The hosts were lovely, welcoming and very helpful. The location was great for train station access, restaurants, temples and monkey park. The views were amazing from the room.

Stayed in May 2024

Yumoto-san is very welcoming! We had a great stay, albeit only 2 nights. Our room had a wonderful view, was clean, and comfortable. We were provided with a transfer to the snow monkey park, along with boots to wear, which was really helpful. Enjoyed the breakfast, Onsen experience, and the little gifts on departure are very thoughtful. Thanks for your hospitality, Shimaya! Hopefully we can return to Yudanaka some day :)

Stayed in April 2024

It is a beautiful traditional spot with on sen on site and a friendly vibe :) love the posters drawn by previous guests

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing, everything was just perfect. Even if the hotel did not have a lift and our room was on the 3rd floor it was not a problem as the stairs were quite manageable.

At first we thought we made a mistake choosing the hotel as it was a good distance from Nagano city but to our surprise it turned out to be a very fortunate mistake. The Shimaya was the best hotel we stayed in during this trip. The room and facilities were better than we expected. We so very much appreciated the hot welcome tea and the beautiful kimonos provided instead of the usual pajamas. The Shimaya Onsen's water temperature was just perfect. We had a very comfortable and enjoyable stay. Our host, Mr Yumoto-sama was also the best host one could wish for. He was so very kind and welcoming even if we unfortunately had to check-in rather late in the night. He was extremely kind to give us a parting gift and a much needed lift to the station very early the next day as we had to catch a flight to Aomori. It is thus of much regret that we were not able to stay longer. For sure, we will book the Shimaya on our next visit to Japan and it will definitely not be a mistake.

Stayed in April 2024

Very friendly owner who drove us to the entrance of the snow monkey park so we had enough time to see it!

Stayed in April 2024

The owner is the most welcoming man we met in our our trip, and there were plenty. Follow his recommendation to visit the monkey park, and ask for places for dinner

Stayed in March 2024

No Lift, but this was made clear on the web site, hence booked accommodation on 2nd floor.

Mr & Mrs Yumoto are wonderful hosts, pick up and drop off from station as well as drop off at monkey park. I lost my wallet somewhere between Nagano and Yamanouchi and the hosts spent well over an hour ringing around restaurants and train stations eventually locating it at lost property at Nagano station (all cash & cards were still in the wallet). Highly recommend this property and would stay again.

Stayed in April 2024

No elevator was available.

Access to a private outdoor onsen and the room was spacious and clean. The bath was very traditional and cute. The couple running the place was very friendly and they drove us to the snow monkey park entrance.

Stayed in April 2024

I liked access to the onsen and the location of Shimaya. Yumotosan and his staff were very accommodating. They give you a ride to the entrance of the monkey park and provide mud boots on muddy days. The inn is located near the train station, places to eat and a short walk away from Shiba Onsen.

Stayed in April 2024

Great host, breakfast, location.

Stayed in April 2024

I loved it all!! Perfection

Stayed in April 2024

Great value, excellent hosts, close to transportation

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing but if you take the 4th floor room be prepared to carry your suitcases up as there’s no elevator.

Yumoto-san has a very welcoming and lovely ryokan and we stayed in a traditional family room with shoji and tatami mats. We loved the ambiance, the view, and the onsen facilities. We also got a free lift to the snow monkey park. Great for families in a place full of character even if everything is a little dated.

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing

Mr & Mrs Yumoto are wonderful hosts and the guest house has a great location near to the station and all the amenities. The room was very comfortable, and we were happy to have a private onsen experience on location. Our complementary trip to see the snow monkeys with the complementary use of snow boots was a complete bonus especially as the snow was melting and there was lots of mud but such an amazing experience and was a highlight of our trip. Another wonderful small town we so happy that we visited.

Stayed in March 2024

We loved the views of the snowy mountains and only a short walk from the train station and close to restaurants.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

Love the onsen, the duvets, the breakfasts

Stayed in March 2024

Had to carry heavy suitcases up 4 flights of stairs to our room

Staff are very friendly, drove us for free to the monkey park and even gave us a lift to the train station with our big suitcases.

Stayed in March 2024

We were on the fourth floor with no lift so we found carrying luggage a bit much so if you are older or have an any physical problems ask for a lower floor room.

It was an authentic Japanese experience with only a few tourists so it didn’t feel fake. The owner was incredible and so helpful, he provided snow boots and a free lift to visit the snow monkeys.

Stayed in March 2024

Really friendly owner,we had a phenomenal stay here. 10/10 would come again.

Stayed in March 2024

The owner was really helpful in getting us to the train station as we got snowed in and couldn't get our rental car out. Thanks heaps.

Stayed in March 2024

We had a great stay! It was amazing to experience a traditional ryokan. The room itself was beautiful, with a nice view. The bathrooms and communal spaces were definitely dated, but had character. The owners are so sweet and willing to help you with anything. The outdoor private onsen was so beautiful and affordable. It's close to the station and some restaurants. They will give you a ride to the monkey park and you can either walk about 2 miles through town to get back or get picked up. The walk was very nice and you can see the main town.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing I did not like.

Owner is super nice and knowledgable, free ride to the entrance of the Snow Monkey Park. Free boots, really helpful!!

Stayed in March 2024

It was one of the best stays for is in Japan, the hosts were wonderful. They took us to the Snow Monkey Park, they even got us a pair of boots for the park. The hosts were so nice. The accommodation was clean and we enjoyed our stay so much.

Stayed in February 2024

Fantastic stay! Very welcoming, and paid attention to details which made the stay that much better.

Stayed in March 2024