Shimaya

Great pick up services and view from the room. It was clean and the owner was very kind and friendly and can communicate in English. Would like to visit once more during winter :)

This is a very traditional Japanese ryokan and thus is not for everyone... do not go here if you are expecting something like a modern hotel. That said, if you want an authentic experience this is a wonderful place to go and the owners are so very friendly and accommodating. As we went in the winter it was very cold, but we were toasty next to the heater and under the blankets on our futons. There are onsen available and the private bathroom had a giant bath to soak in. The owner drove us up to the park to see the snow monkeys and even provided boots for us to wear that were much better than the ones we brought from home. I wish I had worn them walking down the hill to dinner, though--it's VERY icy on the road in the town and I fell. Take my advice and wear the boots provided at the inn or bring crampons for your boots if you travel here in the winter. The town is small and therefore there only a couple of restaurants, but there is a convenience store and the restaurants had excellent food. I would love to return someday.

The most epic experience we’ve ever had. The Ryokan + Yumoto-san and his staff are the best. Winter is truly magical here

Very traditional japanese style accommodation. Was decent accommodations, but a bit expensive.

Thanks Mr Shimaya and all the staff! We were 4 people and we spent two nights in this traditional Japanese-style room, very comfortable. All the essentials were present. The futons were very soft and warm. The room consisted of an entrance hall, a fairly large main room, a small room with shower, a sink, an outdoor room divided by paper walls with a table and two chairs and the necessary to make tea and enjoy the view of the panorama offered by Yudanaka, a small closet immediately alongside containing a toilet, and finally an external balcony. Inside the structure it is possible to have breakfast (we have not opted for this service so I cannot express myself on the matter), but the most important thing is the presence of an internal onsen (no mixed gender), that you can use how much do you want. It was beautyful. There is also the possibility of getting a very characteristic public onsen's key right behind the hotel. The first morning the Shimaya staff accompanied us to the Snow Monkey Park for free. In the early afternoon we have Booked the private onsen where you can go dressed a bit like in the pool, to bring even the most reluctant to bring this wonderful aspect of Japanese culture. Mr Shimaya was great to advice us for where tò eat or what to do nearby, and he was very kind with all of us. Thanks again from all 4 of us, we loved every minute spent there. ありがとう ！ ＜3

This is a small ryoken (bed and breakfast). You can reserve a private onsen (where you and your opposite gender companion) can bath together. The proprietor is nice and gave us a ride to see the snow monkeys. He spoke some English which was helpful as an American and the messages of gratitude from many countries and languages all over the walls suggest that many other travelers from all over the world had good stays.

If I could rate Shimaya an 11 out of 10, I would. The inn itself was so charming and wonderful, and that's long before you get to the wonderful hosts' hospitality, joy, and kindness. When we shared our plans for Nagano, we were told we HAD to check out Obuse...which was a worthwhile stop on our trip and definitely added to the richness we enjoyed in Japan! Thank you so much.