A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, communal or private baths, and multi-course kaiseki meals. Guests typically wear yukata (cotton robes) provided by the inn. A ryokan stay is one of the most authentic cultural experiences Japan has to offer.

What should I wear at the ryokan?

Upon arrival, you'll be provided with a yukata (light cotton robe) and a pair of slippers. You can wear the yukata throughout the ryokan — to dinner, to the onsen, and even for a stroll in the neighborhood. Indoor slippers should be removed before stepping on tatami mats.

Is English spoken at Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan?

Yes, Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan has English-speaking staff who can assist with check-in, dining reservations, and local recommendations. Communication should not be an issue for international guests.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you arrive early, most ryokans can store your luggage while you explore the area. Late check-in may be possible — contact the ryokan in advance to arrange.

Is there an onsen (hot spring bath)?

Yes, Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan features an onsen for guests. Japanese bathing etiquette requires washing thoroughly before entering the bath. Most onsen have separate bathing times or areas for men and women. Bring a small towel but leave large towels outside the bath area.

Is the onsen tattoo-friendly?

Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan offers private onsen baths, which are ideal for guests with tattoos. Private baths can be reserved for personal use, so tattoo restrictions typically don't apply.

Can I book a private onsen?

Yes, Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan offers private onsen (kashikiri-buro) that can be reserved for personal or family use. This is perfect for couples, families, or guests who prefer privacy. Ask at the front desk upon arrival to reserve a time slot.

Can I store luggage before check-in?

Yes, most ryokans including Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan offer luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in time. You can also use coin lockers at the nearest station or luggage delivery services (takkyubin) to send bags directly from the airport or previous hotel.

Do you accept credit cards?

Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan may have limited credit card acceptance. We recommend having Japanese yen (cash) available. ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept international cards.

How do I get to Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan from the nearest station?

The nearest station is Yudanaka Station, approximately 15 minutes on foot. You can reach it by local train, subway, or taxi. The ryokan can provide detailed walking directions upon request.

How do I book Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan?

You can book Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan through trusted platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. Click the "Check Prices" button on this page to check availability and rates. We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom in March-April and autumn leaves in November).

Korakukan's wooden buildings above the Yokoyu river in late autumn

The riverside open-air bath beside the Jigokudani stream

Jigokudani Monkey Park, 200 metres from the inn

Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Mid-Range| Yudanaka Shibu

Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan

Rating: 7.4
Author: Sora Matsuda

地獄谷温泉後楽館

Policy unknown — confirm at booking

Reviewed by Sora Matsuda·Founding Editor & Ryokan Correspondent·How we verify

Sora's verified pick

7.4(6 reviews)

Policy unknown — confirm at booking

from$85 / per night · per person

The only inn in Jigokudani, 200m from the snow monkey park, with a riverside open-air bath the wild macaques sometimes climb into.

Staff speaksEnglish · 日本語

Features

English FriendlyOnsen IncludedPrivate Onsen

About

Korakukan has stood alone in the Jigokudani gorge since the closing years of the Edo period — over 150 years, run by the same family. It is the only lodging inside the valley, which means that when the last day-tripper leaves the Jigokudani Monkey Park 200 metres up the path, the place empties out and you have the gorge to yourself. The mixed open-air bath sits on the bank of the Yokoyu river beside a geyser, and the wild Japanese macaques that made the valley famous do sometimes get into it; the inn asks guests not to touch or feed them. There are two outdoor baths (one mixed, one women-only), two indoor baths and one family bath, all fed by a 98°C source that has to be cooled with water before anyone can get in. The inn is also, improbably, a landmark in the history of Go: the Shinfuseki school of opening theory was worked out in one of its rooms in the 1930s, and it still keeps a gallery about it. Practicalities are old-fashioned in ways worth knowing before you book — toilets are shared, there is no Wi-Fi, credit cards are currently not accepted, and reaching the door means a walk of roughly 30 minutes from the nearest car park, on a forest trail that is snow-covered all winter.

Cuisine

Kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast are usually included at this mid-tier ryokan. Sudomari (room-only) plans may be offered as a cheaper alternative — verify the meal plan when booking. Dining is most often served in a communal dining hall.

Dietary requests (vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, allergies) should be communicated at booking, not on arrival — the kitchen pre-orders ingredients several days ahead.