Shoho is a luxurious hot spring ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) located in the highlands of Utsukushigahara Onsen, Nagano Prefecture. Its reputation of offering hospitality that makes visitors feel right at home has earned it praise among many guests who say they hope to stay there again. Shoho has been named one of the "100 Best Hotels in Japan Selected by Professionals" and a "5-star Ryokan" by Kanko Keizai News — a media company specializing in the tourism industry. Its hot spring, guest rooms, meals, and hospitality are all of the highest standards. Please do treat yourself to a memorable time at this spectacular ryokan.

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Utsukushigahara Onsen has been designated by Japan's Minister of the Environment as a "National Hot Spring Health Resort" due to being a health resort with sufficient potential for effective hot spring use. It was once the site of a villa built by the lord of Matsumoto Castle for recreational purposes and has been a popular hot spring attracting multitudes of people since time in antiquity.
At Shoho, you can enjoy the charming Utsukushigahara Onsen to your heart's content by soaking in any or all of the seven baths offering varying qualities. In particular, you will be impressed by the open-air bath with a jaw-dropping view of the Alps and Matsumoto City, an open-air bath where you can bathe while admiring the seasonal plants and trees and breathing in the great outdoors, and a private bath where you can relax in your own exclusive space.

Shoho features a variety of accommodation styles — from standard rooms to luxurious rooms with hot spring baths from which you can feast your eyes upon breathtaking vistas. There are rooms with beds for those visitors unaccustomed to sleeping on the futons provided in traditional Japanese-style rooms. All rooms offer views of the Alps and Matsumoto City, so you can enjoy the scenery without even having to take a step outside. The top-floor guest room in the East Wing is a special guest room spanning a spacious 113 m² featuring a hot spring bath with a view and high-end furniture fit for VIP guests — including a massage chair and a premium-quality sofa.

Shinshu, the region where Utsukushigahara Onsen is located, is blessed with abundant nature and a treasure trove of mouthwatering ingredients nurtured by clean air and pristine water. Shoho's expert chefs use a wide variety of ingredients such as Shinshu beef, which is characterized by its exquisite marbling, seasonal/wild vegetables.

Shoho holds seasonal events to celebrate significant annual occasions. In March and April, "Hina Dolls" are displayed for the Girls' Festival, one of Japan's long-standing traditional events; in June and July, the colorful "Umbrella Sky" comprised of "wagasa" (Japanese umbrellas); in summer, a wind chime corridor that plays refreshing sounds; in fall, Halloween; and in winter a vivid-red poinsettia tower and a Christmas tree welcome and delight guests.

There are many charming places to visit around Shoho, including Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi, Utsukushigahara Plateau, and Azumino. In particular, the ever-changing mountain scenery is spectacular all year round. Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure representing Matsumoto City, is a short 10-minute drive from Shoho, and is not to be missed as Japan's oldest remaining five-tiered castle complete with a six-story keep.