Reviews for Japan Family-run, Friendly and Cheap Inn

The rooms were very comfortable, well heated and quiet air conditioner. TV was good. We had a very good traditional dinner with Hida beef. We felt safe in the Minshuku and did not use the security box. The location was great. Unfortunately, many places were closed as it was new year holiday. The bath was good. The staff were unobtrusive and pleasant.

P.B.
From Australia
Jan. ‘09
Stayed at Minshuku Kuwataniya  Hida Takayama.

The view on the river was very nice and the ducks were lovely. The room was what we expected from a traditional one. We felt safe that we didn’t have to use the safety box in our room. The ryokan was really easy to find with the information given on the japanhotel.net website. We have done sightseeing. The staff was really nice with us. Everybody was very helpful and attentive even we didn’t speak Japanese.

Hiffebraud
From Switzerland
Dec. ‘08
Stayed at  Shin Matsuba Ryokan, Iizaka Onsen Fukushima Pref.

We were recommended by Mr. Yumoto to go to the Ichinose Family Ski Area for our skiing experience. Being beginners, we could not attempt the highly risky routes and hence, we took up a skiing lesson package by スキー学校 (All Japan Ski Association Shigakogen Ski School) The cost was 17000Yen for 3 people for a 2-hours lesson by an experienced instructor.

We went to loan skiing equipment and wear at a rather inexpensive shop under a hotel, by the name of Snowcan. It costed 5000Yen for a full set of skiing poles and equipment coupled with the jacket and pants. An additional 1,000 if you require goggles and gloves.

The equipment loaned to us were considerably new and thus, it was a pretty good deal. We were allowed to ski from 1pm – 5pm, using the equipment loaned from the shop.
It was such an amazing experience for us as first time skiers.

Mr. Yumoto provides an extraordinary service to his guests. He ferries them to and from the Monkey Park, which was quite a distance away from the ryokan.
In addition, when we came back late at night after skiing and I expressed interest in visiting an open air onsen on a mountain top, he did not hesitate to drive me there and pick me up there after.
The onsen had such a breathtaking view of the Nagano City and Obuse town.
All this for a mere 600Yen if public and 2500Yen if private. A most enjoyable experience.
Thanks Yumoto san.

Chuo Boan Kwang
Dec. ‘08
Stayed at Shimaya Ryokan, Yudanaka Onsen Nagano Pref.

This was my best hostel in Japan. The owner was so nice and the room was very clean. Also the free internet and the nice food was a real plus! I can recommend this place to every backpacker!

From Netherlands
Oct. ‘08
Stayed at Minshuku Rindo-no-ie, Nikko National Park.