Frequently Asked Questions

Guest rooms

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Guests can check in starting from 15:00 and check out until 11:00.
However, check-in and check-out times may vary by plan, so please check the details of your plan.
Can I check in earlier?
We apologize, but due to our later check-out time, we are only able to make our rooms available for check-in starting from 15:00.
What floor are the guest rooms located on?
Sekitaitei Ishida is a single-story building, so all rooms are on the first floor. The building is wheelchair accessible.
Can I access the Internet within the ryokan?
Yes, you can enjoy Internet access in all guest rooms.
There is also a Free Spot spanning the premises, so a wireless LAN environment is available.
Are refrigerators available?
All guest rooms are equipped with refrigerators.
Since July 2020, the only contents are mineral water (1 bottle per guest, free of charge).
We accept beverage orders until 21:30. Please contact the front desk (extension number 9) if you would like to place an order.
Are the guest rooms equipped with baths and toilets?
All guest rooms are equipped with toilets.
‘Yūki’ and ‘Tobi’ rooms are equipped with baths.
(Yūki-type rooms are equipped with hot spring baths)
Some ‘Enmai’ rooms are equipped with baths, while some are only equipped with showers.
Are there any non-smoking rooms?
Since February 1st, 2020, all guest rooms are ‘non-smoking rooms’.
If you would like to smoke, please use the smoking area next to the lobby.
Can I stay with my pet?
We apologize, but we do not allow pets to stay at Sekitaitei Ishida.
For guests wishing to make use of a pet hotel, we will guide you to an external pet hotel, so please speak with a staff member for further information.
(approximately 20 minutes from Sekitaitei Ishida)

Baths

When are the baths open?
The public baths are available from 15:00~1:00, and from 4:30~12:00.
The open-air baths are available from 15:00~24:00, and from 4:30~12:00.
The private baths are available from 15:00~12:00.
Is the water in the baths hot spring water?
Yes, the water in the baths is hot spring water. The spring type is simple sulfur spring, and the water is colorless, with a faint sulfur odor.
The hot spring is a combination discharge/circulation hot spring with heated water.
Do I need to make a reservation to use a private bath?
No, reservations are not required. You are free to use a private bath whenever one is available.
There is no charge.

Meals

Where will meals be served?
Dinner and breakfast will be served in the dining room.
However, you may be served meals in your room depending on the room you are staying in, so please check the details of your plan for more information.
When will breakfast/dinner be served?
Dinner will be served from 18:00~20:30 (start by 19:00).
Breakfast will be served from 8:00~9:30 (start by 9:00).
I’m a picky eater …
Unfortunately, we are only able to accommodate ingredient allergy-related requests.
Please note that we may not be unable to accommodate ingredient preferences.
Are you able to accommodate groups?
Yes. Private banquet rooms are available for larger groups.
I would like to place an additional order.
Please inform us in advance what items you would like to order. We will reply with the price for your order.
I have an allergy.
Please provide us with your allergen information in advance (at least 7 days prior to your stay).
We will attempt to serve you alternative dishes to the extent possible.

Facilities

Are there cigarette/beverage vending machines in the inn?
Unfortunately, there are no cigarette or beverage vending machines on the premises.
However, there is a Family Mart that sells cigarettes and beverages about a 5-minute walk away.
Can I do karaoke in the inn?
Unfortunately, we do not have karaoke facilities.
Is there an esthetic salon in the inn?
Yes, there is an esthetic salon. The salon’s operating hours are from 14:00~23:00.
Appointments must be made by the day before, so please contact us in advance.
Appointments can also be made online.
We look forward to serving you.

■ Esthetic salon ’Hanaori’（online appointment）
Can I order a massage?
Yes, we will ask you if you would like to do so at the time of your check-in.
However, we recommend you make an appointment in advance as there may be high demand on weekends.
Is there a souvenir store in the inn?
Yes, there is a souvenir store that carries a variety of local specialties.
The souvenir store’s operating hours are from 7:00~20:30.
Do I have to make a reservation to use the theater room?
No, you are free to use the theater room whenever it is available.
There is no charge.
We accept reservations in advance, so please contact us if you would like to use the theater room.

Weddings & Receptions

Do you offer weddings and receptions?
Yes, we offer weddings and receptions.
We are able to provide Japanese wedding ceremonies that make use of the Noh stage, as well as receptions in the banquet hall. We are also able to provide ‘Hina doll wedding ceremonies’ during the period of ‘Ishida’s 2,000 Hina Decorations’ from January 15th~April 3rd.
Please contact us for more details.
How can I consult with you about weddings and bridal services?
We are available for weddings, wedding-related dinner parties, and ceremonies throughout the year.
In terms of weddings, we are able to provide Noh stage weddings and bridal processions, as well as a reception hall with a maximum floor area of 105 tatami mats, which can accommodate up to 80 people.
As there are a limited number of staff members in charge for such services, please contact us in advance before you arrive for a consultation to ensure a smooth experience.
Please contact･･･
Sekitaitei Ishida 0265-43-3300 Bridal Manager

Stargazing

Why is Achimura said to have the ‘best starry skies in Japan’?
Achimura, where Hirugami Onsen is located, is where Japan’s best starry skies can be seen, as it was awarded first place in a list of ‘places where the stars shine the brightest’ by the Ministry of the Environment after a continuous observation of starry skies across Japan in 2006.
We invite you to enjoy the star-filled skies in the ‘Village of Stars’, together with its pleasant hot springs and its beautiful natural surroundings.
When is the best time for stargazing?
You can enjoy beautiful starry skies in Achimura regardless of the season.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to visit in the period spanning autumn to winter, when the air is clearer.
Another important factor in of stargazing is the presence of the moon.
Achimura is said to be an excellent place for stargazing because there is little light from external sources.
Therefore, it may be difficult to observe the stars, even on clear days, when the moonlight is strong.
When planning your trip, we recommend you check the moon phase before heading out.
When is the ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ held?
‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ is usually held from mid-April to mid-October, and from late December to late March of the following year.
However, the tour may be unavailable from late May~early July and from late September~early October, so please contact the Achi ☆ Hirugami Onsen Tourism Bureau (TEL 0265-43-3001) for more details.

Tickets are available by reservation only, so please contact us as soon as possible if you would like to stay at Sekitaitei Ishida and participate in the tour.
Please note that tickets are limited and may sell out.


For details about ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’, please check the official website.
Where are tickets for ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ available?
A reservation is required to purchase tickets for ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’.
See below for details on how to purchase a ticket.

■ Online tickets (specific date and time, advance reservation required)
Available from 10:00 in the morning two weeks prior to the date of the tour.
Reservations can be made through the official website of ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’.

■ Guests staying at official Tenku no Rakuen hotels and ryokan
You can make ticket reservations at any time through Sekitaitei Ishida.
Please contact us to request a reservation via phone when you are booking your stay.

※ Tickets are limited.
Please note that depending on the timing of your request, we may be unable to provide tickets if maximum capacity has been reached.
Will ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ be canceled on rainy or cloudy days?
‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ will be held even on rainy or cloudy days.
The weather at the site of the night tour, Heavens Sonohara, is clear approximately 60% of the time.
There are days when you may be unable to see the starry skies due to rainy or cloudy weather, but the tour will continue to operate on those days, and you can ride the gondola to the top of the mountain.
At the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a talk about the stars, as well as a video program, provided by your guide. (the content will vary on event days)
※ Please note that no refunds or discounts will be given in the event of rainy or cloudy weather.
※ If it is deemed difficult for the tour to operate due to stormy weather, the tour may be cancelled. In such cases, you will be refunded the purchase price of your ticket.
I would like to participate in the ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’. Can I have dinner at Sekitaitei Ishida?
We serve dinner starting at 17:00 exclusively for guests who are participating in the ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ (Part 1, departing at 18:30)
(dinner is usually served starting from 18:00~19:00)
Please note that your meal time will be shortened to approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Please also note that we are unable to serve dinner after ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’.
Can I cancel my reservation for ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’?
You cannot cancel your reservation for ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’.
However, if your reservation was made through Sekitaitei Ishida, or if you selected the ‘Starry Sky Night Tour Ticket Plan’, we will process your cancellation if you notify us by 15:00 of the day of your reservation.
Can I participate in ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ without a car?
It takes about 20 minutes to travel to the ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ site by car, but there is a shuttle bus service for those who wish to participate in the night tour.
In past years, the round-trip fare has been ¥1,000 per person.
This bus service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so please contact us as soon as possible if you would like to use it.
Can I travel to the ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ site by private car?
‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’ is held at ‘Fujimidai Kogen Ropeway Heavens Sonohara’, which is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Sekitaitei Ishida.
The parking area has space for 2,000 cars, but please note that depending on how crowded it is, you may have to park further away from the ropeway boarding area (the furthest parking area is roughly 1km away from the ropeway boarding area).
Aside from the ‘Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’, are there any other places from which I can stargaze?
There are several stargazing spots in Achimura village, where Hirugami Onsen is located.

Our number ① recommendation is ‘Ginga Momiji Campsite’.
Located roughly 20 minutes by car from Sekitaitei Ishida, this is the exact location that was awarded ‘the best in Japan’ in the Ministry of the Environment’s National Continuous Stargazing Party. It is extremely dark when you visit at night, but that is why you are able to view beautiful starry skies here.
Reservations are not required, but you must pay an admission fee of ¥300 per person (as of December 2019) at the post at the entrance. Unlike the night tour, there is no time limit, so you can enjoy the star-filled skies to your heart’s content. Recommended for those who wish to stargaze in peace and quiet.

Our number ② recommendation is ‘Namiai Park’.
Located roughly 25 minutes by car from Sekitaitei Ishida, beyond ① ‘Ginga Momiji Campsite’.
This is a park that was built for stargazing in 2018. Stargazing parties are held here on a nightly basis at 20:00m with a roughly 45-minute stargazing commentary program (closed on certain days).
After that, visitors can freely stargaze in the park until 22:00. In addition to telescope rentals, ‘starry sky decks’, ‘starry sky hammocks’, and ‘starry sky bonfires’ are available, offering a different way to enjoy the starry skies compared to the Tenku no Rakuen: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour’.

Please be aware that some areas in both of the above facilities can be pitch-dark.
Please also take measures to ensure you are well-prepared against the cold during the spring, fall, and winter months.

Miscellaneous

Is there a large amount of snowfall?
As Hirugami Onsen is located at the southern end of Nagano Prefecture, the area does not receive much snow.
However, snow can accumulate several times a year during the season, so we recommend you bring snow tires with you on your visit.
Will I be able to connect to my cell phone network?
Yes, you will be able to make calls using Docomo, au, and softbank.
When are the 2,000 Hina Doll Decorations available?
The 2,000 Hina Doll Decorations will be displayed from January 15th to April 3rd.
During this period, you can view the decorations free of charge, except on days designated by Sekitaitei Ishida.
A café and stalls will also be available in front of the Noh stage.
Please note that meals will not be available.
Kaiseki meals are available by advance reservation only.
Once you have decided on the date of your visit, please contact us in advance. Please note that we may be unable to accommodate visitors on days where the ryokan is reserved or closed.