Nakamuraya Ryokan 中村屋旅館 中村屋旅館

Nakamuraya Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn located inside the Ryokuen Building in Kita 3-jo Nishi 7-chome, Central Sapporo. Set beside the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden and within a quiet government-office district, it offers a calm environment slightly removed from the busy entertainment areas. JR Sapporo Station is about a 7–10 minute walk away, and major landmarks such as Odori Park, the Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Building), and the Sapporo Clock Tower are all within walking distance, making it convenient for both sightseeing and business travel.

Founded in 1903, the ryokan has more than a century of history. According to its official website, it began when founder Tasa Nakamura opened a boarding house, and it has since continued operating in central Sapporo for over 100 years. Today, the property is run as Nakamuraya Ryokan Co., Ltd. and is known as a long-established inn with deep local roots.

The ryokan has 25 guest rooms, all of which are Japanese-style tatami rooms. Unlike Western-style business hotel rooms, the atmosphere here is warm and homelike, with many guests describing it as “comforting, like returning to your family home.” Futons are laid out for sleeping, creating a relaxed and traditional setting. Room sizes and capacities vary, accommodating solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups. Each room is equipped with a TV, air-conditioning, refrigerator, hot water kettle, green tea set, and a private bathroom with a washlet toilet, ensuring a comfortable stay.

In addition to the in-room bathrooms, gender-separated public baths are available for guests. Featuring granite interiors and tubs large enough to stretch out in, the bath area is open from 3 p.m. until 10 a.m. the next day—practically 24 hours of use. Guests can bathe upon arrival, late at night, or again before departure in the morning, making it especially convenient. Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided in the bath area. While not a hot spring, guests frequently mention how pleasant it is to have a spacious public bath available at all times.

Breakfast is a traditional Japanese set meal served in the ryokan’s dining hall. Typical dishes include grilled fish, egg dishes, small side bowls, miso soup, and rice, with a simple and home-style taste that many guests appreciate. Dinner-inclusive plans feature seasonal Japanese kaiseki-style cuisine inspired by local ingredients, with the inn highlighting its “regional dishes that make use of Hokkaido’s seasonal flavors.”

The ryokan also operates banquet and dining facilities for gatherings. Events for 2 to 60 people—including company parties, celebrations, and family occasions—can be hosted here, with Japanese, Western, and Chinese course menus available. They also prepare special-order meals such as bento boxes, catered dishes, New Year’s osechi cuisine, alumni reunion meals, and memorial-service meals, reflecting the ryokan’s longstanding connection to the local community.

Facilities include a café, banquet halls, meeting rooms, a gift shop, vending machines, and coin laundry. Wi-Fi is available in common areas. The 24-hour front desk handles luggage storage and provides practical services useful for longer stays. A safe and shared TV at the front desk area give the ryokan a nostalgic feel, while still offering business-hotel-like convenience.

The building itself is not newly constructed and has an old-fashioned exterior, but reviews often mention that the interior is well maintained, clean, and thoughtfully renovated. Despite being located between office buildings, its adjacency to the Botanical Garden provides a calmer atmosphere compared to other central-city accommodations.

Access from JR Sapporo Station or the Odori area is straightforward on foot, and the official website includes photo-guided walking directions. Using the underground walkway system can reduce exposure to bad weather, making it easy to reach nearby attractions such as the Red Brick Building, Odori Park, the Clock Tower, and Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

The ryokan lists that it has parking available, but details such as capacity and conditions vary depending on the season or partners. Travelers planning to arrive by car should confirm the latest information through the official website or booking pages in advance.

Overall, Nakamuraya Ryokan offers a traditional Japanese-style stay—with all-tatami rooms and gender-separated public baths—right in the heart of Sapporo. It is a great option for guests seeking an atmosphere different from chain business hotels, those who prefer the calm of a Japanese room, or travelers wanting to explore the Red Brick Building and Odori area while keeping accommodation costs reasonable.