Shimaya

Great pick up services and view from the room. It was clean and the owner was very kind and friendly and can communicate in English. Would like to visit once more during winter :)

This is a very traditional Japanese ryokan and thus is not for everyone... do not go here if you are expecting something like a modern hotel. That said, if you want an authentic experience this is a wonderful place to go and the owners are so very friendly and accommodating. As we went in the winter it was very cold, but we were toasty next to the heater and under the blankets on our futons. There are onsen available and the private bathroom had a giant bath to soak in. The owner drove us up to the park to see the snow monkeys and even provided boots for us to wear that were much better than the ones we brought from home. I wish I had worn them walking down the hill to dinner, though--it's VERY icy on the road in the town and I fell. Take my advice and wear the boots provided at the inn or bring crampons for your boots if you travel here in the winter. The town is small and therefore there only a couple of restaurants, but there is a convenience store and the restaurants had excellent food. I would love to return someday.

The most epic experience we’ve ever had. The Ryokan + Yumoto-san and his staff are the best. Winter is truly magical here

Thanks Mr Shimaya and all the staff! We were 4 people and we spent two nights in this traditional Japanese-style room, very comfortable. All the essentials were present. The futons were very soft and warm. The room consisted of an entrance hall, a fairly large main room, a small room with shower, a sink, an outdoor room divided by paper walls with a table and two chairs and the necessary to make tea and enjoy the view of the panorama offered by Yudanaka, a small closet immediately alongside containing a toilet, and finally an external balcony. Inside the structure it is possible to have breakfast (we have not opted for this service so I cannot express myself on the matter), but the most important thing is the presence of an internal onsen (no mixed gender), that you can use how much do you want. It was beautyful. There is also the possibility of getting a very characteristic public onsen's key right behind the hotel. The first morning the Shimaya staff accompanied us to the Snow Monkey Park for free. In the early afternoon we have Booked the private onsen where you can go dressed a bit like in the pool, to bring even the most reluctant to bring this wonderful aspect of Japanese culture. Mr Shimaya was great to advice us for where tò eat or what to do nearby, and he was very kind with all of us. Thanks again from all 4 of us, we loved every minute spent there. ありがとう ！ ＜3

Staying at Shimaya was the most delightful experience in so many respects. We were picked up from the station, by one of the staff and after check in, he took us to the snow monkey park where we had a wonderful day. On our return, we were met by Mr Yumoto who was very kind and helpful, giving us information on a local onsen and places to eat. The room was big and comfortable with a balcony and a great view of the town and mountains. The breakfast in the morning was an event in itself! There was a pianola playing in the background and Mr Yumoto came down and put on his vintage jukebox and played some Beatle records. It was so nice to see his pride in his establishment. The breakfast was fresh and plentiful. On our return to Australia, we met up with friends who coincidentally had also stayed at Shimaya and had similarly found it superb. I can highly recommend Shimaya as a place to stay in Yamanouchi.

Just a great host. Loved the room, and they provided us boots and a ride for the path up the mountain to the snow monkeys. We also borrowed 2 yukata to use in the room. Breakfast was 700 yen/person and included fruit, toast, hard boiled eggs, cereal, juice, and coffee. He also took a photo with us to say goodbye.

It's a very nice small village and Shimaya was home-like to my trip. Shima-san speaks fluent English and he was super helpful. He drove us to the monkey park, and he even gave us little gifts when we were checking out. Do try the private bath, it's Amaaaaaaazing!!!!!

My trip to Japan was very last minute, with zero advanced planning beyond my initial hotel accommodations in Tokyo. Because I often didn't know until 1-2 days out where my next destination would be, by the time I decided to head for Monkey Park, all of the higher-end accommodations in the vicinity were already sold out. This wound up being a happy accident! Although the accommodations at Shimaya are quite basic compared to my usual 4 or 5 star hotels, the graciousness of the hosts more than made up for this and I wound up having a very enjoyable stay. The couple was happy to offer sightseeing and/or dining recommendations and they provided free rides to and from the park, the local restaurants, as well as the laundromat. They even went out of their way to coordinate taxi service for me, when I needed direct transportation to a destination that was typically further than would be accepted. Shimaya is in a good location and run by good people.