Shimaya, near Shiga Kogen Ski Area, offers a serene retreat with an indoor mineral hot spring and 24-hour public bath. Unwind in the garden or on the terrace after enjoying full breakfast options; high-speed WiFi keeps you connected. Helpful staff have made lasting impressions on previous guests.
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About this property
Shimaya
You'll be in a fantastic location at Shimaya, just a 5-minute walk from Shibu and Yudanaka Hot Spring. Guests will have free perks like WiFi and self parking. Also, Shiga Kogen Ski Area and Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park are within a short drive. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
At a glance
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Hotel size
12 rooms
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
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Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Children
One child (2 years old and younger) stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
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Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
DONE
Transfers
Free train station shuttle
DONE
Offsite
Free area shuttle
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Full breakfast (surcharge) each morning 8:00 AM–8:30 AM
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
Free local shuttle
What to do
Hot springs
Karaoke
Skiing nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Arcade/game room
Room amenities
Be entertained
Flat-screen television
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Slippers
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Separate bathtub and shower
Bidet
Free toiletries
Hair dryer (on request)
Stay connected
Free newspapers
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Mini-fridge
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Special features
Spa
Public bath/onsen services include an indoor mineral hot springs (Japanese-style onsen) and a yukata (Japanese robe). These services feature separate men and women areas. The ryokan bathing area is open 24 hours. There are hot springs on site.
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 100–10,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
A tax is imposed by the city: JPY 150.00 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 12 years of age.
A bathing tax, collected at the property, may be charged. The bathing tax applies to properties with hot springs and ranges from JPY 150-500 per person, per night based on local regulations. Please note that further exemptions may apply.
Optional extras
Full breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately JPY 1600 for adults and JPY 1600 for children
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve access to the public bathing facility
Policies
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International
Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the onsite public bathing facilities.
Does Shimaya offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Shimaya does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Shimaya?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Shimaya?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Shimaya?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Shimaya and nearby?
Have fun with nearby winter activities like skiing. Additional recreation onsite includes hot springs. Shimaya also has an arcade.
What's the area around Shimaya like?
Shimaya is a short 7-minute walk from Yudanaka Station and 3 minutes' walk from Shibu.
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Reviews
Shimaya Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.0
Cleanliness
8.6
Location
9.6
Staff & service
8.2
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Onsen
Room
Rides
Breakfast
Trip
Service staff
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 28, 2025
Great stay with very friendly staff, the offer free transport to the monkey park and the onsen are great.
Daniel
Daniel, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 5, 2026
The gentleman who runs the place is very nice and accommodating. There was hot water and tea waiting for us in our room, which was a delicious, unexpected treat. The bathroom / shower are small, but were clean and served their purposes. The women’s onsen was very relaxing and much needed after a day at the Snow Monkey Park. My family and I enjoyed our stay.
KRISTA
KRISTA, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 28, 2025
Clean room, comfortable, simple breakfast
And good location. It is exactly as described.
gregory
gregory, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 20, 2025
Wonderful ryokan operated by a friendly couple - they went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable by letting us borrow boots for the snow and driving us up to the Snow Monkey park.
Andrew
Andrew, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 18, 2023
The staff managing the hotel are warm
& very helpful.
Rolando
Rolando, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 31, 2024
It was a great experience staying there. Simple down to earth accommodation with friendly staff and owner.
We had a great time there and location is good with nearby restaurants.
Good option if you are seeking a clean and comfortable stay with basic amenities.
Verified traveler
3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 20, 2025
Cozy Stay, Lovely Hosts
Adorable, family owned place with big (for Japan) traditional rooms. The owners are extremely friendly and even drove us to the monkey park. The onsen is clean and very nice.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 29, 2026
Cozy place that’s conveniently accessible to Yudanaka station. There’s a convenience store (Lawson) located right outside the train station and on the way to Shimaya.
The couple who owns the place is very friendly, often greeting guests at the common area throughout the day.
Room is spacious enough for 2, including much space for airing snowboarding attire. Comes with hot water that is replaced everyday, as well as green tea powder if you wish to make your own.
Washroom and bathroom are clean.
Overall a very pleasant experience, would highly recommend to anyone visiting Nagano and/or snowboarding at Shiga Kogen.
Yik Han
Yik Han, 7-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 1, 2025
Superb host offered great advice and dropped us off at the entrance to snow monkeys. Room was great traditional room.
Ideal location if going to snow monkeys easy walk from the train station
greg
greg, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 24, 2025
charming - excellent service from hosts. as others have mentioned, they gave us a ride up to the monkey park, & to train station upon our departure, for which we were so grateful after a week’s trekking. as vegetarians, we were also super happy with the breakfast offerings. such sweet people, would stay again
Kathleen
Kathleen, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 11, 2024
Great Stay!
HIGHLY Recommended! Was a great family trip and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. If you have elderly or children please note there is no elevator and the stairs can be a little challenging so request a low floor.
Jacob
Jacob, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 8, 2023
Spacious, clean room with a great view. Very friendly and helpful host.
Ellinor
Ellinor, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 8, 2025
We highly recommended a stay at Shimaya Ryokan for anyone visiting Yudanaka. The location, cleanliness & attention to detail were outstanding and host/owner Mr Yamuto (apologies if name is spelt incorrectly) went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and that all our needs were met… even driving us to Snow Monkey Park and providing us with maps for the next leg of our trip. A very positive and memorable experience.
Kristina
Kristina, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 20, 2025
We were treated extremely well by everyone at Shimaya. They went above and beyond to ensure that our travel plans worked out. Amazing customer service from very kind people!
Brandon
Brandon, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 4, 2025
The property and surrounding areas were beautiful covered in snow during our Winter visit. The hotel provided boots so we could easily get around in the snow. The man who was at the front desk during our stay was knowledgeable of the area and kind. We had two rooms and both were clean and comfortable throughout our stay.
Molly
Molly, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 22, 2024
Quaint century old multi-generational run family onsen. Feels like visiting a friend. The hosts are warm and so hospitable, provide local info and recommendations. Breakfast is not to be missed, the player piano, and jute box memorabilia set against a nice spread with local fruit, in addition to a modest western style offerings. A modest stay on a trip to see the macaques.
Susan
Susan, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 15, 2024
A Lovely Stay
Would highly recommend this traditional hotel for anyone travelling to Yudanaka. We were made to feel very welcome by the friendly host.
Public onsens are on site. However, a private onsen is available for a small fee, which is well worth it!
A complimentary lift to the snow monkey park the following morning was much appreciated.
Iwan
Iwan, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 29, 2024
Amazing stay at Shimaya. The owners, as mentioned in other reviews are outstanding. Gave us a ride to the Snow Monkeys and were very helpful. The breakfast (¥700) was simple and quick - toast, fruit, yoghurt, coffee and juice! Onsen was clean and great. We were on the fourth floor and the views were unreal. Will for sure be returning in the winter!
Paige
Paige, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 14, 2023
Shimaya is a traditional inn with comfortable futons on tatami flooring. Nicely hot onsen, unique deep soaking bath in the room.
Owners are lovely and it was extremely useful to be driven to the monkey park in time for it opening. That's a taxi fare of about 2000 yen so a generous honour provided by the owners.
Great location
John-Ross
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 17, 2025
The staff were amazingly friendly and helpful. Absolutely made our stay feel like we were guests in their own home. The building is older and a bit worn but this adds to the experience of staying at a traditional guest house. It feels like it has a very rich history of welcoming guests. The house was spotless and immaculately kept. Our hosts generously offered to drive us to the monkey park gate nearby The monkey park experience was like no other! An absolute highlight of our family’s trip to Japan.
Ryan
Ryan, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 11, 2024
The owner was so nice! We came a couple hours late, past check in, but he still checked us in and gave us a bunch of good info. The next morning, he lent us winter boots to walk around the muddy snow monkey paths. The room itself had a nice atmosphere and view.
Simon
Simon, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 20, 2024
The owner is the most attentive and accommodating man! Made sure we hade all we need, know where to go, even inquired as to where we were going…to make sure our experience was great.
Hotel is older but in great shape. The free/24-7 in house onsen was hot as heck! Varied day by day of course depending on what is being cooked up underground! Very clean.
MATTHEW
MATTHEW, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jan 2, 2025
Snow monkey ryokan
It was a decent comfy plac. large bedroom. Friendly helpful staff. The owner even gives people rides to Snow Monkey Park and to the train station!
My only disappointment was the picture from their listing showed a large beautiful outdoor onsen with a view, and come to find out that Onsen is not on the property -- it's located ten minutes drive away and closed for winter. That picture was the main reason I picked this hotel, and wanted to show my partner, so we didn't get that nice luxury experience. Oh well. It was decent besides that, and the town is cute and has many onsen!
Jason
Jason, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 1, 2025
We loved staying at Shimaya. The family run ryokan is clean and has only a few rooms. This meant that it was easy to book the private hotel onsen as a family and, later, my daughter and I had the larger women's hotel onsen to ourselves. The family was very helpful and kind, even driving our family to Snow Monkey Park, offering to drive us back, and suggesting a walking route back for exploring Shibu Onsen. They also provided various sized boots that allowed me, my husband, and our 10 year old daughter to have sturdy boots for the walk along the snowy and muddy path up to Snow Monkey Park. Our room was a perfect size for our family of three, including an enclosed balcony with a nice view of the mountains. It was also located a short walk from the train. While the ryokan only offered breakfast (which was great), there were many restaurants in Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka within walking distance. We had a wonderful time and will definitely return if we are able.
Miriam
Miriam, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jan 1, 2025
We stayed 1 night at Shimaya with my family in a Japanese style room. The hotel picked us up from the train station and also gave us a ride to the Snow Monkey Park the next day. The room was comfortable, but old and the washroom had a terrible smell. I could not find the toilet until I asked a fellow guest who said it was out on the balcony. We also had trouble finding the private onsen and couldn’t find anyone who spoke English, so gave up on that. The breakfast was just ok with boiled eggs, toast and cereal. Overall it was a bit disappointing as I was looking forward to the onsen. But it was good for a simple night stay in Yudanaka.