I'm so glad I went to Yudanaka and stayed at a traditional Ryokan. I know a lot of people say that this was the highlight of their Japan trip and i think it helped complete mine. Like many people visiting Yudunaka or Shibu Onsen, I initially decided to go because of the snow monkeys. Honestly, the snow monkeys were underwhelming... More

Our stay was wonderful and the owners made it really special for us as it was our honeymoon. Our only regret is that we couldn't have stayed longer. The food was amazing, really a highlight of the fortnight we spent in Japan. The monkey park was lovely and the private baths were just what we needed after we had been... More

Like everyone else we came to this part of Japan to see the snow monkeys, and we also wanted to experience a real ryokan onsen. We learned some valuable lessons. First, there is no reason to stay 2 nights as we did. In fact, you can do the monkeys in a half day and continue on your merry way to... More

I chose Shimaya Ryokan based on the reviews alone and I wasn't disappointed. This place is worth of the great reviews. Ichiro took us to the Monkey Park, dropped and picked us up from a private onsen in the mountains etc. Was a pleasure staying here.

Honestly with a perfect rating, so many reviews, and the traveler's choice reward this place is no-brainer on where to stay in the lovely quiet, quaint town of Yamanouchi. You don't even need to read any of the reviews to know you are in for a good stay. But dig into some of our experiences and it will make you... More

If you are coming to visit Yamanouchi, then a stay at the Shimaya is a must. The owners are simply amazing, and will make your stay here unforgettable. Mr. Yumto -Ichiro really cares whether or not you enjoy your stay, and will go out of his way to give good advice, talk about the area, and even drive you to... More

We had a pleasant stay at Shimaya Ryokan in autumn 2012. The rooms were pretty much ryokan-style and it was a welcome change to some of the average business hotels we had before. However, the real charm of the Shimaya were the very friendly owners. They gave us some advices, even drove us to a private onsen and really took... More

we stayed in the Ryokan one night, we experienced the Natural hot spring inside the hotel, the room's interior is Japanese style with a very comfortable couch, and a great WIFI. the breakfast was an excellent japanese specialities. The Ryokan is about 5 min driving to the snow monkey park which was our destination the next day, the transportation was... More

We have stayed in the Shimaya ryokan for only one night, and we wiched we could extend our stay. Mr and Mrs Ichiro are very hospital, welcoming and helpful!! We came there for snow monkey park, and Mr. Ichiro gave us a drive there and picked us on the way back, as we were short in time and had no... More