both the rooms and its French restaurant, which towers over the city.

The hotel runs a shuttle bus back and forth from Matsumoto Station, transporting guests inexpensively and making it easy to reach their accommodation in just 2 minutes. Visitors can indulge in dining at the hotel's five delicious restaurants, with fresh croissants prepared for the morning breakfast buffet by the hotel's café, La Cafe Terraza.

Efficient services such as room service, access to the hotel's beauty shop, bicycle rental, and the availability of souvenirs and goods from the hotel's store also make the hotel a convenient and comfortable place to stay.

The hotel is conveniently located close to the bus terminal, providing connections for travelers heading to Kyoto, Nagoya, and Tokyo. Matsumoto Castle is just a 15-minute walk away.

3. Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto

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Just a 5-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto is a beautiful accommodation located in the heart of the city.

Decorated from head to toe in elegant and fun contemporary art design, from sophisticated lounges to a beautiful hot spring bathing facility with a birch tree wall, those who stay at this hotel will feel delighted while exploring each uniquely designed room. All rooms come equipped with basic amenities, including a kettle, TV, and even a kitchenette with a microwave and washing machine in some of the larger rooms.

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Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the morning to fuel them for a day of fun activities. Nearby, there is a branch of the popular family restaurant chain Seizeriya and a Key Coffee store. Attractions around the area include The Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and Matsumoto Castle.

4. Toyoko Inn Matsumoto Ekimae Hommachi

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An affordable yet clean accommodation, Tokyo Inn Matsumoto Ekimae Hommachi is located just a 6-minute walk away from Matsumoto Station.

Each room features an airy, light interior and is equipped with all the essentials. Guests staying at this hotel can reserve private parking and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by the hotel each morning.

Local attractions include Matsumoto Castle, which is 1 km away from the hotel, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, and more. A branch of the popular conveyor belt sushi chain Kura Sushi is also nearby!

5. Alpico Plaza Hotel

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Situated in the heart of Matsumoto, just a few minutes walk from the station, is the Alpico Plaza Hotel, a 3-star rated accommodation.

The hotel offers plenty of perks, from convenient access to nearby attractions such as the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Matsumoto Castle, the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, and Agatonomori Park, to services like a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.

Each room is equipped with all the necessities and features a simple yet refreshing design. Most large rooms include a sofa/living room area and are furnished with a kettle and fridge. Guests can utilize laundry machines, access beverages from the vending machines, and even get their hair cut and styled at the hotel's beauty shop.

The hotel also offers a bicycle rental service for its guests to conveniently explore the town and its incredible sights.

Nagano City

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Located two and a half hours via Shinkansen from Tokyo, Nagano City offers great access to a variety of must-see spots across the region! While in the city, guests can enjoy visiting Togakushi Shrine, one of Japan's most famous shrines nestled in a forest of gigantic cryptomeria trees, and the Kids Ninja Village, situated at the bottom of Mount Togakushi.

Having hosted the 1998 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, remnants of this event can be spotted in the form of statues and memorial plaques. One of Japan's most important attractions, Zenkoji Temple, is found in this city. Built in the 7th century, the temple houses the first Buddha statue ever brought to Japan, which serves as a significant artifact symbolizing the arrival of Buddhism in Japan in the 6th century.

A short distance from this city, visitors can also enjoy two brilliant hot spring towns: Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen, home to the famous hot spring-bathing monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park and the Togakure Ninja School in Togakushi.

6. Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa

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Located in the mountainous outskirts of Nagano City, the Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort Spa is ideal for those seeking an affordable yet luxurious hotel while traveling to the prefecture. The hotel offers free parking and a shuttle bus service, allowing guests to visit a variety of attractions at no additional cost.

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Within the hotel, guests can enjoy an incredible onsen with stunning views of the city's mountainscape. Visitors can relax and unwind with spa and well-being services, along with family rooms that include a spacious living room area.

Some rooms feature futons that can accommodate up to seven guests, and there is even a dog-friendly room available so your four-legged friend can accompany you on your journey.

7. Kokusai 21 International Hotel

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Located just a 15-minute walk from the city's famous Zenkoji Temple, Kokusai 21 International Hotel is a great option for those staying in the city. This 16-floor tall hotel showcases incredible views of the city, which can be enjoyed in one of its three restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, and Japanese grill cuisine. Each room is equipped with all necessary appliances, including a TV and fridge.

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The interiors are classy and clean, adorned with contemporary art decor on the walls. The hotel offers a variety of spacious rooms featuring a living room area for relaxation with family and friends, as well as a natural hot spring facility.

Guests can indulge in local delights at places such as the Gondo Arcade, which is rich with delicious dishes! Gondo Station is a 5-minute walk from the hotel, providing great access to spots in the city such as the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum (Higashiyama Kaii Gallery).

8. Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

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Conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from Nagano Station, Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Shinkansen. The hotel's rooms are elegant and spaciously designed, allowing guests to relax in the heart of the city. All rooms are equipped with essential amenities and include an en-suite bathroom.

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Within the premises, there are excellent restaurants and a cafe serving Japanese dishes such as teppanyaki, which is cooked in front of customers, as well as Chinese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy breakfast on-site and take advantage of convenient services like luggage storage and dry cleaning.

Nearby Zenkoji Temple, visitors can explore the Shinano Art Museum and Joyama Park, both just a 5-minute walk from the temple.

9. Hotel Nagano Avenue

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Hotel Nagano Avenue is an affordable and convenient option for travelers. Located just a 7-minute walk from Nagano Station, it is ideal for those traveling directly from Tokyo via the bullet train.

Despite being budget-friendly, the hotel offers entertaining and relaxing facilities within its grounds, from reading manga in the hotel's library to unwinding in a warm onsen and sauna.

Visitors can also avail themselves of car parking spaces and receive round-the-clock assistance from the 24-hour reception for services like luggage storage and more. Each room is equipped with a fridge, kettle, and TV with channels, and the largest room can accommodate up to 3 people.

10. Hotel JAL City Nagano

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A 10-minute walk from Nagano Station, a Shikansen stop, Hotel JAL City Nagano offers a wonderful stay with delicious cuisine and panoramic views from the dazzling restaurant situated on the hotel's top floor.

Visitors can unwind while enjoying the beauty of Japan's Northern Alps views and indulge in an amazing breakfast buffet on Cloud 9.

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A national treasure, Zenkoji Temple, is just a 15-minute walk away from the hotel, making JAL City Nagano an ideal choice for those wishing to visit this historical temple.

The rooms are equipped with all essentials and include a kettle and fridge, with the reception open 24/7 providing free luggage storage. Other convenient and notable features of the hotel include on-site Chinese cuisine, a coin laundry, bright and airy bedrooms, and an elegant lounge and restaurant.

Shiojiri City

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Shiojiri is renowned for its captivating lacquerware and delectable wine! Just a 20-minute train ride from Matsumoto, a visit to this city, rich in traditional craftsmanship and culinary pleasures, is a must.

Within Shiojiri, visitors can explore one of Japan's most iconic places, Narai-juku, a Japanese post town situated on the Nakasendo trail, the primary road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto in the Edo period. Preserved and dotted with lacquerware shops, the area entices many visitors to its picturesque hiking paths and charming town.

Located in the central part of Nagano Prefecture and enclosed by mountains, Shiojiri offers guests the opportunity to explore numerous vineyards and wineries in the Shiojiri Wine Valley, hike Mount Hachimori, and visit the Kiso-Hirasawa Lacquerware District.

11. Kur and Hotel Shinshu

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Located along the Nakasendo route, Kur and Hotel Shinshu is situated just slightly north of Shiojiri, offering a wide range of incredible facilities. From indulging in the onsen and sauna to socializing with friends and family at Oarkoke, this accommodation surpasses being merely a place to rest your head!

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Guests can relish in delicious Japanese cuisine at the hotel's restaurants, and take advantage of amenities such as luggage storage, arcade machines, and well-being services. The rooms are equipped with essential amenities, and each room includes a desk.

Nearby attractions include Shinshu Sky Park, the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Agatonomori Park, and Matsumoto Castle.

12. Hotel Nakamuraya

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A great place to stay, Hotel Nakamuraya, located in Shiojiri City, offers multiple treasures on its doorstep. Just a few minutes' walk away is the route to the post-town Naraijuku, where guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil yet ancient atmosphere of this small, quaint town.

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Onsite amenities include coin-operated laundry machines, meeting and banquet facilities, a lounge that overlooks an incredible traditional Japanese garden, and luggage storage services. Each room is equipped with essential amenities and includes an electric kettle, fridge, and a small desk area.

Azumino City

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Situated next to Matsumoto, Azumino is a destination brimming with beauty. Visitors who delve into the city are greeted with magnificent views of the Azumino Alps, lush green landscapes, reflective rice paddy fields, and a collection of 19 art museums and galleries stretching across 50 km, famously known as the Azumino Art Line.

The city is renowned for its refreshing water that flows down from the Alps. Enriched with minerals, the region's land fosters an incredible natural habitat, making it ideal for cultivating crops. Notably, Japan's largest wasabi farm, Daio Wasabi Farm, is nestled in this area, boasting remarkable onsens.

Guests can embark on hikes and explore the fusion of art and nature, all within a day trip from Nagano City.

13. Izumigo AMBIENT Azumino Hotel

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Nestled in the lush green mountainside of Azumino, Izumigo Ambient Hotel is the perfect nature getaway to savor the refreshing countryside just a short distance from the city.

The hotel offers large, spacious rooms for its guests, featuring incredible views of the Japanese Alps from balcony windows. Each room is furnished with essentials and includes a living room area with a sofa and TV, as well as a kitchen equipped with a microwave and fridge.

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Visitors can enjoy both indoor and outdoor hot springs, unwind with friends and family with a massage or karaoke session. The hotel's facilities include a souvenir shop, vending machines, a coin-operated laundromat, and restaurants serving French, Japanese, and Western cuisine.

Guests with a car can explore nearby attractions such as the Hokata Shrine, Azumino National Park, and the Hokata River, all within a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Suwa City

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Suwa City, just a 15-minute train ride south of Shiojiri Station, is a renowned hot spring resort celebrated for its steamy onsens, public baths, and Lake Suwa, Nagano's largest and most beautiful lake where visitors can catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a sunny day! Tucked between Mount Kirigamine and Mount Yatsugatake, the region offers refreshing coolness during the summer months.

Key attractions in Suwa City include the Suwa Grand Shrine, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, the spectacular Onbashira Festival where participants ride logs down a mountain, Amaisuwa Onsen, and Omiwatari, also known as God's Crossing, a natural winter phenomenon where a jagged path forms on the surface of the ice due to hot onsen water bubbling beneath the lake.

Known as the "Switzerland of the East" due to its advanced technology and watch-making industry, Suwa City offers visitors a chance to appreciate these extraordinary creations at the Gishodo Suwako Watch and Clock Museum. The region is rich in historical sites like Takashima Castle and hosts amazing events such as the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival.

14. Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu

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Combining traditional Japanese charm with modern design, Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu is a stunning hotel located around Lake Suwa. Visitors can revel in mesmerizing lake views from the hotel's hot springs and bedrooms, enhanced by art installations that contribute to a refreshing and sophisticated ambiance.

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Onsite amenities include vending machines, an art and gift shop, and the option for guests to reserve a private onsen for a more intimate experience. The hotel rooms feature a blend of wooden flooring and tatami mats, harmonizing Western and Japanese-style interiors. Each room is equipped with essential amenities, including a wardrobe and TV.

Adventurers can explore the local area with the convenience of a free shuttle bus from the nearby station, while guests with a car have the freedom to visit beautiful spots such as Suwa Taisha Shrine.

15. Hotel Route-Inn Kamisuwa

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Situated next to Lake Suwa, just a 5-minute stroll from JR Kamisuwa Station, Hotel Route-Inn Kamisuwa is a welcoming hotel offering relaxing amenities such as a public bath, complimentary breakfast, internet access, and a lounge area furnished with PCs and laptops available for rent. Guests can take advantage of the hotel's free parking area, 24-hour front desk, and dry cleaning services.

Each room is equipped with essential amenities, including a fridge, desk, and tea-making facilities. Takashima is within easy walking distance from the inn, along with Lake Suwa and multiple hot springs, providing guests with convenient access to these attractions.

Enjoy Your Stay in Nagano

Nagano offers a plethora of treasures to explore, ranging from its remarkable lacquerware heritage to iconic castles.

A visit to this prefecture serves as an ideal summer retreat, providing an excellent opportunity to escape the crowds while immersing oneself in Japanese traditions and culture.

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