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Nagano Yudanaka Shimaya Reviews

3075, Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Nagano Snow Monkey Park, Japan

Reviews & Ratings Explained

95%Overall Rating

From 29 ratings
  • 94%Character
  • 95%Security
  • 92%Location
  • 99%Staff
  • 92%Atmosphere
  • 95%Cleanliness

The following reviews were submitted by customers who booked in the last 6 months.

The reviews and ratings in the rating box are based on all-time feedback and are the opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up to the minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is. Read our review guidelines »

We now classify our reviewers based on how well travelled they are.

  • Novice Nomad: 1-10 Reviews Added
  • Avid Traveller: 10-20 Reviews Added
  • Globetrotter : 20+ Reviews Added
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97%

We were thoroughly impressed by the couple who ran this hotel. It was like being with family. They went so far out of their way to make sure we knew what was in the area, to help us get there, to help us find an ATM, and to make sure we did not have to carry luggage with us even after we had checked out. They were very warm and friendly. The breakfast (Western style) was excellent and very generous. We went to excellent restaurants recommended by the hotel for other meals. We were very happy.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 12 Apr 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female 41+
  • (3 reviews)


87%

We much satisfied stay in Nagano Yudanaka Shimaya Ryokan ,especially the hospitality mr Yumoto and his wife . But unfortunately we ve'nt in a fit condition , so we cant' explore the beautiful places around Nagano Yudanaka , next time we'll come back!! Thanks again for Yumoto San and his wife , and Staff , ありがとうがございまし トニー インドネシア

  • Novice Nomad
  • 05 Apr 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Indonesia
  • Male 41+
  • (2 reviews)


100%

All of the staff were fantastic! They gave us many lifts so we could visit an openair onsen and the monkeys. The breakfast was very good and convenient too. Highly recommended!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 27 Mar 2012
  • Anonymous
  • England
  • Male 25-30
  • (1 review)


100%

This was an amazing place to stay at! Ichiro and his wife were very accommodating to our needs and would always help us privately reserve the onsen for use :) Ichiro was kind enough to offer us a ride to the Snow monkey park and the train station on the day we had to depart. Would definitely stay here again

  • Novice Nomad
  • 19 Mar 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male 25-30
  • (1 review)


100%

We booked basic dorm rooms but got upgraded to the twin private, so the review will be about this type. The room was a spacious tatami-style room with a seperate shower and toilet. Apart from this, we enjoyed the nice view from the balcony and the green tea provided ready to prepare in the room. After we arrived, the housekeeper directly offered to drive us to the snow monkey park which is a very unique experience you shouldn't miss out. Would definately book again!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 18 Mar 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Germany
  • Male 18-24
  • (7 reviews)


90%

This was a great place to stay at! It's a bit of a trek up the hill if you have any heavy baggage (like I did), so maybe a taxi would be easier. But the owners there were so nice to me. They drove me up to the Snow Monkey Park, and THAT was a great experience. They also gave me great advise for things to see and do around Shiba Onsen and Shiga Kogen ski resort. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting the Shiba Onsen area.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 14 Mar 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female 18-24
  • (7 reviews)


93%

see the snow monkeys, go to tominoyu, ask about the juke box, and go to the Shibu Onsen. great time, great hosts!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 28 Feb 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female 18-24
  • (5 reviews)


100%

I had a wonderful time staying here, Yumoto-san and Yudanaka-san were extremely friendly, courteous, and devoted to making my stay an interesting one. The ryokan is a 5 minute walk from Yudanaka Station and Ichiro-san is more than willing to drive you to all of the interesting sites in the area as well as give you detailed information on nearby attractions. Definitely would love to make a return visit someday!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 16 Feb 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male 18-24
  • (1 review)


97%

really nice ryokan, a few minutes away from the train station, clean, witha nice familly, always happy to help and give advice, would recommand it to anyone who want to visit the snow monkeys


93%

The owners of this place are as helpful as everyone says - they will drive you to the snow monkey park, to an amazing onsen with a view, etc. The book of tips left by other guests is also very helpful. The onsen inside the place is great - though very very hot! The "dorm" I booked was really a private room, great value. Seeing the snow monkeys was the highlight of my trip to Japan, I'd recommend it to anyone who likes animals, photography or bragging rights!


93%

Most hospitable host I encountered during my entire stay in Japan. Good location, easy to find, good breakfast. If nothing else, the free rides to the monkey park and Tominoyu roten-buro are reason enough to stay here. I highly recommend Shimaya, especially to those who are visiting this part of Japan for the first time. The staff will really help you make the most of your stay.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 25 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male 25-30
  • (1 review)


80%

Great place, Ichiro the owner is very helpful. I suggest that you listen to his very helpful hints he knows the area very well

  • Novice Nomad
  • 22 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Argentina
  • (Gender undisclosed)
  • (1 review)


100%

I stayed at Shimaya Ryokan for 2 nights. The staff are really, really kind and helpful, even offering to drive me out to the Snow Monley Park as well as outdoor onsen Tominoyu. The place has a cool, retro vintage quality to it. The bedrooms are lovely and I recommend you sleep on a tatami if you can. Shimaya also has its own bathhouse for use by occupants after a long day out in the cold. The location is a short walk fro Yudanaka Station (about 7 mins). Clean, friendly and a safe place to stay.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 16 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Female 25-30
  • (1 review)


100%

The service was excellent. I went to yudanaka especially to see the monkeys and mr Ichiro drove me there twice. I paid not much at all and my room was comfortable and warm and I loved that it was traditional Japanese. I have lovely memory of staying here! Mr Ichiro also drove me and other guests to a spa on top of a hill to go in the Onsen and watch the sun go down, it was wonderful. The hotel spa was also excellent. I would definitely return here. Mr Ichiro and his wife were super stars!


93%

Inchiro san was very hospitable throughout my 3 days stay at Shimaya. He went the extra mile to provide shuttle services to the snow monkey. Really appreciate the effort! It is indeed a very cosy hostel. Thank you once again.


100%

YOU HAVE TO STAY HERE! I only wish we could have stayed longer. The traditional tatami rooms are breathtakingly beautiful, with amazing views. Plenty of mod cons too; cosy heating, private ensuite, not to mention free WiFi! The home cooked, traditional breakfast is a must and private onsen just an incredible Japanese experience. But the best thing about Yudanaka Shimaya....... Mr Ichiro San and the gorgeous Mrs Yumoto! No Japan trip is complete without experiencing their incredible hospitality.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 11 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Female 31-40
  • (1 review)


93%

We booked this place based solely on reviews of hotels in the area & we weren't disappointed. Everything all the reviews said was true. Yumoto san was an absolute gentleman & did everything he could to drive us around, recommend places to see & restaurants to eat at. Unfortunately we'd only booked one night, wish we had stayed for two to experience everything there was in the local area. Our room was immaculate, bathroom was a little old but sort of expected from a Ryokan.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 09 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Couple
  • (1 review)


100%

Mr. Yumoto and staff made our stay a wonderful experience. My only regret is not staying there longer. He went out of his way to drive us to the ski resort and book our hot spring trip and even the next day we got to see the snow monkeys. Pretty much nat geo show playing right in front of you. The rooms we had were one of the biggest we had in Japan, and felt more like a hotel rather than hostel.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 08 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Mixed Group 25-30
  • (4 reviews)


97%

I had such a wonderful time at Shimaya. It's more of a ryokan than a hostel, but you get it for a hostel-type price, and you're really getting your money's worth. With the help of Ichiro and Matsue and their book of letters and reviews from fellow travelers, you'll discover aspects about the area you hadn't even expected to discover, and your trip will be richer for it. I really recommend a stay here not only for the surrounding area, but for the experience of staying at Shimaya.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 07 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female 18-24
  • (1 review)


83%

This a fantastic place to stay in Yudanaka. I was especially taken by Mr. Ichiro and his staff. All the ladies working there are so nice and attentive that you feel at home. A friend of mine, Arvinder, recommended the place to me as she had been there 2 years ago and we are very glad she did as we really enjoyed our stay there and would not hesitate to go back. I highly recommend this hotel to everyone. Mr. Ichiro, the owner, takes you up to entrance of the Monkey Park and he would pick you up.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 03 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Spain
  • Male 41+
  • (2 reviews)


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