Yamanouchi hotellia

Plussat: Great location and helpful staff

Miinukset: We didn't get on with sleeping on futons, but thats not the hotel's fault

Plussat: Crowded

Plussat: Great dinner, walking distance from Snow Monkey Park Private onsen was really nice, combination of one outside and one inside was perfect Very integrated with nature, good views and well maintained traditional garden Private restroom a big plus for a traditional Ryokan

Miinukset: Breakfast was ok but could improve. Staff speaks insufficient English, which is common in Japan, but makes it hard to communicate anything a bit more complicated

Plussat: The Japanese style room was so beautiful! Loved the traditional style! The Japanese breakfast and dinner tasted amazing and definitely the best food experience of my trip! The rest of the family had a western breakfast and it looked great too! The hotel was beautiful and close access towards the snow monkeys. The private baths were great to hire as it offered both inside and an outdoor bath. This place was an excellent stay!

Plussat: Serene and relaxing. Perfect location for a weekend getaway.

Miinukset: Bright lighting in dining room.

Plussat: This hotel is very enjoyable, from the greeting to the room and food and Onsen . All staff very helpful and being able to walk to the monkey pass was fantastic

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: We were coming from the the ski slopes at Shiga Kogen and the property was a short walk from the bus station. Wonderful hot spring facilities - both the private one we had in our room and the public bathhouse! Staff were wonderfully hospitable and nothing short of polite and wonderful. They even gave us gum boots for our hike to the snow monkey park because they knew how muddy it was - very much appreciated on our end. Both dinner and breakfast were delicious with so much food we were stuffed afterwards. Even though it was a pricey stay, we had a such lovely time so it can't be faulted!

Plussat: I loved every day of my stay, and appreciated how kind and helpful the staff were for us. It was an experience I will never forget.

Miinukset: Everything was perfect.

Plussat: Nothing too much trouble. Nothing to fault. Highly recommended

Plussat: This accommodation set up our holiday in Japan, A truly unique Japanese experience, everything was excellent from the moment we arrived, We cant thank the staff enough for providing this wonderful experience including the superb and traditional accommodation and amazing meals. We definitely intend to return and would recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area.

Plussat: First, the hotel is private, intimate and luxurious. It’s traditional yet very modern. The front of the ryokan is deceptive because it looks quite small, but in the back there are the private living quarters and separate dining rooms. There are multiple options for onsen (open air, gender specific as well as shared onsen baths, as well as private onsen in your own room). All the facilities are well maintained, very clean, and elegant. Second, the staff are very professional, English speaking, relaxed, and very helpful. We arranged pick up from the Yudanaka Station, but instead the owner’s son surprised us and picked us up at the hotel we had been staying in (with regret I originally had only booked one night at Jinpyokaku and they were fully booked when later I tried to expand the reservation). Thirdly, the food and the service was outstanding. Lastly, it was very close to the monkey park - 45 minute walk, which may sound like a trek, but there didn’t seem to be any faster route. It was a beautiful, sunny November day and more monkeys than you could imagine! Overall, a magical experience and an unforgettable overnight stay.

Miinukset: We cannot think of anyway to improve our stay.

Plussat: The facilities were immaculate and beautiful. They were simply put together and very well polished. The temperature of the baths were perfect for a winter night bath. I spent over 4 hours in baths (both indoor and outdoor) during my stay. The changing rooms were heated too, so I could relaxedly dry off and dress myself. Most of all, the staff were lovely. While most didn't know English during my stay, they spoke with some English and Japanese explaining the dishes we were to eat and making conversation with us.

Miinukset: It was my first time to properly put on a yukata, so that was a bit difficult (even with instructions).

Plussat: Friendly staff , provided warm hospitality , wonderful onsen n foods

Miinukset: Price a bit high

Miinukset: Loved this elegant establishment. Beautiful traditional Japanese decor, tatami mats, wood features, toiletries, and private onsen as well as public baths. Great attention to detail throughout. Delicious Japanese cuisine, appealing to eye and tongue. Warm and friendly service - especially from Ayaka-san who went the extra mile for my birthday. Very close to Snow Monkey Park entrance. Highlight of our 16-day trip. Top notch!

Plussat: Such a nice staff. Food was wonderful. Highly recommend.

Plussat: This is our 2nd visit to this place. Glad to be back and see familiar face. Love everything from Suminoyu, their service, rooms, food and osen! They really made you feel welcome and comfortable. Really worth every cents we paid! Would recommend everybody to stay here.

Plussat: The ryokan really nice and most cleanest !!! But the important thing was all their staffs. We have been to Snow Park before checkin and have a hard snow we call them to confirm pick up time at Yunakawa Station but they offer to pick up us at Snow Monkey Park and took us to the station to bring our luggage to their Ryokan♥️♥️ Make us really impression ♥️♥️ Food was Great and they have small onsen outdoor it was very nice and fantastic !!!

Plussat: Excellent location. Snowed during our stay which made the onsens even more enjoyable. Great food. Very warm hospitality.

Plussat: Best service you could ask for- very attentive and helpful staff. Dinner was delicious. The onsen was clean and very comfortable. The room was big and traditional Japanese. Highly recommend this place.

Plussat: Suminoya was in the perfect position . The staff and service was impeccable . Dinner was delicious .

Miinukset: Cant think of a thing we didn’t like .

Plussat: We were picked up from Yudanaka station by the hotel's minibus following a quick call from Nagano to say when we were due to arrive. 10 mins later we were dropped outside the hotel to be greeted by two more staff who bowed as we stepped down. Our gear was carried in (I felt very guilty giving my huge rucksack to the tiny Japanese lady in a kimono, but she was pretty insistent!) to the hall and we were directed to remove our shoes and put on a pair of slippers. The reception staff spoke excellent English and were incredibly helpful about the hotel and the village itself. We were led up to our absolutely beautiful traditional Japanese tatami-floored room and everything was explained to us in detail. We booked on a half-board basis, and we were told that our beds would be setup whilst we were having dinner that night - during the day the room includes a table for you to sit at with a warming cover that you put over your legs when you sit on the floor at the table. We were asked to put on the provided yukata (summer kimonos) for breakfast and dinner, and were directed to wear them (plus additional traditional overcoat and wooden "geta" from by the front door) if we were going to use the 9 public onsen throughout the village. Dinner was an huge array of small courses that were beautifully presented on a low table. The hotel use a quite clever set of dividers to break the dining room up into little sections for the multiple diners - so you have privacy despite being in a room with a few other parties. The service was absolutely fantastic at all times - when you leave the dining room and get into the lift, the staff wait for you to enter and then bow as the lift doors close. When you're entering or leaving the hotel, even the slightest noise brings someone rushing out to help. The private onsen on the foor of the hotel has good facilities, is sparkling clean and an absolutely lovely view of the village.

Miinukset: No complaints.

Plussat: Great welcome Very helpful staff Transfers from station and to monkey park included

Miinukset: Rooms were well worn.

Plussat: Mukavat, avuliaat omistajat, jotka kuljettivat apinapuistoon ja asemalle. Hyvä aamupala.

Plussat: The owners were so helpful and friendly-made it just so special to stay, beautiful ryokan ..deep relaxing comfy sleep and gorgeous little town..

Plussat: The host is sooooo nice and helpful and friendly, he wrote to us several times to inform us about everything we needed to know about the place, he came to the train station for free and he took us to the monkey resort also for free, and back to the station. He gave us information about nearby restaurants, they gave us kimonos for photos also for free. The room was very comfy, it's a traditional Japanese Ryokan so you can see the photos to know what to expect. The breakfast at this place I would say is a must, they served great breakfast, everything was soooo delicious and a huge portion.

Miinukset: Nothing, everything was wonderful and I would recommend this place to everyone, the best choice, you will enjoy your time here.

Plussat: Near Shibu Onsen bus stop . Shuttle service to Snow Monkey Resort and Yudanaka Station . Delicious Japanese breakfast.

Plussat: Lovely onsen areas and outdoor private Onsen area. Common areas quiet and hospitable owners, very sweet. Good location.

Miinukset: Seemed a bit cluttered in the common area; little hard to communicate, no place for ski storage. Lacked ambiance.

Plussat: The water at the onsen rids all my pain. Already miss it right now

Miinukset: Everything is old, but it’s okay.

Plussat: Friendly owners. Great location. Clean. Nice breakfast. Knowledgeable.

Miinukset: We are not used to Japanese style pillows. Other than that everything was perfect.

Plussat: Excellent little ryokan right on the Onsen strip. Close to ashiyuu Onsen and great restaurants.

Plussat: The owners were so kind and helpful

Plussat: Beautiful outside private onsen, and located near great local restaurants. The owners were very kind to me and speak good English so there were no communication barriers.

Plussat: Very good value and a homely feel. The ryokan has been operating since the 1920s so expect a lot of character. The staff were friendly and the espresso coffee was some of the best we had in Japan.

Miinukset: This isn’t luxury accommodation. Be prepared for steep stairs, ‘make-your-own’ futon and shared bathrooms- but you’ll mostly be heading to the multiple public onsen throughout the town anyway.

Plussat: I loved the looks of the house in general, the readiness of the staff to bring you to the monkey Park or the station (for free), and the fact that it has a restaurant and a bar. Also the fact that the 'dorm' room I was assigned, was actually a 3 bed room.

Miinukset: It would have been great to at least have the coffee in the morning included in the price. 800¥ for a simple breakfast felt a bit over the top for me. Also, it's a ryokan. A typical old Japanese house. Temperature insulation is... Insufficient.

Plussat: One of the highlights during our holidays was staying in his authentic Ryokan. Located in a delightful lamp-lit street with nine public onsens to visit during our winter stay, this was a great way to end our day. They provide a shuttle bus to collect you from the Yudanaka Station and also take you to the Snow Monkey Park. Above all this, our daughter became sick with the flu and the doctor rang our hosts and they drove us to get money, visit a pharmacy and back home... So, so helpful, as was the politeness of everyone we met in this town.

Plussat: Great staff and location. Very reasonable price. Easy bus ride from train station. Close to snow monkey park. Has access to the 9 onsens as well as a nicer one in Yudanaka area.

Miinukset: We were on the 3rd floor but that floor has no women's bathroom, just men's bathroom. That's ok for toilet but there could be a sink for both gender for brushing teeth etc.

Plussat: We absolutely loved our stay at Koishiya! The location and food was great. It’s located on a cozy traditional Japanese street that is fun to walk down. The staff was very kind, accommodating and even speak English. Shima is a great barista, make sure you get a cup of coffee! This place is like a little hipster gem, can’t wait to stay again next year!

Miinukset: The only thing we didn’t like were that the shared bathrooms were located on different floors.

Plussat: Excellent Economy Ryokan.

Miinukset: Onsen was not in the building.

Plussat: We had a fantastic stay at Shimaya. The owner was so welcoming and took us to the monkey park and a local festival, where we cooked rice cakes in a fire. He also arranged for us to use the local onsen. Breakfast was very substantial and was different each day. It was served in a retro dining room!!! Bedroom was lovely and traditional Japanese style. We also had a flask to make green tea in the room. Would definitely recommend a stay here.

Plussat: A family run ryokan with all the service and hospitality you could hope for and beyond. The owner was kind and went out of his way not only to provide us boots and a free trip to the Snow Monkey Park but also gave us a lift to our train which was due to leave in three minutes! If you’re in the area please give this place a go. Amenities were provided as needed and really made you feel like you were welcomed home. Although food selection was relatively small the staff managed to cater for everyone and the food itself was fresh and delicious. The onsen was one of the best I’ve been to in Japan, and the water relaxing. It is a testament good service in considering what care hosts can offer their guests when this small family run ryokan provided us with better, more tailored service than many big hotels would offer.

Miinukset: We stayed on the fourth floor of the building. While the room itself was spectacular, I would not recommend bringing a heavy suitcase if you can’t carry it up four flights of stairs, and even with the pair of us being fit it was difficult.

Plussat: As other reviewers, owners are so kind. He took good care of our family. Whatever you requested, they are ready to help and serve your demand. They lifted and picked up our family to see snow monkeys park which little walks. Public bath are cozy.

Plussat: We had the most wonderful stay here. Mr. and Mrs. Yumoto were exceptionally hospitable, thank you!! Mr Yumoto dropped us off at the Monkey park first thing so we were one of the first to enter the park and collected us too. We were lucky enough to be staying during dondoyaki festival, where we ate oranges, drank sake and roasted mochi, really special experience. Think we were the only tourists there!! Also highly recommend the onsen, I went both morning and night as was the only one there both times. There is a private outdoor onsen too, which I'd highly recommend.

Plussat: Shimaya was an amazing choice as everyone there went above and beyond to make our stay pleasant. The facilities are very clean and the onsen is peaceful and well maintained. What stands out the most though, is the care that we received and the attention to detail from the staff. From providing boots so we wouldn't get our own shoes dirty at the monkey park to the ride we got there and to the station, to the dinner recommendations, it really was beyond what we expected. We even received pictures from our stay :) The breakfast was delicious, and it is worth purchasing!

Plussat: Staff were fantastic! Very knowledgeable with the area and happy to help out and drive us anywhere locally. Private Onsen was a treat that we weren’t expecting, however comes at a price that we were also not aware of. But would recommend going!

Miinukset: An older property comes with some quirks, but nothing that would stop me from returning!

Plussat: The owner / host Yumoto-san was very welcoming. Even though we arrived at 130am in the morning, he accommodated us with no fuss. He took us to a local fire festival in the town and drove us to the snow monkey park. He even dropped us off at a restaurant nearby and helped us to make a booking at the restaurant. We booked a room with an en suite bathroom - it was clean, tidy and spacious. The ryokan has their own onsen - which was great at the end of a day at the slopes. It is situated 6 minutes walk from Yudanaka station but has many restaurants / izakaya nearby. In summary it was the perfect ryokan in Yudanaka. Highly recommended.

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Great experience of staying in a traditional ryokan. We have really enjoyed sleeping on futons, tatami floors and onsen. Mr. and Mrs. Yumoto were exceptionally hospitable. They drove us to the Monkey park early enough to avoid the crowds of tourists, picked us up on the way back and gave us a lift to the station then. One night in such a place is not enough. I wish I had booked a longer stay there. This was definitely one on the brightest impressions of Japan.

Plussat: Enjoyed the onsen tremendously and the opportunity to sleep traditional style on futons. Provided appropriate footwear for the colder weather conditions and happy to drive guests to snow monkeys and ski resorts.

Plussat: Nice public bath to enjoy all day long. Staff was very nice and always prompt to help or advice :)

Plussat: The staff were incredibly helpful and welcoming. The food was fantastic and the rooms comfortable. Everything was exceptionally clean. And the onsen was wonderful.

Plussat: We traveled in 9 places during our 8 days trip and so far this was the most unforgettable of all the places we stayed in. The hosts were really superb although they hardly speak English, our sign language and the host had ready flip charts to welcome us, sign boards inside the property. What I love about the place are: 1. Ryokan-The place was very clean! so please keep it the way it is when you leave. :-) 2. Heaters from our room, the public shower and toilet seats are working perfectly well so it adds to the comfort during our winter stay. 3. Onsen.... I just couldn't leave trying it only once so I had to dip in their private onsen again for the very last time before we leave....it was a perfect experience as it was also snowing that night and I was the last to leave before it closes at 10pm. 4. Yukata - You will be provided with Yukata's in your room so please try it on and take pics - we really enjoyed the experience of wearing one after onsen during dinner. 5. Kaiseki - We requested for dinner and it was the best! For the price...there was just too much served but surprisingly we finished almost everything they served! It was really satisfying! I took light lunch as I expected this sumptuous meal so I suggest you be mindful of this and please be there on time. Food are all prepared based on the schedule you prefer (6,7 or 8 pm). 6. Transportation - we booked our Snow monkey and train 2 days package but hardly used the bus transportation since we only stayed overnight. Hosts gladly picked us up and dropped us off the next day for the early morning trip out of Yudanaka station. 7. Location to Snow monkey - this is walking distance so no need to get into the bus back to the hotel. Host will drop you off and you can just walk back for another 10-15min walk from the foot of the Snow Monkey park. Also, if you have any chance of seeing anyone selling fuji apples - please try them! It's far from what I normally taste from where we live.

Miinukset: It could have been better if we stayed a little longer... perhaps one more day! The hosts and Mishuku Miyama are all fantastic! :-)

Plussat: The hosts of this property went above and beyond to make our stay exceptional. The dinner was really delicious and good quality for the price you pay. The outside Onsen is nice and hot and really beautiful when it starts to snow. 10/10 would recommend.

Miinukset: Nothing, was awesome.

Plussat: Host picked me up from Yudanaka station, and they drove me to Monkey Park the next morning and then to the station when I left.

Miinukset: Breakfast is a bit expensive.

Plussat: Fantastic hosts, and delicious meals were provided. Clean, warm, and felt very home-y. Would definitely recommend for anyone seeking traditional accommodation close to onsen and monkey park.

Plussat: Onsen fantastic, nice peaceful retreat close to shibu onsen town and monkey park

Plussat: comfortable stay. can have onsen after everyday’s akii. public onsen is nice, with outdoor hot spring. staffs at reception speaks perfect English and are very helpful.

Miinukset: still have 200-300m walk from hotel gate to ski area. It will take a while if you have skii equipments on.

Plussat: The hotel is very well situated in the middle of all the ski fields. The staff were all so friendly and helpful. The Japanese food was five star and we ate like kings. The massage chairs were a godsend at the end of a days skiiing, as was the on-site Onsen. The western beds and rooms were very comfortable and overall, the hotel facilities were ideal for a week in the snow.

Miinukset: Nothing.

Plussat: Perfect for ski and for families.

Plussat: Good Japanese breakfast and dinner. I stayed four nights, no repetition. Staffs are gentle and helpful. Good for skiing holidays.

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Room was spacious, enjoyed massage chair in room & loved the free private onsen. Dinner was excellent . All staff were very helpful and friendly. Bus dropped us off & picked us up at the hotel door and there was a free ski shuttle bus only 80 meters away.

Miinukset: Nothing.

Plussat: The location - ski areas can be reached on foot - the friendly and helpful stuff, the relaxing Onsen and the amazing food.

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: The staff were amazingly helpful and attentive. The onzen was fabulous. Food terrific. Facilities for skiing second to none.

Plussat: Very very nice people that run this guest house!

Plussat: Very friendly host, tasty japanese breakfast and amazing dinner. Shuttle to the monkey park and the station was very convenient. Big rooms, garden view, various onsen in the house, which we had always for ourselves. Very nice experience overall.

Miinukset: It was a bit cold in some parts of the house (December). The house is a bit old and everything is very basic/simple. We found the price a bit high for this. Still, it was worth the experience and we had a great time.

Plussat: Great hosts and service throughout. Can’t recommend this property enough. Loved it.

Plussat: Fantastic Japanese breakfast provided. The food was excellent and plentiful

Plussat: Lovely owners, nice onsen, beautiful garden, we felt very good. I highly recommend.

Miinukset: All was good

Plussat: Everything was perfect! Staff are very friendly and the food is amazing. Highly recommend.

Plussat: The staff are all very friendly & helpful. Accommodating of our needs & made us feel at home. The many different onsens are amazing! Breakfasts & dinners provided are incredible experiences & very delicious.

Miinukset: We booked to stay in Shibu Onsen over a weekend thinking that it is a very touristy town but hardly any shops or restaurants were open on the weekend.

Plussat: The private onsen on the balcony and the staff's friendly and helpful manner.

Miinukset: Futons sadly are not very comfortable, sheets were VERY heavy adding to the discomfort, but sleeping in a futon is part of staying at a traditional Ryoken so you have to take the good with the bad in these places.

Plussat: Very clean, super staff, very good food and amazing onsens.

Miinukset: N/a

Plussat: Wow! What a great experience. We got the private onsen room, it was more beautiful than I anticipated. Every thing was perfect. The service. The food. I definitely recommend adding this to your " must do" list

Plussat: We loved our 2 night stay here, it was a highlight of our Japan trip! I was hesitant about the price when booking, but it was worth every penny. The staff were friendly & helpful, meals were incredible & fresh, and the onsens were dreamy & relaxing. We actually got engaged here and the staff went out of their way to help us celebrate and made it feel extra special :) The ryokan is close to the snow monkey park and they dropped us off at the park before it got crowded. We can't wait to come back one day!

Plussat: The staff were very friendly and accommodating, the private onsen was phenomenal and the public ones too!

Plussat: Friendly, helpful, and gracious, every person at the hotel went above and beyond to welcome us to our first ryokan experience. And the food! Delicious and beautiful. The town is perfect. The onsens were amazing. Our stay at Kokyua was game changing. Words cannot describe how wonderful this place is. It will now be a mandatory part of our Japan

Plussat: It was absolutely charming and traditional with such attention to details - traditional robes in your room, green tea on tap, beautiful onsens, private Japanese breakfast each morning which was so artistically prepared. All in all this was an experience that we have never had anywhere else and great location for seeing snow monkeys!!!

Miinukset: Due to the style of the Ryokan it was a shared bathroom and the only place you can take a shower is in the onsen. However after the onsen I felt so clean it didn't matter. The lack of double glazing meant that we had to use the provided electric heater but that didn't detract from our stay.

Plussat: This was the third time we've stayed here - it continues to be a wonderful and comfortable place to stay.

Plussat: Todella ystävällinen henkilökunta, perinteinen Japanilainen tunnelma, rentouttavat onsenit ja mahtava ruoka!

Plussat: We stayed for two nights at Seifu-so and really enjoyed our time there. The private onsen was a wonderful experience and sleeping on traditional futon mattresses on tatami floors with the old painted screen walls around us was quite special. The owner is a charming man who, despite the language barrier, looked after us very well. He even gifted us some local apples and a jar of homemade apple jam upon our departure! Very thoughtful. We also appreciated the effort put in to our breakfast - any and all food intolerances/dietary preferences are accounted for so I was delighted to have a vegan breakfast prepared fresh each morning. I would recommend this ryokan to anyone!

Miinukset: The only criticism I have is that the ryokan was a little chilly throughout, although we did visit in November.

Plussat: The location was close to the station. It was the nicest looking ryokan that I've stayed in yet.

Miinukset: It was slightly loud as there was a few families staying at the same time. We ate breakfast and dinner down in a room all by ourselves and were made to feel as if we were inconveniencing them by eating anything that they provided. We were not told about the onsens and how they all work either.

Plussat: Very nice public and private bath. The room was clean, and the breakfast was yummy. It’s also very close to the station.

Plussat: Mahtava japanilaistyylinen illallinen ja aamiainen. Mahdollisuus käydä onsenissa kruunasi kokemuksen. Koko miljöö oli erittäin mukava. Kaikki tilat olivat erittäin siistejä ja henkilökunta ystävällistä. Läheinen sijainti juna-asemalle teki matkustamisesta mutkattoman.

Plussat: The outdoor Onsen was very pretty

Miinukset: They place was empty of both staff and customers, everything seemed to be shut down, the building was closed. At the recpetion desk there was no one to communicate with. There was nowhere to get food. We found out on our second day that it was off season and the city had gone into shut down. Overall, well off the beaten bath and nothing to do or see.

Plussat: We stayed at this property 5 years ago and our recent stay was just as good as is was 5 years ago. Hospitality was awesome they went out of their way for us, cooked up some warm treats after we hopped out the Onsen, gave us some locally made apple juice. We have very fond memories of our stay in Yudanaka mostly thanks to the hosts making us feel special. Thank you! Maybe we will see you in another 5 years. Wishing you all the best. I would highly recommended staying here. Robert Angela and kids from Australia

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Very much everything :) Great location (in the centre of the village), clean and well maintained accommodation building ! The staff treated us as we were family members so this was incredibly tailored and made us feel great indeed ! The thermal hot spring waters at the bottom of the building are a must try !

Miinukset: Nothing much really ! Perhaps a little more space but we were in a typical Japanese room/apartment, this is certainly why !

Plussat: The private onsen and the food experience was great!

Miinukset: It was very expensive.

Plussat: The hosts were super helpful and drove us to the monkey park. They dropped our luggage at a cafe for free storage near the station. The futons were really comfortable. The Onsen was well set up and provided all the necessary products.The sight seeing streets were directly behind the accommodation and it was an easy walk to the mountain to walk in the snow.

Plussat: Awesome service and personnel Good dinner and breakfast in quantity, private restaurant room Nice hotel onsen (may be not so hot at evening, but really hot at morning)

Miinukset: Not exactly in shibu onsen town so you don't have the key to the 9 shibu public onsen. So you can't do the 9 onsen stamp trip. Instead you have the key to 2 public onsen (one is good) near the hotel.

Plussat: The staff there mostly don’t speak English (apart from one or two) but they will do their best to accomodate your needs. The onsens are great especially the outdoor ones. Food served for dinner and breakfast were spectacular and changed everyday, one of the highlights of the trip.

Miinukset: It would have been to great if we could email to book in advance the shuttle to the ryokan from the station (no email provided on website). The website says no reservations was required, but it was a little difficult to communicate on the phone given the lack of English, and it was lucky I knew some basic Japanese. When we called we did have to wait an hour at the station to get picked up. Note that the ryokan is not actually part of Shibu Onsen so unfortunately you won’t get access to the 10 onsens there.

Plussat: It was an absolute mind-blowing experience of staying in Ryokan for the first time. The hotel is super quiet, with three (2 public + 1 private) onsens. We ordered a dinner and it was magical, full dive into Japanese traditions. Before coming we were a bit concerned that it might be cold inside the room (since we traveled in January) but it wasn't. There is a thermostat inside, so you can control the temperature. Location is great, right next to the walking street.

Plussat: We arrived in the evening. Hotel provide pick up service at the Yudanaka station. We stayed for 1 night going to the Snow Monkeys Park the next morning. They arrange to send our luggages down to a cafe near the station when we checked out. So we don't need to worry about luggage storage when we go to the Park. Hotel also provide a free shuttle service to the Park. But we need to take the public bus to get back to the Yudanaka station. After the staff took us to our room, she explained the set up and make tea for us. Make us feel homely.

Miinukset: Nothing really bad about the place, but was expecting supply of beverages at the lobby like most onsen hotel but there isn't any.

Plussat: Everything about this place was perfect, the staff are super helpful and friendly and make you feel like you are at home. A true Ryoken the rooms are decorated in true minimalist style but are also wonderfully private. This here is nothing that I didn’t like or enjoy when staying here.

Plussat: Staff is really nice. Free shuttle bus from Yudanaka Station as well as to Snow monkey park. Room is clean

Miinukset: Food is okay, not special. Onsen could be hotter.

Plussat: Traditional japanese ryokan with large rooms and very welcoming and accommodating staff. There is a private onsen for couples as well as public bath, and you are also given access to the nine public baths around the town. Lovely staff shuttled us from the nearest train station and up to the snow monkey park, and the bus stop outside the hotel takes you to the Shiga Kogen snow fields. The town itself is gorgeous with shrines and narrow streets with lined with lovely traditional buildings and several shrines. The stream outside the hotel is calming and helps put you into a deep relaxing sleep. Highly recommended, can't wait to stay here again on our next trip!

Plussat: Everything. The place spotless clean, the staffs are detailed in their consideration, the onsen is great and no one in it! There's even a small private onsen. Oh the best part is their dinner and breakfast, superb! They even have shuttle to send us to the station and the ski resort! Basically we don't need to worry about anything, they will take care of it.

Miinukset: Can't really think of anything.

Plussat: Wonderful hosts with great facility away from the main roads

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Brilliant location staff were amazing and nothing was a problem. Their traditional dinners were an experience that made the stay and having access to a private onsen in the hotel was lovely. Would highly recommend this hotel for the experience comfort and wonderful service. Liz Australia

Plussat: This is a family run onsen business and the owner is 3rd generation. The owner was super nice and personable. He greeted us during checkin, helped with our itinerary and recommended best times to visit the snow monkey park. He even personally drove us to the snow monkey park in the morning. Staff was super nice and was able to speak in our language (English and mandarin). The room was very spacious and clean. Plus the onsen is super close to all the 9 public onsens. They even called 10 minutes prior to your dinner and breakfast. The best was they did something special for my dad’s birthday (little gifts in the room, special Japanese traditional outfit for the birthday person, and more gifts during check-out).

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Great location, friendly and helpful staff, food good. Whilst I rated the comfort as average for what we paid and expected it was very good

Miinukset: Wife wasn’t a fan of shared Onsen bathroom

Plussat: Fantastic location and hosts. Only too helpful from booking to checkout. Service from all working there was super friendly and efficient. Breakfast and dinner buffet easily satisfy hunger needs. Subtle changes day to day aligned with the price point of the hotel.

Miinukset: Description of 'shared' bathroom. Onsen only and communal bathing would be more accurate. Not a big thing if you're used to it but some first-time travel members found this confronting (cultural differences) although we were fortunate enough to have family staying close by with a solution.

Plussat: Clean and comfortable. Their buffet breakfast and dinner were excellent! Lovely experience of the Japanese room and onsen.

Miinukset: Location was difficult to get to without their help with transportation. The space in the toilet is quite small.

Plussat: Lovely family run hotel with onsen. Great breakfast and dinner buffet. Lovely cafe /bar with baked goods during the day. We loved the ski in ski out location.

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Location was great, rooms were warm, onsen was great, skiroom was spacious, staff were very friendly.

Miinukset: Slightly dated decor in hallways, dining room, etc. Wifi patchy. Food could do with being warmer (paid to be on time for buffet meals). Music played in dining room during meals could do with moving slightly nearer to the 21st century. :-)

Plussat: The staff were just lovely. This is a family run establishment and everyone was beyond helpful. Fresh japanese and western food for breakfast and dinner, and flat out amazing pastries. I kid you not...the custard tarts were the best ever, but all the home baking was out of this world.

Miinukset: Hard to get the heating right in the rooms. Too hot to keep it on at night and too cold to turn it off.

Plussat: Very friendly and warm hotel and staff making guests feel welcome.

Miinukset: Nothing. Although if I had a gripe, I would prefer less 'Credence' on the PA and more Carpenters :)

Plussat: Family was sensational, location great!

Miinukset: Ski hire gear ancient bring your own gear

Plussat: Very nice hot spring hotel. The room is spacious and clean. The staff are all very friendly. The dinner were excellent.

Miinukset: No view.

Plussat: Lovely onsen facilities with good-size clean indoor & open-air baths, executive lounge with complimentary coffee,/tea, apple juice & alcohol, & rooftop bar with heated (winter) igloos. Private rooms for half board package kaiseki-style breakfast and dinners, beautifully plated on selected ceramic serve ware. Shuttle to Snow Monkey Park and to Yudanaka Station Our 2nd time at Aburaya Tousen and the same room - Western with tatami and open-air bath. Not cheap but considering the facilities and lovely meals served, would highly recommend this property.

Miinukset: None.

Plussat: love the bath outside The staff was really nice Love the traditional Japanese rooms, beautiful view and really friendly staff, love also the outfit they lend us for our stay

Miinukset: some of the table and windows where not really clean properly. The view was to much on the city, I wish to see more of the nature, we paid the most expensive room available so I was expecting really great view.

Miinukset: This hotel was awful. The photos and the description was not accurate. The cost was also crazy for this property. The owner was an awful man who didn’t care about his guests. I would never recommend this hotel. Look at the picture I uploaded. View of a gas station and broken bus. They claimed to have a spa with massage but massage was only available from 8pm-1am. My husband is 6 feet tall and had to duck in the room. The amenities in the bathroom were shared from prior guests. We travel the world in high end hotels and stayed in plenty of moderately priced properties. This was by far the worst value of any property we have ever stayed. The worst part however is the owner who I was literally the only bad person we encountered in two week trip to this fabulous country. Do NOT stay. Our hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto were fantastic and as advertised. This hotel should be removed for misrepresenting themselves as luxury.

Plussat: The place is new and very modern and feel more luxurious. I enjoyed the public outdoor onsen. The place is clean. It was nice for the welcome drink.

Miinukset: Staff needs to be trained more. Dinner tune was chaotic and I think they didn’t hVe enough staff so there are times we are just waiting for the staff to serve the next course. Even when we asked for more tea... it took them 15-20minutes to get back. They could explain the room facilities better.

Plussat: The staff was amazingly friendly and helpful. The kaiseki dinners were fantastic. The igloo bar on the roof was fun, even though it wasn’t snowing.

Miinukset: Without snow, the view is just of the town which isn’t spectacular. The onson views were the same. The hot water in the room was only lukewarm and the shower was cramped and uncomfortable.

Plussat: - private onsen is great and has a very nice view. - food is satisfactory - cozy rooftop bar - staff speaks very good english - there are shuttle bus to the station / snow monkey park. but note that the free shuttle to snow monkey park only operates two times in the morning and there is no return shuttle, so you’ll have to take the bus / taxi

Miinukset: - nothing really

Plussat: Good atmosphere Hot spring facility is good With free parking space is convenient

Miinukset: Room needs maintenance Staff mainly speak Japanese not able to help with attractions booking

Plussat: Very beautiful traditional ryokan hotel and room. Staff were extremely kind, even if they didn't speak English (they know just some single random words). Momoyana onsen is astonishing: simply amazing. Very good japanese dinner and breakfast. Near Yudanaka station: you can reach the hotel walking barely 10 minutes.

Miinukset: Maybe the location: the town Yudanaka is not so beautiful as Shibu Onsen. But you can reach the latter walking 15-20 minutes.

Plussat: Real Japanese traditional experience, nice and calm place.

Miinukset: The Onsen was closed for cleaning between 9.30-14.00 so we missed half of the experience. The staff did not tell us about this, very poor information and none English speaking staff. We were confused and nobody could either explain or help us. Very frustrating!