Name: Shimaya
Address: 381-0401 Nagano, Yamanouchi, Yudanaka Onsen, Japan, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano, 381-0401, Japan
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $117 per night (We Price Match)
Rating: 9.0

Info & prices
Facilities
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The fine print
Guest reviews (192)

Ryokan Shimaya

This neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in wildlife, nature walks and friendly locals – Check location 381-0401 Nagano, Yamanouchi, Yudanaka Onsen, Japan – This neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in wildlife, nature walks and friendly locals – Check location Excellent location – show map

The building where the ryokan is located

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A general mountain view or a mountain view taken from the ryokan

Lock in a great price for Shimaya – rated 9 by recent guests!

to get started.

This place is special. The owners are sixth generation inn keepers, 160 years! The level of service in fantastic, from the moment you walk in the door you are greeted with a smile and they are asking what they can do for you. They drove us to the monkey park and had plenty of great recommendations. We went through the alpine route and he even arranged for our bags to be shipped to our next hotel. The Onsen is fantastic, go for the outdoor private Onsen, totally worth it.

David

United States of America

Location is amazing and the service is impeccable, friendly and warm.

Kin

Hong Kong

There’s really nothing to say, if you are reading this review, Book it, the best experience I’ve ever had with a host.

Mohammad

United States of America

Extremely friendly and hospitable staff that go the extra mile. In a very scenic and picturesque town with good access to slopes and food. Comfortable beds and rooms in a very traditional aesthetic and feel.

Thomas

Australia

The owner was very nice and was a great resource for information. He basically knows everything about the area and gives great recommendations. Also just very hospitable and offered alot to us that we are very thankful for.

Charles

United States of America

The owners are very hardworking and will try to do whatever they can to make your stay as best as possible. Little things like driving our group to and from the Snow Monkey Park and calling local restaurants to see if they are open are some things you don’t get at other hotels.

Eric

Japan

The room was clean, tidy, and had all of the amenities I could have wanted (i.e. hot water in a thermos with tea provided, extra bedding, and traditional robes for men/women). The hot springs baths were properly stocked, well-maintained, and not crowded. There was not a single Japanese guest during my stay and the foreign guests did not seem to ever use the facilities for whatever reason (maybe they were a bit afraid of bathing with others or something). The owner is also a kind old man who spoke decent English (though not enough to avoid some misunderstandings), helped us with transportation to the snow monkey park, and accommodated what we needed during the stay. It was very rejuvenating staying here. After a week or so of being on our feet and exploring Japan we definitely enjoyed our time unwinding and relaxing our muscles at this hot springs hotel.

Dillon

United States of America

Ichiro-san (owner) and his family were incredibly friendly and solicitous. They drove us to the Snow Monkey park and back and to the station. We enjoyed the outdoor onsen (private) and the facilities were clean and comfortable. He told me that his family has had the inn (at the same location, not actual building) for six generations, and his pride in ownership shows through and through.

Judy

United States of America

Awesome hotel and owner Ichiro goes above and beyond to make sure you are well taken care of. We also loved the typical Japanese style room.

Alexander

Netherlands

The owners are absolutely amazing! They are super nice and accommodating. On top of an excellent place the baths were amazing. Very comfortable and authentic little place that is absolutely a must of you're in the area.

Gabriela

United States of America

Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property

9.7

Staff
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Room sizes
Highly rated for:
Room sizes
Highly rated for:
Room sizes
Highly rated for:
Room sizes

What guests loved the most:
“This place is special. The owners are sixth generation inn keepers, 160 years!”

David United States of America
“Location is amazing and the service is impeccable, friendly and warm.”

Kin Hong Kong
“There’s really nothing to say, if you are reading this review, Book it, the best experience I’ve ever had with a host.”

Mohammad United States of America
“Extremely friendly and hospitable staff that go the extra mile. In a very scenic and picturesque town with good access to slopes and food.”

Thomas Australia
“The owner was very nice and was a great resource for information. He basically knows everything about the area and gives great recommendations.”

Charles United States of America
“The owners are very hardworking and will try to do whatever they can to make your stay as best as possible.”

Eric Japan
“The room was clean, tidy, and had all of the amenities I could have wanted (i.e. hot water in a thermos with tea provided, extra bedding, and traditional robes for men/women).”

Dillon United States of America
“Ichiro-san (owner) and his family were incredibly friendly and solicitous. They drove us to the Snow Monkey park and back and to the station.”

Judy United States of America
“Awesome hotel and owner Ichiro goes above and beyond to make sure you are well taken care of. We also loved the typical Japanese style room.”

Alexander Netherlands
“The owners are absolutely amazing! They are super nice and accommodating. On top of an excellent place the baths were amazing.”

Gabriela United States of America

Just 1,000 feet from Yudanaka Station, traditional inn Shimaya Ryokan is a family-run friendly accommodations featuring hot-spring baths and Japanese-style rooms with free Wi-Fi. It provides free shuttle services from the station and to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and other famous local spots.

This hotel was selected as one of Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2013.

Rooms are cozy and comfortable, featuring tatami-mat flooring and futon bedding. They are equipped with a TV, a fridge and a safe. Some rooms come with an private bathroom.

Ryokan Shimaya is just steps away from a 24-hour convenience store. It is 3.7 mi from Yomase Ski Resort. Free parking is available.

Guests can leisurely soak in the spacious public hot spring bath or reserve baths for a private group.

Meals can be served with advance reservation (extra charges apply). Japanese or American breakfast can be enjoyed at Shimaya’s dining room. A traditional dinner with seasonal dishes can be served in the privacy of guests' rooms.

Yudanaka Onsen is a great choice for travelers interested in wildlife, nature walks and friendly locals.

This property is a ryokan, which is a type of traditional Japanese Inn. Learn more

What's a ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. They usually feature bathhouses, multicourse dinners, communal spaces where guests can relax, and rooms with woven-straw flooring and futon mats. Like hotels, a range of ryokans (from budget to luxury) is available. What originated centuries ago as a free rest house for long-distance travelers has evolved into a popular destination for relaxation surrounded by therapeutic mineral springs.
What are the big differences between a ryokan and a hotel?

Unlike a hotel, where the guest room is just a place to turn in for the night, a ryokan is more than just a place to sleep. In Japan, many travelers journey long distances to relax in a hot spring bath and feast on a traditional multicourse dinner – staying in a ryokan is an experience in and of itself. These ryokans typically have Japanese-style rooms with woven-straw floors and futon beds (no Western beds and carpeting). You should also remove your shoes at the entrance of the room, or before you enter it. Modern ryokans might serve buffet-style meals in a dining area, while more traditional ryokans tend to serve in-room dinners. Some ryokan rooms have a private bathroom, and others might just have a shared bathroom.
What's a kaiseki meal?

Kaiseki is the culinary highlight at a ryokan, embodying beautifully presented dishes that delight both the palate and the eyes. Every one of the 10 to 15 dishes that make up the multicourse Japanese dinner is prepared in a way that highlights the unique textures, colors, and flavors of featured seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Most commonly served at special restaurants and ryokans, a traditional kaiseki dinner usually consists of bite-size appetizers, fresh sashimi (raw fish, like sushi), soup, grilled fish or meat, a hot-pot dish, rice with miso soup, and a small dessert.
What's a yukata?

A yukata is a casual summer kimono or robe, typically made of light cotton. Many ryokans provide guests with yukata robes during their stay. In some areas, it's common to see guests strolling through the neighborhood in their yukatas. The loose-fitting garment is perfect for sleeping and relaxing in.
How should I wear a yukata?

First, put your arms through the sleeves like you would with a robe. Take the right side of the yukata and wrap it across your body. Then, take the left side and wrap it over the right, making sure that the robe is level at your ankles. Pinning the yukata closed on the right side, wrap the sash around your waist a couple of times and then tie a bow. Generally, the bow is tied around the waist for women, and the hips for men.
What's a Japanese hot spring (onsen)?

Onsen (literally "hot spring") is a term often used to refer to both the mineral-rich hot springs and the bathing facilities that house them. Whether the bath is public or private, gender-segregated or mixed, indoor or outdoor, soaking and unwinding in the soothing geothermal waters at an onsen is a millennia-old custom deeply embedded in Japanese culture.
What's standard bathing etiquette?

At a bathhouse—onsen or not—guests are expected to remove all clothing in their respective changing rooms before entering the bathing area. As a common courtesy, once inside the bathing area, guests should wash and rinse their bodies thoroughly before quietly stepping into the hot water. Whether you relax in solitude or converse softly with others is up to you, but guests should always be mindful of others. Wash towels are often used to cover one’s private areas while walking around. However, note that you should not put towels in the water.
Why are tattoos not allowed?

While tattoos have become more popular among Japan's youth, many Japanese people still associate them with outlaws and organized crime. Nowadays, not all businesses ban customers with tattoos, but you might still be refused admission to bathhouses and swimming pools. Small tattoos can be covered up using waterproof bandaids, but keep in mind that each property has the final say on what’s acceptable.

This is our guests' favorite part of Yamanouchi, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.

We speak your language!

Shimaya has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Feb 4, 2011

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Most popular facilities

Free parking

Free WiFi

Family rooms

Hot spring bath

Good for couples – they rated the facilities 8.8 for two-person stays.

Bookers love...

“snow monkey”
27 related reviews

“train station”
21 related reviews

“outdoor onsen”
20 related reviews

Breakfast Info

Continental

Free Parking Available On Site

Open-air bath, Bathhouse, Hot spring bath

Checkin day

Checkin month

Checkout day

Checkout month

Availability

When would you like to stay at Shimaya?

Check-in date

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Rooms

Adults

Children

Sleeps	Room Type
Max adults: 4	Japanese-Style Room with Shared Bathroom 4 futon beds	Show prices
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Max adults: 4	Japanese-Style Quadruple Room with Shared Bathroom 4 futon beds	Show prices
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Max adults: 2	Japanese-Style Twin Room with Private Bathroom 2 futon beds	Show prices
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Max adults: 4	Japanese-Style Room with Private Bathroom 4 futon beds	Show prices
Something went wrong – please try again later. Check-in date Check-out date Rooms Adults Children

Just booked in Yamanouchi 2 properties like Shimaya were just booked in the last 15 minutes

Area Info

– Excellent location – show map

Closest Landmarks *

Yudanaka Station
0.3 miles
Jigokudani Monkey Park
2.5 miles
Hasuike Pond
4.3 miles
Iiyama Station
8.1 miles
Iiyama City Takahashi Mayumi Dollhouse
8.7 miles
Mt. Kusatsu Shirane
9.7 miles
Madarao Acorn Village
11 miles
Lake Hokuryuko
11.4 miles
Гірськолижний курорт Кусацу Онсен
12 miles
Nagano Olympic Memorial Arena M-Wave
12.1 miles

Restaurants & Markets *

Tamamura　Sake &Beer Brewery Tasting Cafe/Bar
1 miles
Convenience Store Supermarket
0 miles
ISAMI SUSHI Restaurant
0.1 miles

Natural Beauty *

Shiga　Kogen 「Emerald Lake trail」 Mountain
5 miles

Closest Airports *

Matsumoto Airport
48.2 miles

What Travelers Love About This Location

“The hospitality was perfect the owner help us to arrange local trip in the area Onsen was very nice”

Susula1234

Israel

8.3

“Warm comfortable large room with a nice view to the mountains. Mr Yumoto is a great host. He accommodated our early arrival allowing us to check in early. He ki...”

Caroline

Australia

8.7

“Friendly and knowledgeable staff, comfortable clean tatami room. Great onsen on site. A short walk to restaurants, bars and a grocery store in a cute Japanese t...”

Ewa

Canada

Are you missing any information about this area?

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1 Restaurant On Site

Restaurant

Food: Japanese

Menu: À la carte

4 reasons to choose Shimaya

Why book with us?

Manage your bookings online

The staff speaks English

Booking is safe

House rules Shimaya takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Check-out

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Groups

When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

American Express Visa Mastercard Diners Club JCB Maestro NICOS Other Shimaya accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

The fine print

To eat dinner/breakfast at the property, a reservation must be made in advance.

Please inform Shimaya of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

“This place is special. The owners are sixth generation inn keepers, 160 years! The level of service in fantastic, from the moment you walk in the door you are greeted with a smile and they are asking what they can do for you. They drove us to the monkey park and had plenty of great recommendations. We went through the alpine route and he even arranged for our bags to be shipped to our next hotel. The Onsen is fantastic, go for the outdoor private Onsen, totally worth it. ”

“Extremely friendly and hospitable staff that go the extra mile. In a very scenic and picturesque town with good access to slopes and food. Comfortable beds and rooms in a very traditional aesthetic and feel.”

“The owner was very nice and was a great resource for information. He basically knows everything about the area and gives great recommendations. Also just very hospitable and offered alot to us that we are very thankful for. ”

“The owners are very hardworking and will try to do whatever they can to make your stay as best as possible. Little things like driving our group to and from the Snow Monkey Park and calling local restaurants to see if they are open are some things you don’t get at other hotels. ”

“The room was clean, tidy, and had all of the amenities I could have wanted (i.e. hot water in a thermos with tea provided, extra bedding, and traditional robes for men/women). The hot springs baths were properly stocked, well-maintained, and not crowded. There was not a single Japanese guest during my stay and the foreign guests did not seem to ever use the facilities for whatever reason (maybe they were a bit afraid of bathing with others or something). The owner is also a kind old man who spoke decent English (though not enough to avoid some misunderstandings), helped us with transportation to the snow monkey park, and accommodated what we needed during the stay. It was very rejuvenating staying here. After a week or so of being on our feet and exploring Japan we definitely enjoyed our time unwinding and relaxing our muscles at this hot springs hotel.”

“Ichiro-san (owner) and his family were incredibly friendly and solicitous. They drove us to the Snow Monkey park and back and to the station. We enjoyed the outdoor onsen (private) and the facilities were clean and comfortable. He told me that his family has had the inn (at the same location, not actual building) for six generations, and his pride in ownership shows through and through.”

“The owners are absolutely amazing! They are super nice and accommodating. On top of an excellent place the baths were amazing. Very comfortable and authentic little place that is absolutely a must of you're in the area.”

See all guest reviews for Shimaya

Newest Reviews for Shimaya

Reviewed: November 12, 2019

Lynne
Canada

1 helpful vote
7.5

“A truly Japanese experience.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
The Western breakfast was delicious, scrambled eggs, toast, cereal, and fresh fruit. The owner was very helpful and booked a private outdoor onsen for me which was lovely. He picked me up at the station and also drove me to the monkey park and picked me back up. His service was amazing. I was travelling alone so it was much appreciated.

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 11, 2019

Fiona
Ireland
9.0

“Will definitely be back.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
We forgot to book breakfast and as we were late checking in we couldn't get breakfast - totally our fault.
Everyone was really friendly and the room was great. Really big too. The baths were great. Really appreciated the lift to / from the monkey park.

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: November 9, 2019

Jiamin
Australia
8.8

Excellent
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
It's a bit of a walk from the station, especially when you have luggages.
The owner Yumoto-san is very friendly and helpful through out our short stay. We also enjoyed the breakfast very much. The place gave us sense of home!

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: November 5, 2019

Lisbeth
Sweden
9.6

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Lovely, helpful owner

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: October 14, 2019

Diogo
Portugal
9.6

“A confortable safe stay at Yudanaka”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Like many have said, on arrival to Yudanaka station, Mr. Yumoto picke me up at the train station. At check in, he provided many maps and suggestions of sites to visit around Yudanaka. The room was nice and wide, the futons very confortable. Above all else, during the 19th typhoon of 2019, typhoon Hagibis, the owner Mr. Yumoto san made sure everyone was safe inside the hotel. The following day, in the middle of the disaster that was occuring in Nagano, which made it impossible for anyone to leave using the public transportation, he found away for all of his guests to be taken to the closest and safest working train station. A big thank you to Shimaya and Mr. Yumoto.

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: October 13, 2019

Susula1234
Israel

5 helpful votes
8.3

“2 star hotel”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Facility is very old no elevator to 4th floor
The hospitality was perfect the owner help us to arrange local trip in the area Onsen was very nice

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: October 12, 2019

Thyeluan
Singapore
9.2

“Slow and relaxing stay.”
- • Business trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Have to climb up a long flight of steps with heavy luggage.
Clean bed linen and towels, and the warm hospitality of the staff, particularly Yumoto-san. He provided advice on how to go to scenic spots and was very helpful. I like the unobstructed mountain view from the room.

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: September 24, 2019

David
United States of America

5 helpful votes
8.8

“Service Service Service!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
This place is special. The owners are sixth generation inn keepers, 160 years! The level of service in fantastic, from the moment you walk in the door you are greeted with a smile and they are asking what they can do for you. They drove us to the monkey park and had plenty of great recommendations. We went through the alpine route and he even arranged for our bags to be shipped to our next hotel. The Onsen is fantastic, go for the outdoor private Onsen, totally worth it.

Stayed in September 2019
Reviewed: August 18, 2019

Raynne
Singapore
10

“Lovely owner who was super helpful.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
Nice and good sized room with onsen in hotel. Lovely rooms and lovely innkeeper who immediately offered to drive us to the monkey park the moment he heard that we wanted to go before it closes and time was tight. Good and sumptuous Japanese breakfast at good value. Wish we could spend more time there. We were lucky to catch the summer festival as well. Loved the entertainment and fruits we bought there.

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: August 10, 2019

Natasja
Netherlands
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Staff was super helpfull in assisting with transport to the snow monkey park and the station. Japanese breakfast was also very good. Thank you very much!

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: May 28, 2019

Caroline
Australia

11 helpful votes
8.8

“Superb host and relaxing accommodation.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing really except no lift.
Warm comfortable large room with a nice view to the mountains. Mr Yumoto is a great host. He accommodated our early arrival allowing us to check in early. He kindly drove us to the Monkey Park and offered to pick us up. We took the option of a nice walk back to our accommodation with a detailed map and directions given to us by Mr Yumoto. We were also given the option of using the onsen as a couple which was a great experience. Mr Yumoto has wealth of tourist information about the surrounding area and towns nearby.

Stayed in May 2019
Reviewed: May 20, 2019

Lulu
Australia
8.8

“Great location & lovely room. ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The hotel was old & a bit tired but the rooms were lovely & comfortable & very clean, as was the lavatory on our floor.
The rooms were lovely & a good size. The futons were very comfortable with good sheets & dunas. The onsen was good & hot & available 24/7. There is also an outdoor onsen which we didn't discover due to our poor understanding as it was explained to us in pretty good English. We were able to use the washing machine & powder at no charge. The owners were delightful & very helpful & drove us up to the snow monkey park which was fabulous!! It is a very beautiful area & well worth a visit. I would stay again.

Stayed in May 2019
Reviewed: April 29, 2019

Kin
Hong Kong
9.6

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing really
Location is amazing and the service is impeccable, friendly and warm.

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: April 21, 2019

Anonymous
United States of America
5.4

“Bathroom was not pleasant ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The bathroom was not in good condition...black/mildew on the bathroom carpet and cracks on the wall. Needed paint and new carpet in the bathroom. The futons were too hard. We were given a towel and a hand towel and had to pay 100 yen for an extra towel, as well as 600 yen per person to use the private onsen. The public onsen was free, however.
The wonder was very friendly and suggested sights to see.

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: April 21, 2019

Julie
Australia
9.6

“Wonderful friendly people who showed great hospitality”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Ladies Onsen a little bit cool Men’s hot spring too hot
Wonderful hosts - so friendly and accommodating . They drove us to the snow monkeys and drove us to the station and to lunch - lovely breakfast in homely atmosphere

Stayed in April 2019

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Ryokan Shimaya

Shimaya This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

Most popular facilities

Bookers love...

Breakfast Info

Availability

Area Info

Closest Landmarks *

Restaurants & Markets *

Natural Beauty *

Closest Airports *

Most Popular Landmarks *

What Travelers Love About This Location

Restaurant

4 reasons to choose Shimaya

Why book with us?

See availability Facilities of Shimaya Great facilities! Review score, 8.5

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Shimaya

Facilities of Shimaya Great facilities! Review score, 8.5

House rules Shimaya takes special requests – add in the next step!

The fine print