The train to Nagano is a bit lengthy especially when you miss the express.

A special charming place with very nice and interesting host in a green surrounding. We loved to have long walks through the countryside and enjoyed the onsen.

Stayed in May 2024

It was not entirely clean, you shared the bathroom and it is an old building.

The staff was very nice and they prepared very traditional Japanese food for breakfast and dinner. The room was big and cozy

Stayed in May 2024

Futon bed wasn't very comfy, could have used another pillow. Shared bathroom but well kept Extra cleaning fees that we werent expecting

Staff was very friendly, wanted to conversate a lot. Room was cute, even came with a welcome present! Fresh water was delivered to the door in the morning, and easy access to cold water. Quiet location

Stayed in April 2024

Weather was cold, but room stayed nice and warm.

The inn was conveniently located near the train station. Check-in was smooth with proper attention to Japanese etiquette in shared spaces. Was hooked after first session in the bath.

Stayed in March 2024

The floors are tatami with futons to sleep on. While the room has a heater, there was a draft coming up from the floor, which gave me a cold.

Breakfast was great! The hot spring bath was very nice as well, albeit a little run down owing to the age of the property. But it added to the charm! An inn run single-handedly by the owner. You'll find a lot of Japanese memorabilia there, which will give you a glimpse into the owner's life. He also has a list of recommended restaurants to make your stay more convenient. The place is a 10-15 mins walk from the railway station and is close to a pretty large drug store as well. We walked all the way from the ryokan to the snow monkey park (which took us ~1.5 hours, including the random stops and detours)

Stayed in December 2023

Traditional but not boring breakfast, very traditional but not not old and destroyed decor and, most of all, kind staff.

Stayed in March 2024

Not much, the distance from shibu street is a walk but I do not mind.

I loved the authenticity and the Japanese feel of the place.

Stayed in March 2024

The kindness of the host who was very helpful and delicious breakfast.

Stayed in February 2024

The autenticity

Stayed in February 2024

The onsen was OK but needs a little restoration. No microwave to warm up the food that we put in the refrigerator.

This is a prime location, close to the main street, markets and restaurants. The owner was friendly, gave us a complimentary biscuit when we arrived and gave us a free ride to the snow monkey park. Hot water thermos in our room and tea. The other patrons were friendly too.

Stayed in February 2024

The owner is an incredibly kind man. He patiently explained different Japanese customs, and also gave me a lift to the snow monkey park. His English is perfect, making communication easy. The Ryokan itself is dated and low key, but incredibly comfortable. The onsen is open 24h, and the food served was delicious.

Stayed in February 2024

This is a traditional Ryokan which is a ten minute walk from the train and bus station. The owner is an extremely lovely man, speaks English and is very helpful.

Stayed in February 2024

The location is great, walking distant to drug store, restaurants, convenience stores etc, easy to find, and a short 10 mins drive to snow monkey park. The staffs (owner and his sister) were very kind, I really like the dinner, it’s home-feel but also very delicious and big portion. I’d love to stay here again, thank you.

Stayed in February 2024

Kazuhiso and Miyumi were amazing as hosts. They are wonderful people and it was very nice to stay at their place. The breakfast and dinner that Kazuhiso made was unreal. We even got a ride to the monkey park. The location is very close to Yudanaka Station and plenty of restaurants. It is also close to Shibu Onsen. The onsen within the property is also lovely. This is a very traditional place. .

Stayed in February 2024

I enjoyed the whole experience

The host was wonderful. The home was traditional and welcoming. Having the small onsen was nice.

Stayed in February 2024

I had an amazing stay in Uotoshi Ryokan ! I felt like I was traveling back in time, with the decoration being so traditional and Japanese like. I really recommend the place, the onsen is nice, the rooms are very calm and the futon was comfortable. I also had a kotatsu (winter heating table). The owner took me to the entrance of the monkey park and was very helpful. He could speak a very good English ! Breakfast is Japanese style and it was really good 😊

Stayed in February 2024

The owner is really kind and will help you if you have any questions or problems. He also took me to the entrance of the monkey park while telling the story of the park. The room's are nice and clean and the location is excellent.

Stayed in February 2024

We didn’t have enough time… we should have stayed longer.

It was very near the train station and other places of interest eg monkey park, museum and sake breweries. The host was exceptionally kind, helpful and very informative. We could see his love for his community with his immense knowledge. The breakfasts were delicious and amazing. I would highly recommend staying at this place.

Stayed in February 2024

None

Very nice traditional style - comfortable rooms

Stayed in February 2024

The TV was turned off when i checked in. at the wall. Who does that? The TV was small and very old, and stopped working suddenly during the news i was watching.

The dinner and breakfast were very generous & delicious. The room was warm and comfortable. The onsen bath was relaxing and enjoyable.

Stayed in January 2024

This is not a major problem, but the layout of the facility and the style of the accommodation can be uncomfortable for individuals who are not comfortable with shared bathrooms or generally shared spaces. I am that person, but it was not a predicament during my stay. The toilets are shared, so you cannot go into a washroom and lock the door to have your own "private time." The onsen/shower is shared as well, therefore you will have to strip down in front of others. Of course, if you ever use gym locker rooms or community center showers, perhaps this is nothing new to you. Brushing your teeth or doing your morning routine will, needless to say, be in a shared space.

This ryokan was a last minute decision as I decided to embrace the traditional accommodations as opposed to my originally planned modern hotel room. While my stay at this accommodation only lasted a night, I can absolutely recommend this to other travelers who wish to have a low-key and comfortable/homey environment. There was an issue with my booking which confused the owner, however, he was very respectful and resolved all concerns professionally. For instance, my booking was not displayed and resulted in my requested room to be unavailable, however I was offered another suite. Breakfast must be requested earlier (assuming the morning prior(?)) for the owners to prepare beforehand due to their operation limitations. I checked in at 1600 and was informed I would not be receiving breakfast as it was too late. The owner reviewed my booking and noticed I had paid for the meal, insisting to make my breakfast the following day, despite the fact that I was fine without it - amazing hospitality. The ryokan is absolutely old (i.e., televisions, general infrastructure...) and has certain corners of the building with random antiques and/or local information, which some may deem to be excessive clutter, though it almost feels like being in a person's house displaying interesting connections to the area. It exudes a natural atmosphere and gives the facility some life, unlike many hotels which aim to be spotless and fixated on minimalistic presentation. Guests sleep on futons on a floor covered by tatami mats and have a kotatsu in their room to sit and relax as well. Windows and doors are the sliding variant, but due to the aging of the wood, functionality is not as smooth. There is an indoor onsen for use, but there may be a fee that is not included with Booking.com; price was 150 yen at time of review). As I cannot make this review any longer, I would just wish for other travellers to visit.

Stayed in January 2024

I couldn't find slippers my size (no shoes inside)

Authentic old school Japanese experience. The manager is a Kyudo sensei, and we were able to watch the archers competing in the Kyudojo behind the ryokan. Rooms are basic but comfortable.

Stayed in January 2024

The drinking water did not taste good.

I liked the traditional ryokan experience but I couldn't enjoy it because arrived in the early stage of covid and had to cut short my stay and return home. The host was very kind.

Stayed in January 2024

The location may have been out of the way of the main city but I'm glad I went, the snow was beautiful.

Stayed in January 2024