Mr and Mrs Yumoto are the best hosts! We arrived late by taxi, because we missed the train. Mr Yumoto waited up for us until 1am!!! When we got into the room, it was clean and spacious, with beautiful paper sliding doors, and traditional japanese robes provided. We especially enjoyed the views from the balcony of the valley and the mountains. What a splendid place to take our tea in the morning! Speaking of tea, the Yumotos brought us fresh hot water each morning, and left it quietly at our door so as not to disturb us. We had lots of privacy, with support and help just down the stairs.

The onsen in the bottom level was quiet and we never had to share it with anyone! The Yumotos allow 24 hour use of this bath. Alternatively, if you want fresh air and a spectacular view, you can pay Mr Yumoto $10 and he will take you down the street for a 45 minute private soak in the outdoor pool that sits on the edge of mountain cliff and looks out at a beaituful valley.

The town of Yudanaka is a sleepy place with quiet and peaceful intrigue. There was no shortage of adventures. The mountain trails, the giant goddess of mercy statue, and a little cafe called Chamise were highlights for us. Chamise serves a lot of apple products, which the region is known for. Their apple jam waffle is amazing!
If you want Japanese food, take Mrs. Yumoto up on her traditional Japanese cooking for breakfast. It was divine.

My Yumoto has loads of laminated printouts with information of great hikes in the surrounding Japanese alps! Although we did not have time. With one more day there, we would surely have asked his help to complete a hike!

Another highlight was spending a couple hours at the onsen by the Yudanaka trainstation. It's actually in the same building as the small and quaint Yudanaka translation. It has a gorgeous outdoor pool and a spacious indoor pool. And it has a neighborhood feel, as if its mostly locals enjoying the social environs of the public bath.

And of course the BEST highlight of the entire Shimaya of Yudanaka experience was when Mr. Yumoto personally drove us to the trailhead for the Snow Monkey Park! This is scenic 20 minute drive.
The snow monkeys were captivating! And not only do the monkeys have their own onsen, there is also an onsen for Humans! I highly encourage a soak in the hot springs up here. The pool is outdoor, along the riverside, and monkeys are lounging about the edge of pool as you soak and take in the scenery and maybe enjoy some close up eye contact with one these beautiful creatures. The "onsen for human" , as it says on the sigh n (hehehheee), is part of a lodge that you can actually stay at as well, and there is a small menu for food. The hot soba noodles are delicious, with mushrooms and ferns. To stay at the lodge, of course, you would need to hike your luggage in. Also, be advised, this onsen is nude, as are most in Japan, so prepare to be outside naked in a coed pool. Strange at first for us, but we got used to it :O Seriously, THEE highlight of my entire trip to Japan! We spent a few hours both at the monkey park, eating soba, and then soaking ourselves, before heading back. The lady that runs the lodge called Mr Yumoto for us so that he would know to pick us back up in 30 minutes at the bottom of the trail. He was so kind to arrive on time and bring us back to his hotel.

It is very apparent that Mr and Mrs Yumoto are absolutely loving what they do, and very happy to help anyone who comes to their door to have the best possible experience of Yudanka and the Snow Monkey Park.

Simaya ryokan is an ideal place to stay when visiting the snow monkeys. Mr and Mrs Yumoto are wonderful hosts. They will take you to and from the station and drive you to the snow monkeys at the best time of day. They are very friendly and helpful offering advice on the best local restaurants and maps which help in getting around the town. Our room was large, the traditional futon was comfortable and we had private facilities as well as use of the relaxing onsen. We would definitely love to return one day.

We loved our stay at Shimaya Ryokan. Helpfull driving to monkeypark, tasty breakfast, clean rooms, enjoyable onsen. And if you like hiking, every interesting spot can be reached by walking!
The most cosy place to stay in this area!