We would have liked to book a room with a private onsen and Japanese beds but these were not available for the two rooms we needed. We ended up with futons, which were comfortable. However, the situation was not that pleasant as once the futons were set up, there was no other place to sit in the room except for a small enclosed porch that was chilly. The couple in our party who were able to book the onsen room had a lovely accommodation that would have been highly desirable.

We really enjoyed the charming hospitality extended by all of the staff. The graciousness that was extended to us made our trip particularly nice. We also greatly appreciated the chef and the marvelous food that he prepared and served us, It was truly a wonderful experience. We would also like to extend a special thank you to the owner of the Ryokan who helped us search for a missing wallet that we later found in a backpack. We tried to send an email to thank her but could not get the message delivered.

Stayed in April 2023

Our room had a private onsen that was well kept and comfortable.

Stayed in April 2023

The location was great! The staff and the service were exceptional. There’s no downside to our stay at all. Will definitely book if I come to visit again.

Stayed in March 2023

A traditional experience with exceptional meals at breakfast and dinner. Great to have a shuttle to and from the train station and to the snow monkey park.

Stayed in April 2023

Amazing staff, and lovely facilities. Private outdoor bath was very relaxing. The drop off to the snow monkeys and to the station on check out was so helpful! Great place to stay, relax and see the amazing wild monkeys!

Stayed in March 2023

The hotsprings was under renovations and was not listed as such when I booked the place.

The food was very traditional and I loved it. I loved the accommodations that they provided. They were patient with us and any inconveniences that we made as foreigners, they were happy to help with.

Stayed in March 2023

The hotel will make feel the Japanese culture. There are traditional cloths for free if you want to go the onsen. The staff are wearing Kimono and you are required to remove your shoes before entering the Hotel. The breakfast is different every day and there are variety of choices. The Hotel offers free shuttle bus to the Snow Monkey Park and the train station, yet, you need to communicate with the staff first to reserve a spot.

Stayed in February 2023

The staff were super friendly and helpful. Great onsen facilities. The room was nice and clean.

Stayed in March 2023

The train station is quite far. We took up on us to walk because it’s only a 15 mins walk but it wasn’t a pleasant one…

We arrived early and the staff was super helpful where to go eat and what’s around. They offer free shuttle service to the Snow Monkey Park. Our room had a private onsen. The whole guesthouse has a very good vibe. We ordered the dinner and the breakfast offered by the guesthouse and both were delicious.

Stayed in February 2023

Great host and the environment was very clean and comfortable

Stayed in March 2023

An exceptional experience of traditional a Japanese guesthouse. Etiquette was explained so there weren't any embarrassing missteps, decor was subtle, rooms were very comfortable (ours had private bathroom facilities - rare to find with this style of accommodation), exceptional attention by staff (right down to directing traffic for our parking and departure), delicious traditional Japanese breakfast, tasteful onsen in house. We rate this exceptionally high and would love to stay again.

Stayed in February 2023

Wonderful dinner and breakfast.

Stayed in March 2023

This is not an inexpensive stay...but the room was beautiful, tranquil and our private onsen (hot tub) was exquisite., fed by an endless stream of naturally flowing water from two of the towns nine hot springs. The food was delicious and beautifully presented and the hotel is situated in a charming village.

Stayed in February 2023

nothing all good. they don’t have keys to the 9 bathhouses but I have done this before.

we had the half-board option and the Kaiseki meals blew us away. My husband has the vegan meal for no extra charge. The beds were comfortable and the onsens were super hot. The staff were also very lovely and welcoming. we had a tremendous stay here. they drop you off at the snow monkey park and the station.

Stayed in February 2023

Meals were excellent. The staff was very professional and friendly.We booked private onsen, was very clean and relaxing. Great family experience. Would highly recommend.

Stayed in February 2023

It’s not really clear on booking.com but the property is not located in Shibu Onsen town and therefore doesn’t give access to the 9 public onsens!

-food was excellent -great staff -attention to details

Stayed in February 2023

Nothing

The private onsen within the room was really great as you can enjoy it whenever you want. The room is spacious and warm and the bed was comfortable. The kaiseki dinner was delicious and they really made sure that it catered to my dietary needs. I have communicated before I arrived. There was a shuttle to go to the monkey park in the morning but you do have to take the paid bus back to the ryokan or station. I chose to go to the snow monkey park on the morning that I checked out, so they also helped transfer my luggage to a cafe nearby the station.

Stayed in February 2023

The hotel is a little dated, which we didn’t mind. The service and overall experience more than balanced that out. My thought is that new carpet in the lobby and hallways would freshen things right up.

Friendly, welcoming, helpful, and professional staff. Room was comfortable and well appointed. Enjoyed the clean indoor/outdoor onsen.

Stayed in February 2023

The location is on the border of (i.e. just outside) the main Shibu Onsen town area. Which means you don't get access to all the 9 public bath houses (from memory, you get access to 2 of the 9). BUT ... in the cold of winter, the thought of walking around in a thin yukata trying to get the ink stamps to prove we visited all 9 public onsens in 24 hours does not appeal, sooo ... not really a big deal for us! However, is it for you?

We wanted to visit Shibu Onsen in between skiing Madarao Kogen and Shiga Kogen. Found this place on on Booking.com (shout out!) and it looked like it had everything (well, almost everything, I'll come to that) that we were looking for in a ryokan in an onsen area. And it proved to be that and more. This ryokan has a wonderful vibe/feel to it. It's an older property (almost all ryokans are) that is very well maintained. The room was lovely and spacious. We had a good view of the river below. The futons are exceptionally comfortable (we do not regularly sleep on the floor, and I have slept in a lot of tatami mat/futon rooms now, so I feel qualified to comment for the benefit of fellow travellers!). The private onsens within the ryokan (indoor and outdoor) are great. Dinner and breakfast is included in the room rate. The food was very, very good. But the standout was the classic Japanese, family owned/run ryokan hospitality. The service was gracious and outstanding. Wafu no Yado Masuya is everything you want in a quality ryokan experience. At an outstanding quality-to-price ratio. Not the cheapest but certainly not the most expensive. One of the best value ryokans we have stayed at in Japan.

Stayed in January 2023

The dinner and breakfast were amazing, excellent service all around from check in to check out, free shuttle transfer from the Yukanada station and to the Snow Monkey Park. The river view is stunning and within walking distance to Shibu Onsen.

Stayed in February 2023

Toilet a little bit too small.

Food was superb. Yukatas were nice! Also the pick-up and delivery service was really convenient and went smoothly. The rooms were clean and so was the bath.

Stayed in February 2023

Awesome ryokan with onsen, really good dinner and breakfast, definitely worth to stay!

Stayed in January 2023

dinner was great but we would have enjoyed it much more if the courses were served faster. like all other comments, it would have been better if we could visit the different onsen spots in the same street.

both public onsens were amazing. room was spacious and clean. reception was very very helpful

Stayed in January 2023

The wifi is too week, other than that, everything is perfect.

I really like to Japanese style room. We stayed at the riverside room. The view is perfect. But if you can't stand the noise, you can choose another kind of room.

Stayed in December 2022