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Budget| Shirahone

Katsura no Yu Maruei Ryokan

かつらの湯 丸永旅館

A family-run budget ryokan offering an authentic and unpretentious Shirahone experience with home-style mountain cooking and a cozy indoor onsen.

Features

Onsen IncludedFree WiFi

About

Katsura no Yu Maruei is the most accessible and welcoming option in Shirahone, a family-operated inn where warmth and simplicity take precedence over luxury. The 11 modest tatami rooms provide a genuine Japanese mountain lodge atmosphere, and the communal indoor bath fills with the same prized milky-white sulfur spring as the grander ryokans nearby. Meals are served communally and feature hearty home-style cooking — grilled river fish, sansai mountain vegetables, tofu, and pickles — reflecting the honest cuisine of the Nagano highlands. For budget-conscious travelers who want to experience Shirahone's legendary waters without the premium price tag, Maruei is the perfect choice.

Details

Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 10:00
11 rooms
Shin-Shimashima Station (80 min walk)
From $100 - $200/night

Frequently Asked Questions

11 questions about Katsura no Yu Maruei Ryokan

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.

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.

Katsura no Yu Maruei Ryokan has limited English support. We recommend using a translation app or asking your hotel concierge to help with any pre-arrival communication. The staff is very welcoming and will do their best to assist.

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.

Yes, Katsura no Yu Maruei Ryokan 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.

Some ryokans in Japan have restrictions on visible tattoos in communal baths. We recommend contacting Katsura no Yu Maruei Ryokan directly before booking if you have tattoos. Small tattoos can sometimes be covered with waterproof bandages.

Yes, most ryokans including Katsura no Yu Maruei Ryokan 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.

Yes, Katsura no Yu Maruei Ryokan provides complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Connection is available in guest rooms and common areas.

Katsura no Yu Maruei Ryokan may have limited credit card acceptance. We recommend having Japanese yen (cash) available. ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept international cards.

The nearest station is Shin-Shimashima Station, approximately 80 minutes on foot. You can reach it by local train, subway, or taxi. The ryokan can provide detailed walking directions upon request.

You can book Katsura no Yu Maruei Ryokan 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).