Reviews for Japan Family-run, Friendly and Cheap Inn

We loved staying at Shimaya. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. In particular, the owner was quite a character who went out of his way to help us. He drove us to and from the Monkey Park twice - we just had to phone him when we wanted to be picked up. He suggested other interesting places to visit and restaurants to eat at. He also drove us to the station when we left. We thoroughly recommend Shimaya. And the snow monkeys were really fascinating and well worth a visit - or two!

From Australia
Jan. ‘10
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano Pref.

I had such a wonderful stay at the Ryokan Shimaya. My room was excellent and the service that Mr & Mrs Yumoto provided was perfect. They are such a lovely couple. The Japanese breakfast that was available for an extra cost was one of the best meals I have had so far in Japan. I loved the monkeypark and the Roten-buro Tomi-no-yu and the lovely owners were always ready to drive you everywhere. Thanks for a beautiful memory!

From Sweden
Nov. ‘09
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano Pref.

Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano Pref.

From U.S.A

Hello Yumoto-san,
We all had an excellent stay at the Shimaya and everyone was very impressed
by
your wonderful service and friendly help! Thank you.

T.P.
From England
Jun. ‘09
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano Pref.

We loved Yudanaka and the Shimaya accommodation. Mr Yumoto is keen to make sure that everyone has memories to take away with them. On the first night he sat down with us and worked out an itinerary so we could get a taste of many activities. He can also recommend places to eat at and visit in the surrounding towns. He arms you with brochures and maps before you leave for the day. We found the service particularly excellent all over Yudanaka.

After we booked online we were sent information on how to get to the hotel including a map. The hotel is before the museum. It has no English sign to recognise it’s the Shimaya hotel but the museum does so when you see the museum on the left it is the hotel you are walking pass. Mr Yumoto’s silver van is usually out the front.

Mrs Yumoto is a sweet caring host. She makes an excellent Japanese and Western breakfast.

It is handy to know a couple of Japanese words so you can greet and thank people. There is a seven eleven near by which has a machine where you can access money. You can pay for the accommodation with you card but you need cash for skiing. We went tobogganing for a half day and that cost approx 6,800 yen.

Yudanaka is well worth the trip just to experience the homely and helpful environment of the Shimaya hotel.

T and A
Jun. ‘09
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano Pref.

I booked this ryokan through hostelworld.com, because of the fabulous reviews that had been posted there… and I wasn’t disappointed. Mr. Yumoto and his wife were most friendly and accomodationg. This is one place I won’t forget! The trips to Monkey Park and the bathhouses, all assisted by Mr. Yumoto and his car were exceptionally beautiful. And the Japanese breakfast, though daunting  was delicious. And all this in one night. I will be sure to recommend this place most highly. Thank you Mr. Yumoto and Mrs. Yumoto for making my visit so wonderful.

Kath
From Liverpool, UK
Apr. ‘09
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano Pref.

Our family of 5 (2 adults, 2 kids, 1 baby) really enjoyed our stay here! The room was clean, nice and perfectly Japanese. The location was great. The owners were super friendly and helpful: we got rides to the monkey park and boots to borrow. We also got a private time in the onsen, with a little baby bath for the baby! Couldn’t have found a better place to stay! (Oh yeah, and the apples in the lobby were the juiciest I have ever tasted!)
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen (near Jigokudani Yaen Koen = Snow Monkey Park) Nagano Pref.

Yumoto-san and family are excellent hosts. Nothing is too much. Yumoto-san recommended the sushi restaurant a 2 minute-walk away where sushi was prepared in front of us. It’s an artwork. We sat at the counter along with Yuko-a lovely Japanese lady who lives in California. Another recommendation was the noodle restaurant next door where we had soba(mushrooms, onions, chilli with cup-shaped noodles)-delicious! For lunch we went to the bread and jam place where the wonderful chef came with an amazing meal, catering perfectly for my wheat allergy. The monkey park was spectacular! Yumoto-san drove us to the entrance and picked us up from the microbrewery(free tastings of sake and beer!). Ask or point and go to see the brewery itself, a few steps down the road from the museum/ship and learn more from the Engish speaking beer-maker. Back to the monkeys, there are drink vending machines but no food(not a problem if you’ve filled up on the wonderful breakfast served by the family!). We stayed 3 hours and took lots of photos. The monkeys are very entertaining and don’t seem to be bothered with humans but don’t whistle to get their attention. We had a wonderful stay and would love to come back in the winter.

Karen and Dave
From Chester, England
June. ‘08
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen (near Jigokudani Yaen Koen = Snow Monkey Park) Nagano Pref.

We have had the absolute best experience in Nagano thanks to Mr. Yumoto san! You are in for a  real treat! When we first arrived in Yudanaka, Mr. Yumoto was gladly awaiting us at the station. The next day he kindly drove us to Monkey Park and then proceeded to take us to a fabulous sushi lunch. Finally he drove us to the wonderful onsen for a beautiful sunset view. The service here is nothing short of first class! The following day, we were lucky enough to accompany Mr. Yumoto and his friends to Shiga Kogen ski resort,(which we highly recommend if you like ski or snowboard!). We had such a great time with Mr. Yumoto and his friends and he made our experience quite memorable. After a fantastic day at the park, Mr. Yumoto planned a dinner/drinking party for us and we honestly had the best time ever! You will love Mr. Yumoto and his wife as they are such kind and generous people. We feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to stay here and meet this wonderful family! We love Mr. Yumoto and if we ever come back to Nagano this will be our choice residence!

Alexis and Morgan
From Long Beach CA, U.S.A.
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen (near Jigokudani Yaen Koen = Snow Monkey Park) Nagano Pref.

Yumuto-san was very kind and drove us to the beginning of the Snow Monkey Path. It was early in the morning (around 8h30-9h00) and we were alone in the forest. The path is very large and easy to walk, though a little confusing since all the indications at the crossroads are in Kanjy. Just follow the arrows pointing to the farthest distance. When we arrive to the Monkey Park, there was only an other couple in there, it was very quiet and peaceful. The place is amazing; there was a lot more monkeys that we thought we would see. They are very used to see people so they came very close to us. There were very young monkeys playing near us, older ones were playing in the mountain and other were taking a good bath. The site is absolutely magnificent, we enjoyed it very much. Later, a group of loud tourist
arrived. If you go in Snow Monkey Park, go in the morning before the tourist bus!

From Canada
Oct. ‘08
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen Nagano Pref.