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The location is very central and well connected in addition to having a great view on the mountain range, and above all, the hosts / owners were super friendly, welcoming and extremely helpful (they drove us to the Snow Monkey Park and after check out to the Yudanaka Station). The room was well equipped and clean. We had a proper Ryokan experience. Can definitely recommend staying there!

Stayed in November 2024

The host was the absolute sweetest and really wanted visitors to enjoy their stay. He drove us to the monkey park, which was really nice as the whole thing is uphill from the inn. The location is a few minutes walking from the train station and the town is so lovely and peaceful. The room had a balcony which was really nice to sit and enjoy the view after traveling. I found the beds and room to be comfortable and cozy for a more traditional Japanese stay. And the private onsen was a cherry on top.

Stayed in November 2024

Amazingly authentic! Run by the best host ever!

Stayed in November 2024

The hosts were so warm and welcoming. We were driven to the Snow Monkey Park. We received maps and information about other areas to visit, such as Obuse. This was our first experience staying at a Ryokan, and we slept really well on the floor mats, which turned out to be quite comfortable. I recommend staying at Shimaya.

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing to complain about.

cosy place, very nice hosts

Stayed in November 2024

some stains here and there but that is to be expected and shouldnt hinder anyone.

lovely owner, very funny and very kind.

Stayed in September 2024

The owners were extremely nice and helpful. Location was good and easy to get around.

Stayed in October 2024

The bathroom is very basic but does the job! Breakfast is also just toast and a coffee machine, but its price reflects that.

It’s very traditional and fantastically spacious. We loved experiencing a night on a futon bed and tatami mats. The view is fantastic - there’s no lift FYI! The staff are so lovely and helpful, driving us to the monkey park and advising us when best to go/where to eat. Great value for money.

Stayed in October 2024

Faded grandeur.

Hosts were delightful: very friendly and helpful, driving us up to the monkey park twice (on the first trip the monkeys had retreated into the hills). Also enjoyed the on site onsens.

Stayed in August 2024

The property is a bit old but the whole town is like that !

We got to use the Onsen bath without any one else it was really pleasant

Stayed in July 2024

Our stay was amazing. Mr Yumato was very friendly and helpful with any questions we had and offered options for us when we mentioned what we were doing. Our first try of an onsen which was a great experience. The Ryokan was also filled with pictures of the monkeys alongside many compliments regarding people's stays. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone else visiting Snow Monkey town!

Stayed in July 2024

We had a beautiful stay at Shimaya, the owners were very nice, hospitable and made us feel welcome. We and another couple of guests had a free ride to the monkey park from the property! I would recommend this to everyone, truly.

Stayed in April 2024

It’s a 10 minute walk from the station, which was fine but inconvenient with toddlers and luggage

Early July, we were the only travellers so we had the onsen to ourselves. There was male, female and private onsen available. There was excellent service, and they welcomed our young toddlers. We got driven to the Jigokudani Monkey Park and picked up by Yumoto-san. Yumoto-san and his wife also helped style our family in yukata for photos.

Stayed in July 2024

Great location. Excellent room and facilities. Wonderful staff and service.

Stayed in July 2024

Very good onsen experience. Nice traditional room. Very warm and welcoming owner. Staffs are very helpful. Good parking facilities.

Stayed in June 2024

Mr Yumoto was very helpful throughout our stay. He drove us to the Monkey Park and printed material from the Internet, both for free. This was very kind of him. The breakfast was a continental breakfast which was spot on for us.

Stayed in July 2024

We liked it very much.

Shimaya is in a great location, close to the train station, cafes and Lawson shop.The room was very comfortable and clean and the small balcony was great. The owner was very pleasant & helpful. He drove us to the entrance of the snow monkey park, which was very kind of him.

Stayed in May 2024

Nothing

Shimaya was very attentive. He took us up to the Snow Monkey park in the morning. Onsen was lovely. Balcony had a view. We were recommended a great sushi restaurant too.

Stayed in May 2024

Wonderful hot baths, great location surrounded by restaurants and nature and a short trip to the monkey park. The best part was the owner who is super kind.

Stayed in June 2024

The hosts were lovely, welcoming and very helpful. The location was great for train station access, restaurants, temples and monkey park. The views were amazing from the room.

Stayed in May 2024

Yumoto-san is very welcoming! We had a great stay, albeit only 2 nights. Our room had a wonderful view, was clean, and comfortable. We were provided with a transfer to the snow monkey park, along with boots to wear, which was really helpful. Enjoyed the breakfast, Onsen experience, and the little gifts on departure are very thoughtful. Thanks for your hospitality, Shimaya! Hopefully we can return to Yudanaka some day :)

Stayed in April 2024

It is a beautiful traditional spot with on sen on site and a friendly vibe :) love the posters drawn by previous guests

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing, everything was just perfect. Even if the hotel did not have a lift and our room was on the 3rd floor it was not a problem as the stairs were quite manageable.

At first we thought we made a mistake choosing the hotel as it was a good distance from Nagano city but to our surprise it turned out to be a very fortunate mistake. The Shimaya was the best hotel we stayed in during this trip. The room and facilities were better than we expected. We so very much appreciated the hot welcome tea and the beautiful kimonos provided instead of the usual pajamas. The Shimaya Onsen's water temperature was just perfect. We had a very comfortable and enjoyable stay. Our host, Mr Yumoto-sama was also the best host one could wish for. He was so very kind and welcoming even if we unfortunately had to check-in rather late in the night. He was extremely kind to give us a parting gift and a much needed lift to the station very early the next day as we had to catch a flight to Aomori. It is thus of much regret that we were not able to stay longer. For sure, we will book the Shimaya on our next visit to Japan and it will definitely not be a mistake.

Stayed in April 2024

Very friendly owner who drove us to the entrance of the snow monkey park so we had enough time to see it!

Stayed in April 2024