Shimaya

2.5 star property
Ryokan with free parking, steps from Yudanaka Hot Spring

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Shimaya

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Reception
Daily full breakfast (JPY 1600 per person)
Point of interest

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
Yudanaka Onsen, Yamanouchi, Nagano-ken, 381-0401
  • Place, Yudanaka Hot Spring
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Shibu
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Shiga Kogen Ski Area
    ‪13 min walk‬

Room options

Traditional Room, Non Smoking (Japanese Style, 2F, 10 tatami size))

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

Japanese Style Room, 2F, Shared Bathroom/Toilet

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Futons

Traditional Room, Non Smoking (Japanese Style, 3F, 10 tatami size)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

Traditional Room, Non Smoking (Japanese Style, 4F, 10 tatami size)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

Traditional Room, Non Smoking (Japanese Style, 2F, 8 tatami size)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Futons

Traditional Room, Non Smoking (Japanese Style, 3F, 8 tatami size)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Futons

Traditional Room, Non Smoking (Japanese Style, 4F, 8 tatami size)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Futons

About the neighborhood

Yamanouchi

Shimaya places you next to Yudanaka Hot Spring and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like Shibu. This 12-room ryokan welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and karaoke.

What's nearby

  • Yudanaka Hot Spring - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Shibu - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Nishimiya Shrine - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Shiga Kogen Ski Area - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Shibuyu Bridge - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Yudanaka Station - 7 min walk
  • Kaesa Station - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪味処 みかさ - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪HAKKO BEER STAND - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪やまブイブイ - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪ラーメン 徳味 - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪福十拉 - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Shimaya

Ryokan with free parking, steps from Yudanaka Hot Spring
Guests of Shimaya enjoy features like karaoke, free WiFi in public areas, and an arcade/game room. You can take advantage of free parking, along with a free area shuttle. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage, securing valuables, and dry cleaning/laundry. This hot springs ryokan also has laundry facilities.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms offer free toiletries, toilets with an electronic bidet, bidets, and slippers. Free newspapers and safes are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free area shuttle
  • Free train station pick-up and drop-off shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM for a fee: JPY 1,600 for adults and JPY 1,600 for children

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Hot springs
  • Karaoke

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Free area shuttle
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Spa

  • 24-hour public bath
  • Hot springs
  • Public indoor mineral hot springs (onsen)
  • Separate men/women areas in public bath
  • Yukata (Japanese robes)

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • One child 2 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • 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.

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately JPY 1600 for adults and JPY 1600 for children

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve access to the public bathing facility
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the free shuttle service to and from the train station. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve access to the public bathing facility.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • As required by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, all international visitors must submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Also, it's required that lodging proprietors photocopy the passports of all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the onsite public bathing facilities.

Property is also known as

Shimaya Inn Yamanouchi
Shimaya Inn
Shimaya Yamanouchi
Shimaya
Shimaya Ryokan Hotel Yamanouchi-Machi
Shimaya Ryokan Japan/Yamanouchi-Machi, Nagano Prefecture
Shimaya Ryokan
Shimaya Yamanouchi
Shimaya Ryokan Yamanouchi

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Shimaya?

Shimaya provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For specific requirements, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do around Shimaya?

This ryokan is located in Yamanouchi, a short 11-minute walk from Shiga Kogen Ski Area and also 2 minutes on foot from Yudanaka Hot Spring. You'll also find Shibu and Nishimiya Shrine less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Shimaya?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the ryokan.

Does Shimaya have a casino on the premises?

No, Shimaya doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Shimaya?

No, there is no indoor pool at this ryokan.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Shimaya?

Couples staying at this ryokan will appreciate amenities like a separate bath and shower and slippers as well as hot springs.

Are there hot tubs at Shimaya?

No, but this ryokan does have on-site hot springs.

Does Shimaya have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Shimaya offers a full breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Will Shimaya allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Shimaya though service animals are welcome.

Does Shimaya have connecting rooms?

No, this ryokan doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Shimaya?

No, you won't find accommodations with balconies at Shimaya.

Shimaya Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 146 out of 225 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 59 out of 225 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 16 out of 225 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 225 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 225 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alexander, Montreal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Ichiro, the innkeeper, was very kind and even drove us to the snow money reserve and back free of charge. Nice to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Cheng

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super friendly host that drives you to the snow monkey park for free and back. Wifi was not working for the entirety of the 3rd floor during my stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

steven

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The manager (owner?) and his wife were incredibly welcoming and pleasant. They take great pride in their hotel and it shows in every aspect of our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sharon

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
This hotel is 6-8 minutes walk from train station at gentle uphill. With a few days notice, you can arrange shuttle pick up. We did not. We stayed two nights in room 402. Room is large and clean with safe and fridge. It has a sitting area and small balcony. Traditional Japanese style room. Note hotel is very old and dated but after initial surprise, we grew to really like it. No elevator. Onsite onsen is very nice. They even have a small private one. Shuttle will drop you at monkey park entrance. We saw lots of monkeys and had at great dinner at Gion restaurant by the train station. In the summer the town is very quiet. Note you cannot visit most of the onsens in Shibu unless you’re staying right in the Shibu town and this hotel is a short walk away in neighboring town. For us the hotel’s onsen was just fine. Simple, affordable breakfast was offered. Would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miller

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a charming little spot. The host and staff really went above and beyond to make me feel at home. He took me and some other guests to a local festival that I never would have otherwise known about, and wound up being one of the highlights of the trip. If you want an authentic connection to what’s going on in Yudanaka, this place is for you. The hotel is super interesting, with a very nice Onsen. You also get access to some local Onsen that would otherwise be inaccessible to tourists. As someone who lived in Japan for several years, has travelled extensively in the country, and speaks the language, let me just reiterate other comments here: this is a really unique and cool place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtney

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ayla, VALLEY VILLAGE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Liliana

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miriam

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Molly

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Holly

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Gregory

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Mr. Yamoto was great as was his wife. If you are looking for a place to sleep for the night on your way to the snow monkeys, this traditional hotel is great. They will take you to the monkeys and provide you with galoshes for the hike. The property is dated though, with some features in disrepair. The town is absolutely dead mid week with basically no dining options so bring food or be prepared to eat what you can find at the local minimart. The restaurants that are open are booked up by guided tours.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024