Where to Stay in Nagano City: Top Hotels Steps from Nagano Station

If you’re visiting Nagano for skiing or to see the snow monkeys, choosing a hotel near Nagano Station is best for convenient and quick transfers.

We stayed for roughly 4–5 nights in Nagano City, en route to the mountains, and having access to the trains and buses on foot was the best setup for exploring both the capital city and the surrounding onsen towns and day trips.

Nagano Station is the transport hub of the prefecture and, as such, is ideal for exploring the nearby Japanese Alps, skiing or snowboarding, or even basing between overnight stays in Matsumoto or Shibu Onsen.

What’s more, Nagano Station has a direct Shinkansen train connecting Tokyo (via the Hokuriku Shinkansen) and direct bus transfers to visit the snow monkeys of Jigokudani.

And because of its mid-sized city, Nagano has a lot of accommodation options for all budgets—luxury ryokan near Zenkoji Temple, easy business hotels, as well as apartment-style studios for digital nomads or those looking for a boutique stay.

Here’s where to stay in Nagano City, and more specifically, the best hotels near Nagano Station.

Best Overall Hotels Near Nagano Station

The first thing to note about Nagano Station is that it’s big. There are two main exits, but many shops to get lost in.

• Zenko-ji Exit (西口 / West Exit):
  This is the main exit that takes you to Zenko-ji Temple, the Nagano City Tourist Information Center, and many hotels and restaurants! You’ll almost always use this side. Buses to Zenko-ji and other local destinations also depart from here.
• East Exit (東口):
  This side is quieter and more residential, with a few business hotels and local shops. It’s also where you’ll find the bus terminal for longer-distance routes, including to Shiga Kogen (skiing) and Snow Monkey Park.

Hotel Metropolitan

That said, if you want a hotel that’s connected directly to the station for comfort and convenience, then book the Hotel Metropolitan.

It is the only one with unbeatable convenience with on-site restaurants and nearby konbinis, making it perfect if you’re traveling with large luggage or catching an early train.

The second and third best hotel options, similar to the Metropolitan, and nearest Nagano Station, are the Tokyu REI Hotel (a modern business hotel on the main drag) just opposite the station, and the quieter Hotel Courtland, located behind the station.

Personally, even though it’s a little busy, I love the lively atmosphere in front of the JR Station.

My favorite ramen shop is over there, too, called Ramen Misoya (serving special miso-style ramen with Nagano buckwheat noodles).

Sotetsu Fresa Inn

For solo travelers and families, I think the best mid-range option is the Sotetsu Fresa Inn, located just a two-minute walk from the station’s Zenkoji-East Exit.

It has a good breakfast included, and nicely decorated rooms that feel bright but cozy. I also really like that the location is in the heart of everything, yet it’s still quiet and easy to visit the city and quickly reach the station.

Whether for quick eats, convenient transfers, large luggage (or ski gear), or simply sour weather, I think this area near the station is best for accommodation. You can then visit Zenko-ji Temple on foot in 20–25 minutes.

Dormy Inn Nagano

I honestly don’t like staying too long in business-style hotels or “Western” hotels, which is why I prefer boutique stays, especially if it’s for 2 nights or more.

The Dormy Inn in Nagano feels like a good compromise, though, if you need a budget-friendly place to stay without the extra bells and whistles of a fancier stay.

Also, Dormy Inn has something (well, two things) that the other hotels near Nagano Station don’t:

• Rooftop onsen
• Late-night free ramen (yeah, seriously!)

These two things alone make the Dormy Inn in Nagano very popular, so rooms tend to book in advance! The only downside of Dormy, compared to Fresa Inn, for example, is that the rooms feel a bit dark and not as spacious.

Backpacker Hostels Near Nagano Station

While not as well-rated, there are two cheaper hostels located roughly 350m from Nagano Station that are worth checking out.

Mash Café & Bed Nagano — Part boutique hotel, part café-bar, Mash is a more upmarket and chic hostel option. It’s still just a 3-minute walk to the station and has a friendly local vibe. This is where I’d stay solo!

The Local Knot: The Knot is a cute Japanese-style dorm hostel with cozy bunkbeds, minimalist private rooms, and a communal space serving craft coffee and local bites.

Finally, it seems the cuter ryokan and more historic hotels are located down toward Zenkoji Temple. It’s definitely not as convenient as staying near the station, but if you are thinking of spending 4-5 nights in the city, it will be worth basing somewhere more cultural and historical.

Although I didn’t stay nearby, I saw how gorgeous the Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan is, located right near the temple. If you want to stay central or close to the station, it’s not ideal, but if you’re seeking a more traditional Japanese inn experience in Nagano, you can’t go wrong here!

Best Hotels for Digital Nomads & Long Stays

While staying in Nagano City and working remotely, I searched for an apartment-style hotel semi-close to the station.

That’s how I found The Compass boutique hotel, located just a 5-minute walk from Nagano Station.

While the location wasn’t anything to rave about (we had to walk a bit for food at night), I really appreciated the extra spaciousness and coziness.

We had everything we needed for our stay: laundry, wifi, comfy bathrooms, and beds. I also really loved drawing a bath after a long, cold day out exploring Nagano in winter!

If I had to repeat my trip, I’d pick Compass again for a longer stay and either Dormy Inn or Fresa Inn for more convenience (food options + transfers) near the station.

Do you have any questions about staying in Nagano City?