Hotels in Shibu Onsen, Yamanouchi

This Ryokan was our favourite experience on our trip and one we will never forget. Every detail was unique and lovely, and every person working here is fantastic. We were picked up from Yudanaka station right as we arrived, which was so generous and good. Then once we arrived we were shown to our rooms and also served dinner by Hiro who was an exceptional host. The private onsen room we had called "Ayame" was quiet, comfortable and peaceful. Despite being surrounded by baths everywhere there was no humidity and it was fresh and cool. The rest of the private onsens throughout the ryokan were each so unique and interesting, with the larger open air baths being my favourite. You can reserve these if it's during busy times or if it's low traffic you can just go into any of them and lock the door behind you, meaning you can go as a mixed sex group or couple. If you have breakfast and dinner, these are extravagant and large multi dish meals full of variety, with everything being high quality leaving us feeling fueled and refreshed. I could go on forever about how great Kokuya is, but it's better to go there and see firsthand how amazing the building, the people and the onsen village of Shibu is! There are some things to be aware of that might be unusual for others booking who aren't used to Ryokans or Japan The tatami mat sleeping arrangements are hard, but I like this and anyone who prefers hard mattresses and sleeping on your back will enjoy them. Also note that the meals are large and varied, there is a western style breakfast available but to really enjoy this Ryokan you should be prepared to dive into Japanese Kaiseki dining with everything that it involves, from the raw fish and raw egg to the sea urchin and everything between. If you are too fussy and dislike most of the things it would be a big waste and loss for you. If you enjoy this, you will love it!

A very beautiful traditional ryokan in the middle of a cozy onsen town. The Snow Monkey Park is close enough to be accessible on foot. On-premises onsen facilities of different sizes, available for private use. Very friendly, kind and helpful hosts. Delicious breakfast.

The staff were amazing and very friendly. They were very patient with our limited Japanese. Highly recommend the dinner (you will probably need to or book). The food was amazing and the variety and quantity blew us away. There are two public onsens on site, each with indoor and outdoor onsens that were beautiful. The location is excellent and Yudanaka is a lovely town, and very close to the snow monkeys. Would definitely come back.

I loved everything about this place. The location (walking distance to snow monkey park and to shibu onsen), the food, the rooms, the onsen was wonderful. It's a bit dated, but super well maintained. I actually liked the old school charm and luxury.

Owners and staff are extremely pleasant and kind. Onsens were wonderful. We booked a Japanese room and it was huge! And the free shuttle from station and to snow monkey park was an added bonus!

Beautiful small, cozy ryokan. We had a private onsen in our room and it was wonderful! Staff were beyond friendly and the food was amazing.

Very friendly and attentive staff. Picked up at station. Excellent meals. Great location in town.

First time I was hosted in traditional Japanese ryokan with traditional food .And it was amazing ,food was so delicious and variety ,kimano was so soft and comfortable .My room has private washroom .Onsen was great with good hot temperature helps me relax my back .Staff was very polite and helpful .I liked everything about my stay .

Staying here was a truly relaxing experience. The private onsen was a highlight, complemented by the beautiful space and friendly service. The living room and patio offered stunning views, creating the perfect setting to unwind. The location was also ideal, being close to the base of Monkey Park and the bus stop. Thank you for a wonderful stay!

Thank you for making my dream come true!! Fantastic and such a unique experience 🙏