Oshi Ryokan — Local services in Nagano

The Ryokan is amazing, the hosts are warm and welcoming and happy to help in anyway. They have a massive bath you can soak in to relax before putting on your yukata and walking around the local area. The inn is very cold as to be expected in the mountains but you get a heater in your room and the futon bed are very cosy. To get to it you take the number 70 or 71 bus from the number 7 bus stop outside the alpico bus office, which is located over the road from the station ( over the walk bridge is easiest ) and to the left of the post office.A single either way is 1450yen while a return ticket is about 2500yen and a Togakushi Travel Pass for the Tokugashi region is 2600yen. This is a 5day all access pass to the Tokugashi Region plus a return journey to and from Nagano, with a stop off at Zenkoji Temple on either the way there on the way back. Plus it has a few 10% off deals and some lower entrance fees to some sites. Either way it will take about an hour up the scenic mountain route on the bus, you should get off at Togakushi-Hokosha and start walking back down the hill, you will pass the steps upto the lower shrine on your right and the Ryokan is the first drive way on your left round the bend, it has a sign with a 'K' on it. If you're feeling up for it, the walks up to all the shrines is a lovely trip, encasing some beautiful scenery, however it can be a tiring day; even the lower shrine around the corner has a fair few steps. This is where the bus pass would come in handy as you could ride up to the top of the region and work back down or in whatever order you like but be aware the buses generally only run...

I cannot rate this place highly enough. The Host greeted us at the bus stop, we hadn't even told him when we were arriving. We were shown to our room and given Yukata (traditional Japanese clothes), traditional tea at a Kotatsu, then we were given what is easily the best meal I've had in Japan. One of our party is Gluten free, which is notoriously difficult to cater for in Japan, the hosts were not only able to accommodate for this, but even found a way to make him gluten-free Tempura. The Hosts themselves were absolutely lovely, great conversation, very helpful, and even suggested where we should visit next on our trip across Japan. The venue itself feels traditional, it feels like real Japanese culture, which is exactly what you want if you're here to experience Japan. Breakfast was also fantastic, and again they were very accommodating both for his allergy, and the personal tastes of the other guests. The morning we checked out, we were able to leave our bags there whilst we visited the shrine around the corner, and the hosts were even kind enough to lend us umbrellas for our walk. Staying here really is a must if you're visiting...

My husband and I stayed one night at the Ryokan with the purpose to visit the a Togakushi Shrine. The location of the Ryokan is the closest to lowest shrine, Hokosha Shrine. Togakushi Kodo is actually a trail with 5 shrines and ponds. But, the most famous one is called ‘Okusha’ which is in the middle of the mountain. If you plan to visit just the Okusha, it is best to overnight around Chusha Shrine. But, for keen walkers, Oshi Ryokan is the best location to start the walk. Unfortunately, when I was there for a day, it had too much snow, and the walking trails were mostly closed. Only the short walk from Chusha to the Zuijinmon Gate was ok to walk. It was quite a distance from Oshi Ryokan. Mr Oshi-san was really kind and offered to drive us to Chusha. And, reminded us to be careful and, not go beyond the gate as the warning sign was in Japanese only. Mr Oshi-san speaks good English, and he told us history of the ryokan. The Ryokan granted is a bit worn, but it’s comfortable, and I slept very well. Food was very good. Booked half...