Nagano tourism officials are encouraging more Australians to stay in traditional ryokans as the prefecture looks to build on record visitor numbers from Australia.
Ryokans, which date back centuries in Japan, typically combine tatami-mat rooms, shoji screens, yukata robes, communal or private bathing and traditional Japanese meals.
Nagano Prefecture has more than 1,000 ryokans, ranging from large onsen properties to small family-run inns in mountain areas.
Helen Wong, Australian representative for the Nagano Tourism Organization, said the accommodation offered travellers an opportunity to experience a more traditional side of Japanese hospitality.
“A stay in a ryokan presents an immersion into Japanese culture, through relaxing in a traditional straw tatami-mat room with paper shoji screens and decorative tokonoma alcove,” Ms Wong said.
The push comes as Australian travel to Japan continues to grow. Almost one million Australians visited Japan in the 12 months to July 2026, according to figures cited by the Nagano Tourism Organization, representing an 8.5% year-on-year increase.
Nagano recorded more than 140,000 Australian overnight stays between January and August 2026, making Australia its second-largest international market behind Taiwan.
Around 250 kilometres north-west of Tokyo, the prefecture is also a major winter destination for Australian skiers and snowboarders.
Among the properties being highlighted are Sakaya Ryokan in Nozawa Onsen, a family-owned property with traditional bathing facilities, and Yorozuya in Yudanaka, known for its Momoyama Bath and Shoraiso guestroom wing.
