As others have written, staying at Shimaya is a wonderful experience. Yudanaka is at the end-of-the-line reached by independent (not JR) train from Nagano. Shimaya is 300 m uphill from the station. The small hotel's exterior is not especially inviting, but everything inside is wonderful. The rooms have every convenience even as they are traditional in style (I think ours... More

I have been to Japan before but this time had the opportunity to visit the beautiful countryside in December with my husband. Our time with Shimaya Ryokan was very enjoyable. Mr. & Mrs. Yumoto were the best right from the time of arrival. The authenic homecooked meals from Mrs. Yumoto and Mr. Yumoto's shuttles to the area including the monkey... More

We had a very memorable stay at Shimaya. Mr and Mrs Yumoto San were so very helpful with advising us on our trip. They were very knowledgable about everything around. He took care of us like family. The food was home cooked and absolutely wonderful. The room was great and so was the onsen. Very clean. We highly recommend Shimaya.

The hosts Mr and Mrs Yumoto were wonderful and were so accomodating to our needs, from atking us to snow monkeys, temples and even the local convenience store. The rooms were traditonal ryokan and very comfortable with individual bathroom and toilet facilities. The breakfasts were excellent, inexpensive with home cooked meals which ensured we were not hungry for a long... More

My stay with Mr & Mrs Yumoto was fantastic. They were welcoming and helpful but never intrusive. Mr Yumoto was my taxi driver, tour guide and translator. As I was travelling on my own, he made sure I got to see everything I wanted to and introduced me to some other travellers at the hotel so I had people to... More

Although the Jigokudani Monkey Park can be reached as an easy day-trip from Nagano, staying in Yudanaka was a wonderful experience and gave us the chance to wander through Shibu Onsen after our visit to the park. The area gives a taste of old rural Japan that contrasts sharply with the usual urban tourist destinations. Shimaya provides accommodation something like... More

Our stay at Shimaya was the best part of our trip to Japan, not only because we saw the adorable snow monkeys but also because Mr Yumoto took care of our every need, as if we were part of his own family. The futons were comfortable, the free green tea was very welcome and we loved using his onsen on... More

The Yumomto's were very friendly and helpful driving us to the snow monkey's and to the train station the next morning. Although it is an older style hote,l the rooms are large and comfortable. Very generous portions for breakfast. My only regret is that we didn't stay for at least 2 nights!

The building itself is older (I’d guess the 50’s) but well kept, the rooms are typical ryokan rooms with tatami mats and comfortable futon mattresses. Our room on the third floor had an extra sitting area. The bath and shower are a little different but still do their job. Free wifi, the windows open but the HVAC is loud although... More