Yudanaka Onsen · Shibu Onsenkyo · Yamada Onsen × Stays Popular For Snow-View BathsHighly-rated Hotel·Ryokan

We visited to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday. It was a long drive from Yokohama to Nagano, but this was a wonderful Accommodation that truly made us glad we came. The in-room open-air bath was a little hot and needed some adjustment, but it was clean, spacious, and free of insects. The shampoo and conditioner also left our hair smooth and silky. (Some Ryokan at this level still leave your hair feeling rough.) All the staff who welcomed us were smiling, and during dinner the head chef served the main dish right at our table. Everything was delicious—made with local ingredients and carefully prepared with great attention to detail. On our way out, they even opened the souvenir shop in the main building earlier for us, so I was happy to be able to buy the souvenirs I wanted. My parents were very pleased as well, so we would love to visit again while they are still healthy.

After seeing photos, I had long wanted to visit this Accommodation at least once, and this was my first stay. The real view was even more magnificent than the photos; while enjoying matcha in the lobby, the full glass wall opened up, removing any obstruction from sight, and I was deeply moved by the sensation of being completely filled with the lush green valley right before my eyes. Although the weather that day was unfortunately poor—perhaps due to a typhoon—the drifting rain mist added atmosphere like a sea of clouds, creating a truly ethereal world. Perhaps thanks to traditions passed down over many years, the hospitality was exceptionally polished; from being escorted to and briefed on our Room at check-in to every aspect of dining service, it was flawless with nothing to criticize. While traditional in spirit, the Facility is kept impeccably clean in a modern style (every faucet in both the Room and bath areas gleamed so much that it felt beyond mere cleanliness—I could almost sense the staff’s dedication), and we enjoyed every dish while also appreciating the presentation of their signature specialties. This is purely my personal impression, but it reminded me of a well-known culinary Ryokan in Yugawara (back before it was acquired by Hokkaido-based capital), and it has been a long time since I felt so strongly that I had found an outstanding “traditional Japanese Ryokan” with all three elements—service, cuisine, and location (including Facilities and Onsen)—perfectly aligned. It soothed both body and mind. Wanting to see snowy scenery through those windows, I went ahead and made a Reservation for December as well. With global warming reducing snowfall these days, there may not be much snow yet in December… (laugh). The only reason my rating for “Onsen / Baths” is 4 out of 5 is simply my small wish that the open-air bath were a bit larger.

The building and Rooms are certainly old, but the view from the lobby, the delicious meals made with care using local ingredients, the hot Onsen, and above all, the pleasant hospitality of the staff made our stay very comfortable. Thank you for taking such good care of us. I would like to visit again during the autumn foliage season.

This trip was to celebrate my mother’s birthday. She requested to see the Onsen she had visited with my late father during their honeymoon, and also the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park. We chose this Accommodation because Reviews repeatedly mentioned the private family bath and a homey, relaxing atmosphere. True to the Reviews, it was a wonderfully quiet and peaceful place. The warm glow of washi paper lamps displayed throughout was beautiful, and we could feel the proprietress’s thoughtful care in every detail. And the food—absolutely delicious! Dinner just kept coming (laugh). Every dish was freshly made and served hot. The best of all was the kake soba hand-made by the chef that very morning. I love soba and visit many places, but I’m sorry—this was truly the best I’ve ever had anywhere. Breakfast also made us happy with piping-hot dashimaki tamago. The highlight of breakfast was the miso soup—I wanted to take home the whole pot. As we’ve gotten older, we choose our trips carefully based on both meals and Accommodation quality, and this place offered outstanding value for money. More than anything, we made unforgettable memories here. On our way out, I bought one of the lamps that were on display at the Accommodation as a gift for my mother. Thanks to you, it became the best birthday present possible. We’ll come again in winter—and again for her birthday next year too. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to listen kindly to my mother’s stories (＾ω＾)

I stayed for one night with my sister. The Room was very clean and well maintained, easy to use, and we enjoyed the in-Room bath many times (we even did laundry!). We had our meals at a charming traditional house restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere. Everything was delicious, right up to the final sushi! Thanks to the warm hospitality, we were able to relax and enjoy our stay. We also really enjoyed the snacks and gelato provided in the Room. We were blessed with great weather, making it a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for taking such good care of us—we will definitely be back!

The old-fashioned Momoyama-style bath was truly impressive. From the changing room, the detailed ceiling and flooring created a wonderful sense of character, and when I opened the door to the indoor bath, I couldn’t help but sigh at the atmosphere of a bygone era. The open-air bath also had an excellent ambiance. I rated service 4 because I would have appreciated clearer maps and signage inside the property.

The meals were beautifully presented and delicious, and the bath was wonderfully soothing—its gentle water warmed me to the core. The places we visited based on the owner’s advice (a walk and a roadside station) were also excellent. We were pleasantly surprised by the exceptional service of being able to use three yukata per person for a one-night stay, which is something you rarely find elsewhere, allowing us to relax in comfort. The attention to detail and thoughtful hospitality throughout were outstanding, and we had a wonderful time. Thank you very much.

I stayed at this Accommodation yesterday! The service was very attentive, and the in-room open-air bath was flawless. Watching the staff grill and prepare sushi right in front of us at dinner and breakfast made the experience even better. Thank you for a wonderful one-night stay!

The free-flowing Onsen water pours vigorously from the wall into the indoor bath, and in the open-air bath it cascades like a waterfall from the rocks—something Onsen lovers will truly appreciate. This was my father’s favorite place, and he was very happy. The meals were delicious and just the right amount. On the way to the large public bath, it was fun to see carp gathering where the spring water flows and bathing under it like a waterfall shower. The Room felt refreshingly cool with lush green trees outside. Thank you very much for your hospitality.

Thank you for taking care of me on this touring trip! I really appreciated being allowed to park my motorcycle under the eaves by the entrance. The staff included many young women from overseas, and everyone served us politely with constant smiles, so I was able to fully enjoy a satisfying Onsen Accommodation—thank you very much. Next time, I’d like to visit with my wife and daughters as a family, and I look forward to seeing you then. If I may make one request: I had a beer in the floor area next to the front desk, but I was disappointed that the glass was at room temperature (it was a hot day, so it felt lukewarm). I would be grateful if you could consider this. Thank you again for such an enjoyable stay at your Onsen Accommodation. This middle-aged rider will definitely be back!

Thank you very much for everything. Every year, we take a trip around our September wedding anniversary holiday. This year, we decided to visit Shibu Onsen, which my wife had long dreamed of, and booked through the IKYU site. The reasons I rated the Onsen and the Facility/amenities 4 stars are as follows: The Onsen water was simply too hot. I apologize to those who prefer very hot baths, but if you could lower the temperature of the source water flowing into the bath a bit more, it would be easier to relax. The private-bath system itself is good. As for the Facility/amenities, I would really like you to add a small shop. If guests want to have drinks in their room at night, it can feel a bit inconvenient. Other than that, I have no complaints at all. At first, all the stairs in the Ryokan were tough, but we gradually got used to them—and it was fun exploring the maze-like corridors while visiting different indoor baths. (It may be a little challenging for elderly guests...) As for service, this was one of the best Ryokan experiences we’ve ever had. The attendant who told us about local specialties and sights, the young man with glasses who gave us a ride on the tuk-tuk, and everyone from overseas whom we passed in the hallways—all of it was wonderful. We would love to visit again. Thank you very much.

Thank you for taking care of us during the Obon holiday period. The Accommodation is old, but it was kept very clean inside. The private bath was also very spacious and nice. What was disappointing was the way the meals were laid out and how cramped the space was. There was no space to set down a tray, so we couldn’t even use seasonings, and it was inconvenient to place small plates; I’d like to see some improvement. There wasn’t much soy sauce available either, and it seemed we had to wait in a long line just to get soy sauce on our plates. The display layout also made items hard to pick up—for example, udon next to ice cream—so everything felt scattered. It’s a shame because everything else was good.

This accommodation is located right next to a famous architectural accommodation in Shibu Onsen, in front of the ninth bath of the Sotoyu Meguri. It is an ideal location for enjoying the Sotoyu Meguri. The hospitality from all staff, including the proprietress, is exceptional, making it a very pleasant place to stay. While the guest rooms are slightly dated, the meals are impeccable in both variety and taste, and of course, the onsen water soothes deep into your body to relieve daily fatigue. For us as a couple, this accommodation exceeded our expectations.

Thank you for taking care of me on my solo trip. I was looking for an Accommodation where I could quietly relax and fully enjoy the Onsen and meals, so I chose Jinpyokaku. Even though it was a hot season, there was plenty of greenery, and the Room was clean, quiet, and truly private. It was extremely comfortable. In particular, the in-room semi-open-air bath with free-flowing natural hot spring water available anytime was outstanding. On the charming walkway to the dining area, I felt soothed by the courtyard while listening to the evening cicadas— a nostalgic feeling that’s hard to put into words. Dinner was served in a private room, and every dish brought out the best of each ingredient—I even found myself thinking how delicious vegetables can be. The shabu-shabu was wonderful as expected, and the deep-fried cod coated with buckwheat groats was especially delicious. The portions were more than enough, and I also really enjoyed the local beer. Above all, what impressed me most was the heartfelt hospitality of all the staff. Their manners were impeccable—almost too perfect—and their thoughtful care made me feel truly grateful. I wanted to rest both mind and body, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything. Thank you very much.

The top recommendation is the private open-air bath on the rooftop. There are two options, A and B; if you can book the evening slot to watch the sunset, choose A. Since the rooftop bath has only one faucet and no shampoo or other amenities, it’s best to wash up first in the large public bath on the first floor, which is fully equipped. Guests are responsible for laying out their own futons, including putting on the sheets. This may not suit those looking for a classic Ryokan experience where your bedding is prepared while you’re at dinner, but room rates are more reasonable as a result. The Shinshu beef sukiyaki dinner was excellent. We bought drinks and snacks at Yamauchi Shoten across from the Ryokan (open until 7:00 PM—please note), but we ended up too full and had to take them back with us the next day. The Ryokan is also perfectly located for visiting multiple public baths, making it easy to take a break at the Accommodation between stops around mealtimes. Shuttle Service times are set to match Nagano Dentetsu limited express trains. If you’d like to explore town after check-out, you can take a bus (e.g., from Shibu-Wago bus stop) to Yudanaka Station, but be aware there may be little time between arriving at the station and your train’s departure.

I stayed at this Accommodation during the summer season.\nThe entire building had undergone major renovations, and it was very clean, making for a comfortable stay.\nThe food was delicious, and the chef-made omelets at the breakfast buffet were outstanding.\nIn addition to the large public bath, there was also a private family bath, and I could use the free massage chairs. After bathing, it was wonderful to cool off in the evening on the balcony on the third floor while enjoying a beer.\nIn winter, staying in the Ichinose area offers better access to the ski resort, so I would love to stay here again if I have another chance during summer.

After working hard decluttering my home during Golden Week, I decided on a last-minute treat—let’s go to an Onsen! So I made a Reservation the day before and stayed at this Accommodation. I hadn’t planned the trip in advance; I just wanted to relax with delicious food and an Onsen. I happened to find this place through a search, and it turned out to be truly wonderful—an unforgettable reward and a great memory. While chatting with the staff member who welcomed us in the parking lot, we mentioned Sora Terrace. After check-in, the attendant surprised me by bringing over a brochure, saying, “I heard you’re going tomorrow.” I was genuinely touched. Even though it’s a historic Onsen area, the younger staff were working hard, and everyone—from the dining staff to the front desk—was cheerful and friendly throughout our stay. It was an Accommodation filled with heartfelt hospitality that naturally brought smiles. The Room had been renovated in a modern Japanese style. There were plenty of power outlets everywhere (including by the bed), so charging devices was never an issue. I also loved being able to enjoy coffee, tea, and cold tea in the complimentary lounge area. Dinner served in a private room was excellent—not only delicious but also beautifully presented with small touches that made it even more enjoyable. I came hoping to unwind at a Ryokan, but exploring nearby public baths in yukata and sandals was also great fun. Since we went without much prior research, it made the holiday even more memorable.

I visited Shibu Onsen during the quieter period just after the Obon holidays. It was a very clean Onsen Ryokan, with the Room, amenities, and baths all well maintained. The level of service was just right, and I had a comfortable stay. As for the meals, I thought the adult dishes were good, but I wish there had been more creativity in the children’s meals. They consisted of fried foods such as sausages, frozen chicken, and French fries, and my child hardly ate any of it.