This is a family run ryokan (I should be correct). Staff are very friendly and hospitable. Host is very motherly and able to speak adequate English. Information about the onsen, meals etc were explained clearly. Host drove another guest and myself to the Snow Monkey Park. The property is about 2 km from Yudanaka Train Station. Walking here is fine but not during winter. I had to drag my 27" luggage through certain section with snow. Probably better to take the bus from Yudanaka Station to the bus stop before the stop at Shibu Onsen. If not just stop at Shibu onsen and walk in the reverse direction. Either way, it's just a short walk. I arrived slightly after 2 pm and host allowed me to check-in. This is the only second property that allowed me to check-in before the stipulated time. My room is cosy, homey and comes with an attached toilet. Very comfortable tatami to sleep on. Onsen is great. Wifi connection is good. Sufficient power outlet to charge devices. Breakfast and dinner were great. Worth paying for the half board. Experience is very positive.

An authentic onsen experience in a traditional Ryokan. Both traditional dinner and breakfast were awesome. The old owner was super helpful and can speak a decent English. She drove me to the monkey park and back to the train station.. The onsen was small but functional and relaxing. The village is traditional and really beautiful. It is worth to make s tour around the riokan.

- there is not an open-bath but only two indoor onsen - although positioned at the border within Shibu onsen and Andai onsen, Andaikan is associated to Andai onsen, therefore no key to access to the 9 public baths of Shibu onsen

The ryokan was recently rennovated so had all the modern amenities (toilets, many powerful heaters etc) while still keeping the tradition charm. 2 internal onsens meant it was convenient to go for a soak any time. The inn owner was super helpful and patient despite some language difficulties. The inn itself is located 3 mins walk from the bus stop so getting to and fro wasn't a challenge. The inn owner also gave us a lift to the snow monkey park and to the train station. Would love to return.

Nothing.

This was an incredible experience! The building and room was decorated beautifully, the futons were very comfortable and we really enjoyed the onsen. The breakfast was delicious (best miso soup!) and the host was super lovely! She was super kind to help plan our travels to the snow monkey park and Yudanaka station and even offered us a ride (extremely grateful)! She also recommended dinner options as we arrived late to check-in. The stay felt wholesome and caring - many small details that words cannot convey.

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Very kind host. She gave us a lift to the monkey park and another to the train station at the end of the stay. She Also let us know when the onsen would be free for us to use privately as a family to give our preschool son a wash! It’s nice that the 2 baths swop between male and female for half of each day, so that clients can experience both. Breakfast also a very tasty and generous set.

It’s a shame that they don’t have the key to the 9 onsen huts. However this was very clear in the advertising and their own 2 baths are nice.

Very nice and cosy homestay. You actually stay with the family and they are so nice and helpful. Great location for visiting the snow monkeys and onsen (key not included). We also went skiing for one day. Ski trip is doable (45 min bus trip) but would recommend an additional stay at a place in the ski area. The place is very traditional which we liked very much. The lady is the sweetest person.

I was able to stay here 5 years ago, and coming back was one of the main reasons behind my return trip to Japan. The building has an amazing traditional feel to it, the meals are both delicious and plentiful, and above all, the hostess kindness really makes you feel at home. They have two indoor onsens that rotate through the day between men and women, and the facilities have been renovated (I loved the new wood panels in one of the baths). A great experience that I will definetly try to repeat one day :)

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The breakfasts and dinners were outstanding, varied and ample. Oiishi in Japanese - tasty! The neighborhood in Shibu Onsen was very charming, quiet and safe. The two onsen (hot tubs) in our building were terrific. Parking in free lot less than a half block away for our rental car was also very convenient. The location, close to the snow monkeys in their own hot tub, couldn't be better. Hot lattes from the expresso machine in the lobby was very much appreciated, especially for early risers like me.

The lady staff at the place was very attentive and super sweet, always apologising for her English. The rooms are just what you would expect of Japanese rooms. My only small little complaint is the bathrooms are cold. The main room is all good. I booked half board and the kaiseki meal was worth the experience. Just be prepared to sit on the floor for the entire meal.

First time I was hosted in traditional Japanese ryokan with traditional food .And it was amazing ,food was so delicious and variety ,kimano was so soft and comfortable .My room has private washroom .Onsen was great with good hot temperature helps me relax my back .Staff was very polite and helpful .I liked everything about my stay .