Yamanouchi Hotels with Gym

When we booked a 'traditional room' at the Kambayashi Hotel we had hoped for an authentic Japanese Onsen experience - and we certainly got it! The atmosphere of the hotel has a wonderful sense of calm and the room was laid out beautifully with futon beds (which were very comfortable) and thoughtful origami cranes on each pillow. The paper Shoji screens and the original furnishings were stylishly understated - when we opened them in the morning we were met with a spectacular view of gardens and mountains. We had hoped to have our own private Onsen (check this when making your booking) but the separate 'private' Onsens were available at a small additional cost. The outside experience amid the autumn colours was absolutely amazing. Each morning, we had breakfast which in itself was a experience (wearing the Yukatas and sandals provided really adds to the moment) We were offered a selection of Japanese or Western dishes (depending on your choice) each were delicious. There were a few other great eateries in the area for dinner. It was also an unexpected treat to find that the Snow Monkey Park was a short(ish) walk from the hotel, the forest trail added a sense of mystery to our anticipation. Our two nights at Kambayashi Hotel will be remembered forever (perhaps even repeated) We would wholeheartedly recommend it - but I'm also aware that too many visitors may change the serene nature of it! Hopefully a percent balance can be found.

Our family made a special trip from Tokyo to Nagano, and besides exploring the surrounding attractions, watching the snow monkeys soaking in the hot springs of Nozawa, and visiting the Togakushi Shrine, the highlight of this trip was staying at Issa no Komichi Biyu no Yado. Initially, we had modest expectations, thinking of it as just another experience. However, upon arriving in the snowy Yudanaka Shibu Onsen, we were immediately impressed by the warm and professional hospitality. From the thoughtful reception to the exquisite dinner and the unique public onsen, every aspect exceeded our expectations and left us pleasantly surprised. This wasn’t just a hotel stay—it was an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japanese onsen culture. If you’re planning a trip to Nagano, this is definitely a place worth visiting to experience the perfect blend of hot springs and nature! 我们一家特地从东京出发前往长野，除了游览周边景点、观赏野泽温泉的雪猴泡温泉、参拜户隐神社，这次旅行最大的亮点莫过于入住了「一茶小道 美汤之宿」。 原本只是抱着尝试的心情，对这家温泉酒店没有过高的期待。但当我们在下雪天抵达汤田中涩温泉时，立刻被这里的热情与专业服务所感动。从贴心的接待到精致的晚餐，再到独特的大众温泉，每一项体验都让人倍感惊喜，超乎预期。这不仅是一家酒店，更是一段让人难以忘怀的日式温泉之旅。 如果你计划前往长野，绝对值得在这里停留，感受温泉与自然的完美结合！

We are very impressed with the hotel service.The hotel makes travel convenient and smooth.There are pick-up and drop-off fromYudanaka Station to the hotel and drop-off at Monkey onsen.The hotel is in the good location,in the heart of Shibu Onsen, beutiful view of the mountian and river in front.The beer, white and red wine in the refrigerator in the room are free.The onsen is not very big but clean.Dinner and breakfast are fresh and delicious. Shibu Hotel is a very good hotel,worth staying.

From the moment you enter Kokuya Ryokan, be prepared to leave the real world behind and fully immerse yourself in the experience. You swap your shoes for slippers at the door and don’t see them again until you leave. You will receive a warm welcome from polite and gentle-mannered staff, get taken up to your beautiful room, and once you’ve changed into your traditional yukata, it’s time to let the relaxation begin. The multi-course dinner will probably be one of the best meals you’ve had in your life, with many unusual textures and flavors to try. The futons are comfortable, and your room is kept toasty warm. There are even skincare products to keep you pampered and moisturized between soaks in the onsen. Honestly, you won’t even need to open your suitcase while you’re there. The staff will take you through all the logistics when you arrive, but there are some things that might be useful to know in advance. - The ryokan sends a shuttle to Yudanaka station at about 15:00 to collect new arrivals, so time your journey to take advantage of this benefit. - The ryokan also offers guests the opportunity to catch a shuttle to the Snow Monkey Park immediately after breakfast the next morning. - After you leave the ryokan, they will take your luggage down to the coffee shop opposite the station, so you don’t need to worry about those logistics. - Trains from Yudanaka back to Nagano leave at 12:30 and 15:30. - The ryokan itself has several private onsens that you can reserve for a 45-minute slot. Because the onsens are on the property, you can go in with your partner or travel companions regardless of gender. It’s a boutique hotel, so you don’t have to worry about not getting access to all the onsens you want. - The ryokan is on the main road of the Shibu Onsen town. The hotel will give you a key so you can wonder down the main road, visiting any of the public onsens you wish - however, with so many gorgeous and more private onsens in the hotel itself, you probably won’t have time or the desire for this. - Also, there is a coffee machine in the room! (I was worried about having to survive without coffee, and this turned out to be an unfounded concern). We had an incredible and totally indulgent time at Kokuya. Experiencing a traditional ryokan is a privilege that you should try at least once if you can. And adding the Snow Monkeys in give the trip a double purpose, making it that much more memorable. The only thing that would have made the trip better is if we had been allowed to linger longer over every course of our dinner.

This is a very small town and although we’ve seen many foreigners visiting this town and this hotel on Youtube (one of the reasons we decided to stay here), it is very foreigner ‘unfriendly’ to say the least. It seemed hotel staff only spoke Japanese, so if you don’t speak it, it will be very difficult to enjoy the amenities. Staff were nice, but not very flexible (strictly by the rules, we supposed) thus not as accommodating as other ryokans we’ve stayed in. Dinner was very nicely presented and tasty…so many dishes that we couldn’t finish all (& we are big eaters) …felt bad leaving food untouched :(. The 9 Onsen tour was on my Bucket List and we got that done in less than an hour not by choice but because the water was soooooooo hot that we couldn’t even stick our feet in…almost scorched the bottom of my feet from. Very disappointing :(.

I only stayed one night in this beautiful ryokan and in Yamanouchi but I could easily have stayed longer, as there seems to have trekking opportunities in the area. The ryokan itself is great on all levels: clean, quiet at night and has an authentic feel. The staff is very helpful and speaks fluent English. When you arrive, it will provide you with traditional Japanese clothing in which you'll wander by the streets, go to restaurants and most importantly, explore the 9 public and free onsen in the village. I slept in a 3 bed dormitory and hadn't slept so well for several days. A free shuttle service will bring you to the next bus station (perhaps train station as well)

This Ryokan is located in a traditional Onsen village, with a nice, peaceful & old quaint atmosphere. There are many ( think it's 9) public onsens in the area which guests can also use, besides the inhouse one. Room is typical ryokan with tatami bed & inroom bath. Place is very clean. Service is par excellence! Very warm & friendly staff ( few speak English) all round makes you feel welcome. Staff will set up your bed( tatami) while one have their dinner. Traditional set Breakfast & Dinner (included) are very good quality, very traditional & excellent . Great inhouse onsen. Hotel can pick/send guests from/to train station ( from 1.30pm onwards only) . Also one way to Monkey Park. Easy bus access on main road. Only negative thing is this Ryokan is located at the end of a long uphill walk along the onsen village ( tough dragging heavy luggages or even just walking back). We arrive around 11am, so they can't pick us from train station. Took a bus & walk up & waited. Thankfully the nice lady ( think she is the owner) came to open door earlier to put our luggages. But no big issue. Lots of shops were not opened but some opened later in evening. Great experience not to be missed.

Wonderful place to stay with such accomdating people. The room was super spacious and clean. Plus the views from the balcony were amazing. It was so nice to relax at the onsite onsen at the end of the day. I'm excited to come back when I'm in the area again. I would highly recommend it, a great price for an excellent stay! The owner even took a picture with us and sent a follow up email with it attached. Made it such a memorable experience.

I stayed at Prince Hotel at Shigakogen in March 2024. Most of the hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. But there was one front desk female staff called A. Fushimi (伏見) who was very rude to me when I requested her for help to change a restaurant reservation. I made a reservation at a restaurant for 4 people and wanted to change it to 5 people. As I do not speak Japanese, I politely asked this staff A. Fushimi to help me call the restaurant and inform them of the change. Fushimi told me there is no need to make reservations at that restaurant (which was wrong as the restaurant staff told us that reservation was required). I told her we already made a reservation and just want her to help change the number of people from 4 to 5. She refused o help and told me to call the restaurant myself. I asked her if I could use the phone, she told me to use the phone in my room. And Fushimi was not busy at all (no other customer around at the time). Throughout the whole conversation, I had been polite as I know Japanese people are very polite and gentle. However, Fushimi was very rude which was very surprising to me considering Japanese culture. It seems to me perhaps she dislikes English speakers. Below is a photo of this female staff A. Fushimi (伏見). If you are English speaking and need help at the front desk, do try to avoid her. Other staff are very friendly.