Shimaya

Shimaya descritpion

Hotel Shimaya sells fast on our site. Just 900 feet from Yudanaka Station, traditional inn Shimaya Ryokan is family-run friendly accommodations featuring hot-spring baths and Japanese-style rooms with free Wi-Fi. It provides free shuttle services from the station and to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and other famous local spots.
Rooms are cozy and comfortable, featuring tatami-mat floors and futon beds. They come with a TV, a fridge and a safe. Some rooms include a private bathroom.
Ryokan Shimaya is just steps from a 24-hour convenience store. It is 4 miles from Yomase Ski Resort. Free parking is available.
Guests can leisurely soak in the spacious public hot spring bath or reserve baths for a private group.
Meals can be served with advance reservation (extra charges apply). Japanese cuisine or breakfast can be enjoyed at Shimaya’s dining room. A traditional dinner with seasonal dishes can be served in the privacy of guests' rooms.
Yudanaka Onsen is a great choice for travelers interested in Hot Springs, Nature Walks and Tranquility.
This property is a ryokan, which is a type of traditional Japanese Inn. Learn more

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The staff speaks English——Shimaya's staff speaks:Japanese,English
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Facilities of Shimaya

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Ski ：Ski Storage | Ski School

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is needed).

General ：Safe | Family Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Air Conditioning

Languages Spoken ：Japanese | English

Reviews for Shimaya

Review 1：They were so welcoming and couldn't do enough to help. The breakfast was great and they kindly took us to the monkey park and picked us up after. Brilliant!

Review 2：A bit expensive but we only stayed one night so to be expected.

Review 3：The beautiful couple running this place are so helpful, genuine and caring. They cannot do enough for you, and all with a smile. The building itself is old, as are many in Japan, but the service more than makes up for it. Location also great if walking from Yudanaka station. Mr and mrs Yumoto let us check in early, drove us to Monkey Park and picked us up.. Had hot tea waiting in our room on return. He also loaned us boots and took us along to a bonfire festival the town were having by the river the night we stayed. We toasted rice cakes in the bonfire. Drank sake and ate mandarins with the locals.... Beautiful. Also had lovely bath in private onsen, at sunset, overlooking the town, a 1 min walk away from the hotel. All good. A wonderful traditional small town experience.

Review 4：There was no negative. Everything was wonderful, including the friendly volunteers of Yudanaka who greet travelers at the train station.

Review 5：The owners and staff treated us like family and took our picture when we left as a remembrance of our stay. They provided free shuttle service to the monkey park and the train station. The optional breakfast was excellent and very affordable.

Review 6：There are three Onsen in the hotel. Two of the three are dirty and have minimal facilities. I am not sure of the third one because I didn't use it but my friends told that it was good.

Review 7：We didn't plan for the trip in advance and also booked the room just a day before our trip and so it was expensive than usual price. But anyway Mr. Shimaya (the hotel owner I guess) guided us where to visit given our schedule of stay. It helped us a lot!

Review 8：Bathrooms are old fashion and need urgent refurbishment. It was OK for us as we wanted to have a ryokan experience and stayed only 1 night but I would not stay longer.

Review 9：The family that runs the business is great. They take care of you and solve any problem you could have. Amazing. The did not doubt of driving me to a 7 11 to get some cash at nighT. They drive you and pick you up from the monkey park for free. The outside onsen amazing at a very cheap price 2.400 yens for 4 people.

Review 10：They try to take money for everything: from the towel to the bath onsen. There is the better onsen of the place just behind the hotel (in other hotel) for only 1000 yen!

Review 11：The position is near Shiba, much better place

Review 12：The owner was very accommodating and offered to drive us to the snow monkey park and pick us up as well. Both breakfast and dinner were delicious. The private onsen was beautiful and very relaxing.

Review 13：We had a 4 person room which was cramped.It was overpriced for 2 star accommodation compared to what we paid for a 3 to 4 star hotel up in Shiga Kogen.

Review 14：Extremely helpful owners.Drove us to and fro Snow monkey park.He went out of his way to organize a free ride up to Shiga Kogen resort as we had a lot of luggage.it would have been difficult using public bus.

Review 15：Only a small negative, but I did think that considering the amount of Western guests, their English could have been a bit better, but then again we were in Japan.

Review 16：Proximity to the Snow Monkey Park Small The accommodation had a traditional feel The owners try very hard to help

Review 17：Yumoto-san is very helpful, transporting us to snow monkey park and making arrangement for us to the snow resort. Really appreciate as we can't speak Japanese

Review 18：Excellent service from the Yumotos. My group of 8 travellers were very well-looked after. We were given a lift to the Snow Monkey Park and were picked up a few hours later.

Review 19：The town is a little quiet during this part of time, perhaps it would be more bustling when snow really falls.

Review 20：The host are very very kind and friendly towards us. They are very thoughtful from everything in the room to even lending us rain boots when we set off the monkey park n giving us a ride. We felt very at home.

Review 21：100% satisfied!

Review 22：The host is a very helpful & gracious & colourful character. Room is so spacious & beautiful. Shimaya located in Yudanaka is ideal for travellers who wish to experience rustic & idyllic side of Japan

Review 23：The place is cozy with strong traditional Japanese ambiance. It has in-house onsen for guests, and can be booked for private use. Host is very accommodating. We arrived late afternoon, all restaurants were closed. The lady called one restaurant and checked if they would stay open for us, and she gave us a ride there and arranged the restaurant to drop us off.

Review 24：Bathroom a bit old.. we didn't use it cos we showered at the onsen instead.

Review 25：Great staff who went all out to send / fetch us from attractions & train station. Nice dinner though a bit pricey.

Review 26：Didnt enjoy bath shower, may just be me being picky or that it is starting to date.

Review 27：Loved the onsen, room layout and town. Nice escape from the city. Although a small town plenty to do especially walking back from the snow monkeys. Owner very willing to help you enjoy your stay. Be ready for a photo on checkout :D

Review 28：nothing

Review 29：The staff is ever so friendly! Lovely room, great onsen (a bit hot but nice), and they have use of a beautiful outdoor-onsen, which you can reserve free of cost for yourself and your company. lovely to see the sun set behind the mountains.

Review 30：The facilities are great with both a public and private onsen on site, as well as a private outdoor onsen you can book ahead of time through the wonderful couple who run Shimaya Ryokan! They are terrific hosts who offer great suggestions on where to go, what to do and places to eat, as well as providing car rides to and from the Monkey Park. Make sure to book a private dinner at Shimaya, it's an amazing experience. Highly recommend.

Review 31：Nothing!

Review 32：Yumoto-san was a lovely host, he was always very friendly and helpful - even drove us to see the snow monkeys! Comfy bedding, nice hot onsen (in the hotel and an outdoor private one available for booking). A fantastic stay.

Review 33：I hit the one weekend when the monkeys were off in the woods for some monkey business and hence did not show up at the monkey park. Certainly not the fault of Shimaya.

Review 34：Great hospitality, dinner and breakfast were excellent (extra cost).

Review 35：Bit pricey, lack of information at check in (eg check out time, dinner time/where to go).

Review 36：The dinner was incredible, big room, owners drove us to and from the monkey park.

Review 37：I highly recommend a stay here. Mr.Yumoto and his wife were both incredible and wonderful hosts and we appreciated his suggestions. Mr Yumoto drove us to the snow monkey park in the morning. Apart from that, the rooms are big enough for us.

Review 38：The bed is a little harder than I would've liked.

Review 39：I got sick when I was there and the owners drove me to the next town over and stayed with me and helped translate everything to English. Fantastic, lovely people and a very nice ryokan to stay at. I will be back!

Review 40：The picture of the outdoor onsen not located at hotel, you have to book this and pay extra. But it was worth it!

Review 41：The full Japanese style room lovely. The Japanese breakfast recommended and the onsens great. staff wonderful giving ride to snow monkies. lovely onsen village.

Review 42：No elevator

Review 43：The owners are really nice and helpful. They driving you to the entry of the moment snow park and they also come to pick you up. The position is good, just 10 minutes walking from the station and near many restaurants. The room is very big and beautiful. We love stay in Shimaya!

Review 44：It was all good

Review 45：The hosts were fantastic, really took care of us. Plus when my wifediscovered she lost her id, they helped recover it from police andcourier it back to our home in Zama.

Review 46：Really great place! Amazingly wonderful people who are so keen to ensure you have a lovely stay at their ryokan and will do everything they can to ensure you see the monkeys! Very much recommend the breakfast as well - both the western and Japanese choices. Definitely the best breakfast we had in Japan! Thank you so much for everything - will highly recommend Shimaya to anyone wishing to visit the area.

Review 47：The inside spa was a bit too hot ;-)

Review 48：Great staff! They all are very very friendly and have great tips for sightseeing. They will help you having a good time. And if the man says: "Go to Obuse town" then go to Obuse town! It's an awesome place.

Review 49：The facility here is bit old but this is also this hotel fancy part for people who seeking for the moment of '50s.

Review 50：The hotelier Yumoto san is a really nice person. His hospitality made me feel warm and comfortable.

Review 51：Hosts were very obliging, and went out of their way to help us. Great breakfast. We all want to visit again. Snow monkeys are amazing. Private Onsen was good.

Review 52：Fantastic owners, very friendly and offer free car journeys. Excellent food at the accommodation, but also some great restaurants very close if you like sushi or ramen.

Review 53：The staff were brilliant! Took us to the Snow Monkeys and picked us up again. Gave us good tips for touring. Breakfast was enjoyable. You must go as the snow monkeys are incredible!

Review 54：The facilities are a bit old- the bathroom was outdated, but clean and had hot water.

Review 55：This was a true small town Japanese Inn. The owners were lovely- very nice, accommodating and even drove us to the monkey park in the morning! The private outdoor onsen was incredible at sunset!

Review 56：Ichiro-san is a great inn keeper and host. Like many others I was amazed at how helpful he was in making our stay unforgettable. His place is great, and worth a visit

Review 57：- The owner is a Vulcan (in good sense), he came to collect us to the station, brought us to the Monkey park, organized for onsen and dinner...then brought back to station, not possible to ask for more!

Review 58：Excellent when I stayed alone in 2013, excellent when I stayed with friends this time and am sure will be excellent when I come back for the third time!!

Review 59：Yomoto-san was extremely helpful. He sat with us at check in and talked to us about what we wanted to see and do whilst we were there staying. He wouldn't take ANY payment until check out! He drove us to the monkey park and train station and provided lots of recommendations for places to see and eat!

Review 60：Onsen outside was too hot. Impossible to get inside but fantastic location to see the sundown privately!

Review 61：Excellent host Fantastic recommendations Drive to the snow money Park Best breakfast in Japan Felt like staying at my family

Review 62：It's quite hard to find places to eat in the local area out of season (summer) as a lot of restaurants don't open for lunch or shut early, and some state they're open for dinner but when you go there, they're inexplicably shut. The Lawson station does good microwave meals for lunch and there is a microwave at the hotel so that's a good way to get around the problem. Go to Mikasa for dinner, delicious and traditional.

Review 63：The room we stayed in was absolutely beautiful, very traditional. The hotel has a nice (though very hot) separate onsen for men and women. There is also an outdoor onsen just down the road you can reserve privately for 600Y each, which is a great experience. The owners are lovely and dropped us to the station and the monkey park, which is must-do!! This is a wonderful place to stay. Breakfast in the hotel is tasty and plenty.

Review 64：We liked everything about Shimaya Hotel, but what makes this place so awesome are the people running it. The nicest and helpful couple we could imagine. Thanks :)

Review 65：The hosts at this family-run property are delightful and could not have been more helpful, informative and hospitable. As a 36 hour sojourn away from Tokyo, my stay at the property, and visits to local sites recommended by the hosts was a highly pleasurable experience even given its brevity.

Review 66：Among us there was an elderly person who has some difficulties to walk. Arrived there we found out that there was no lift and our rooms were at the 4th floor. So we asked to changed them to a lower floor and, even if with some confusion, they could. Unfortunately the inside and also the outside onsen were so hot that it was almost impossible to enter (believe me even for the Japanese people together with me). I say almost because we succeed but only for 10-30 seconds.Being handled by a family the service it's a bit messy and I had to wait almost twenty minutes in front of the reception without that anybody cared about my presence. But on average it worked.

Review 67：We stayed 2 nights over the golden week in Japan. The Ryokan was clean despite the very old building. In the room there was the necessary even though the fridge was empty. But with the convenient store nearby it wasn't a problem. This Ryokan is handled by a family so you should not expect anything like a luxurious hotel. The owner was friendly trying to explain what we needed even more. We had breakfast and dinner even thought we wanted to have dinner twice there but we preferred to avoid the second one to change. On average it was a good breakfast but don't expect to have much choice. The dinner was also good but very quick as everything was already on the table. Nearby restaurants aren't missing and they aren't so expensive. The possibility to arrive there by car is good as there are parking places if booked in advance. But the train station is only 5-8 minutes walk from the Ryokan which makes it a good location.

Review 68：we tried the out door onsen [600yen] but water is too hot, we cant soak in so just splash our body a few minutes then walk back hotel...

Review 69：in house onsen, nearby convenient store & cheap but good restaurant, free car drive to monkey park, sakura at the temple, a nice self playing piano at cafeteria, many guest memory comments on the walls, Yumoto san is so friendly & helpful!

Review 70：Limited english but good enough to understand. Made up for by warm welcome.

Review 71：Owners drove us to and from locations that we wanted to visit. Authentic ryoken.

Review 72：This family run hotel has exceptional service. Owner and his wife were ever so gracious. Car rides to mo monkey park and train station. Anything we needed whether it was recommendations to restaurants, maps, etc,'the owner was willing to. Assist in any way. Highly recommend.

Review 73：Our hosts Ichiro Yumoto and his wife, were caring people. Yumoto-san picked us up at the station and we didn't even tell him when we were arriving but he was there ! The Ryokan was like we imagine a very traditional (and confortable) japanese place. Our room was absolutely great, the bed was great, we had a little balcony. We had japanese tea waiting for us on the room, they lent us a Yukata ! I lost my iphone one day ago at Kawa guchiko (300 kilometer of this place) and Yumoto-san took us to the Yudanaka police station and helped to get on touch with the kawaguchiko police station, and one day later i could go and get my phone !!!!!!! So he was a very very great help ! He took us to the snow monkey park with his car and he picked us up later. We shared great time with him and his wife talking about Paris. AND the most amazing experience was the Onsen ! We booked the same day for the evening Yumoto-san adviced us to go there at sunset. We wore our Yukata to go to the place, it was like in a japanese dream, the Onsen is private, so we could stay one hour on our own. It is an exterior onsen, and we had a very great view all over the city, the water was very hot and very relaxing, and to go there at sunset was a great choice. It is one of our most beautifull experience in Japan.

Review 74：Owner is nice and will taxi you around from the train station and to and from the monkey park. The village its in is a sleepy but beautiful little place that's peaceful to walk around in with great views.

Review 75：Nothing

Review 76：Mr Yumoto and his family provide a wonderful, wholesome and friendly service. They are more than willing to help and offer advise on how and where we should go to get to our destination. Our family of four enjoy the ryokan experience and the Onsen available onsite. We really appreciated being picked up and dropped off at the station even though it is a short distance away due to the 3 luggages we had. A dropped off at the Monkey Park was unexpected, but they were more than willing to serve. Thank you for your hospitality and making our stay memorable one.

Review 77：The Juke Box was a blast!! The wonderful cooking, the Bathhouses on offer and the village of Yudanaka so close to the Snow Monkey Park- let Mr and Mrs Y pick you up and look after you. So lovely

Review 78：The hotel owners, a cute Japanese older couple, just redefined attentiveness. The hotel itself is not your usual hotel but rather a very interesting almost personal space built up over the years by the owners. It's not super luxurious nor amazing in its looks, but it breathes many years of happy guests. Bit hard to explain. It's the perfect place to stay if you want to see the snow monkeys. The Japanese restaurant next door is also totally recommended.

Review 79：The rooms were stunning and we spent a lovely afternoon on one of our days there just enjoying being in it. The staff are incredibly friendly and the owner is happy to drive you to the nearby towns or the monkey park.

Review 80：The staff go above and beyond to make your stay amazing. They helped me hire snowboard gear at nearby Ryuoo ski park and drove us to the snow monkey park. The private onsen was really nice and the Japanese dinner was to die for. Absolutely my favorite place I've stayed.

Review 81：All was perfect.

Review 82：Everything. Mr. Ichiro san and his Wife and all his family made my stay feel like home. My room was traditional Japanese style that I really enjoyed and by Japanese standards it was large. Ichiro brought me to Monkey Mountain twice in a row and picked me up for it too - He is a great host I wish everyone would be like that. On top of that they gave me few keys to other public baths available close by. The one with magnetic key is the best ;) I can only say good things about my stay. When I arrived my room had Hot boiled water and some green tea, fridge and Tv that I didn't had time to watch because of things to do and to see. Please visit Sake brewery if you like sake you won't regret it. Super can recommend to any traveler as long as you want to experience real Japanese hospitality and traditional Japanese Inn feel.

Review 83：The owners are unbelievably welcoming and helpful. The warmth of their welcome more than Kames up for the fact that the hotel is a little shabby in places. The hotel was clean and the hot bath very good. The outdoor one was a great experience. The breakfast was lovely. We especially enjoyed the fruit.

Review 84：We felt that the owners have maybe become a little too 'foreigner' orientated. They were nervously pushy with their snow monkey tour advice, they were very keen to take a picture of us for the website, they were pushy about onsen times etc. They instructed us to get up at the crack of dawn to see everything, which is fine, but when we didn't get up we were very rudely telephoned 30 minutes before check-out time and then actually walked in on by the maids 10 minutes before we were supposed to check out. Having lived in Japan for 4 years and stayed all over the country in many types of accommodation we felt rather pushed. This is not the wonderfully subtle and effortlessly quiet attentive experience that I guess we have come to expect from a Japanese ryokan experience.

Review 85：Nice Japanese style room and the outdoor onsen (but take not that the private outdoor onsen is in included in the price of the stay).

Review 86：I felt that the owner of the Ryokan wasn't that welcoming.

Review 87：The onsen inside of the hotel was really nice, and also the outside one that you could rent for an hour. They also gave you a lift to the monkey park which was really nice.

Review 88：The private shower room smelled of mildew from the condensation in a small confined space.

Review 89：The most hospitable of hosts, it is a little overwhelming on arrival, being given all the options all at once. But their heart is in the right place. The shared women's bathroom is great, as was the option of an outside private onsen. When going to the monkeys, make sure you borrow boots before you go, Mr Yumoto has a cupboard full.

Review 90：The owner, Ichiro Yumoto-san, is very friendly and nice. He gave very good recommendation of food and attractions upon arrival. The best recommendation is his suggestion of going to the Snowy Monkey Park early in the morning, so that I could avoid many visitors going together. I took great pictures and visitors did come 30 minutes after I had arrived, as told by him. He was also very nice to have driven me to the entrance of the Snowy Monkey Park. His outdoor hot spring was terrific!! Clear view of the sky with many stars at night. Definitely worth trying out!

Review 91：It is a little bit 'tired' in terms of facilities and comfort, but it does the job and the staff more than make up for it.

Review 92：Friendly and incredibly helpful staff. Free lifts up to and back from the monkeys. Great restaurant recommendations and general advice for things to see and do.

Review 93：Only things that were outside of their control.....private onsen was too hot; monkey park walking train was frozen. Can't blame these folks however, they were awesome.

Review 94：I forgot my glasses and they drove to train station to ensure I got them back in time. Ability to scheudle breakfast when you want. They transport you to Monkey part entrance.

Review 95：The hotel does not have an elevator, which could be a bit inconvenient with your suitcase when you are staying on the 4h floor.

Review 96：The hotel needs some renovations, but our room was quite comfortable and the owners are very nice and helpful. We loved the private outdoor onsen (not free of charge). If you are in for some walking, it is worthwhile to walk back to the hotel via Shibu after visiting the snow monkey park.

Review 97：Very nice staff, took care of you in every way, etc. Drove you to the monkey park, recommended places to see, eat and etc. Nice facilities such as traditional hot spring onsen, perfect for an hour of relaxation.

Review 98：only downside is no toilet in Japanese style room. and it's always difficult to go out from a heated room in winter...

Review 99：the owner Mr. Ichiro & Ms. Ichiro are very nice and always try their best to help us. The hotel is very clean and tidy also very warm. Feel like a home away from home. We love the onsen so much! the view of the outdoor onsen is spectacular, definitely a memorable try! the location is convenient!

Review 100：Owner and staff were very welcoming and treated us like royalty. Free rides to where you needed to go, excellent tips on sightseeing, great breakfast. Highly recommended.

Review 101：the owners were very knowledgeable of the surrounding area. The first day they suggested we go to the snow monkeys and took us there at 8 just before the peak hours and the big crowds. It was great to see the snow monkeys alone before being invaded by everyone else. After we got back we asked about the skiing options near by. Ichiro-san helped us by giving us all the details of the resort nearby. From how to get there (really easy, just a 50 minute bus ride), prices, and which resort is best (there are so many!) we were perfectly prepared for a easy day on our own with knowing very little japanese. We went to Yakebi, which was practically empty because all the ski schools occupied the other resorts, and had a great time.

Review 102：Mr and mrs yumamoto are terrific hosts. Always felt at home throughout our stay there and their tips to reach the monkey park early in the morning made our trip extra special.

Review 103：Traditional feel and custom from the robes provided (even little kids sizes) to the tradition tea and the quirky breakfast room. Lovely friendly people and oh so helpful. They drove us anywhere we wanted to go...best service I've ever had- they really do seem to care.

Review 104：None

Review 105：We was given a tumultuous reception in Shimaya. We arrived in the train station around 7pm while all the bus are stopped but the Master picked us up. Master also drove us to the Snow Monkey park. And He also delivered our luggage to the next hotel nearby while we are in the snow Monkey part!!!! Great hotel. It is very helpful for the visitors.

Review 106：My only criticism is the facility is tired in dire need of updating or remodeling.

Review 107：The staff and owner are the best! Extremely accommodating to my family of 5. Gave us lifts to and from train station, monkey park, restaraunts. Always helpful with suggestions and recommendations for dining and sightseeing. They even lent us snow boots when they saw we were not prepared for harsh elements.

Review 108：We fully agree with other comments on the host family's outstanding hospitality. They dropped us off at the monkey park and helped us find restaurants and just made us feel welcome as we tried to figure out Japanese customs around slippers, hot tubs and New Year's. The hot tubs in the hotel were super relaxing. The location is wonderful, walking distance to the train station, restaurants and temples. Our room was memorable with tatami mats, sliding doors and a separate space to enjoy tea, plus a deep square bath tub. We had been traveling around the world with gigantic valises and to save us from carrying them up the stairs, the Yumotos put them into some form of inner elevator to get them up to our floor. All around conscientious and resourceful hosts.

Review 109：None!

Review 110：Very kind Mr. And Mrs. Yumoto. Always avaliabe to take you to the Monkey Park. Try the private open air bath, you can't miss this experience. Highly recommended!

Review 111：The bathroom was a bit old, there was a smell coming from the drain

Review 112：The manager of the place was really helpful bringing us to and from the monkey park, indicating the restaurants to go, and providing the private bath, really relaxing, outdoor space surrounded by snow. Though it was only one night stay, it was really memorable.

Review 113：It was a bit expensive for a hostel, the heating is through aircon only, which doesn't work very well in cold weather.

Review 114：Breakfast was great, the location is very convenient to Monkey park. Thank you for driving us to the Monkey park. The onsen was fantastic!

Review 115：Exterior bath on the picture was good, but not in the hotel (5 min walk), and it is not for free... Free showers and baths in the hotel are not exterior, and quite dirty and humid.

Review 116：Brekfast was excellent. Staff drove us to the monkey park for free.

Review 117：The family who run this property are wonderful. They are so helpful, and you feel like an honoured guest in their home. Nothing is too much trouble. Transport to and from the station in the snow, and to the snow monkeys made our stay much easier. They are truely lovely people.

The Fine Print

To eat dinner/breakfast at the property, a reservation must be made in advance.