Reviews for Japan Family-run, Friendly and Cheap Inn

Stayed at  Shin Matsuba Ryokan, Iizaka Onsen Fukushima 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.

Convenient location in a quiet neighborhood. The food was delicious. The staff were friendly and helpful. Excellent stay!

Le Ping Ping
From Hong Kong
Feb. ‘09
Stayed at Minshuku Kuwataniya  Hida Takayama.

Many thanks for the wonderful hospitality.

Chris Hadfield
From U.S.A.
Stayed at Wafu-no Yado Masuya Yudanaka Nagano Pref. 

The view of Mt. Fuji from the window was my favourite. The Japanese clothing downstairs was also good. Cable car was great. Weather was too overcast to do much else, but the hotel was relaxing to spend the day in. I think that a waring to travelers booking online that credit cards are not accepted would be very useful. Overall, a really pleasant place with great views, comfortable beds and homely atmosphere.

Lauren Campbell
From South Africa
Feb. ‘09
Stayed at Kawaguchko Station Inn, Mount Fuji Yamanashi Pref.

Pension Yasuda gave us a relaxing and soothing sensation after a tough day on travelling. The host was friendly, welcoming and excellent in making delicious cuisine. Yummy! It was absolutely a wonderful place which I would recommend to my friends.

Wong Yan Ning, Edmen
From Hong Kong
Feb. ‘09
Stayed at Yasuda Pension, Hida Takayama.

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.

The staff were very nice and very helpful. We especially enjoyed the onsen. We felt safe during our stay. 

Noe
From Madrid, Spain
Jan. ‘09
Stayed at  Shin Matsuba Ryokan, Iizaka Onsen Fukushima Pref.