We had a wonderfully spacious suite, traditionally furnished and decorated, with a spa bath using hot spring water plus outdoor stone bath. There was also a shared open-air hot spring bath, one for gentlemen one for ladies, both of which were very well-appointed and enjoyable to use. We had a nice view over the garden of an adjoining property. The futons were luxuriously thick with warm eiderdowns, the weather was freezing so we really appreciated the footwarmers provided! There was a large modern TV, DVD & CD player although we didn't need these. I was anxious to get in touch with my daughter who was ill, and the lady manager immediately provided us with wi-fi connection. Although unobtrusive, we had all the help we needed from staff as soon as requested, e.g. local map etc. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, we stayed two nights and each meal was different, with a huge variety of tableware. The lady explained all the different dishes, and the locally resourced foods. We appreciated that breakfasts included rolls/toast and coffee, to finish off an otherwise very traditional and delightful Japanese meal. We had been in Japan for two weeks and ready for a taste of home!

We enjoyed our trip to the snow monkey park , it was a unique experience to see them soaking in the hot spring, and watch the babies swimming around. We would also recommend the Roman Art Museum very near Jinpyokaku, we saw a magical exhibition of glass angels.

From England
Nov. '13
Stayed at Jinpyokaku, Kanbayashi Onsen, Nagano.

I really liked my stay in this very traditional Japanese house. They even have a own small Onsen (Japanese hot bath). The only think you should maybe know before is that bathrooms are shared, meaning that you are in one room together even though separated by man and women. Thats also part of the Japanese living style might be just a bit unfamiliar for Westerner. However, I can absolutely recommond Homeikan and would come back again. Its also one of the very best value for money options for sure.

From Germany
Nov. '13
Stayed at Homeikan, Tokyo

From Switzerland
Nov. '13
Visit Seikiro homepage at http://www.seikirou.co.jp/english/index.html for more photos and reservations.

From Russia
Stayed at Shibu Hotel, Shibu Onsen near Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Monkey Park), Nagano Prefecture

Great experience, everyone traveling to Tokyo should try Homeikan, you will not be disappointed. Superb atmosphere, amazing service. Highly recommending to all travelers.

From Poland
Oct. '13
Stayed at Homeikan, Tokyo

From Australia
Stayed at Shibu Hotel, Shibu Onsen near Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Monkey Park), Nagano Prefecture

We had a wonderful time here. The hosts were very kind and the facilities were great especially the outside onsen.

From Australia
Sept. '13
Stayed at Seifu-so, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano

Very good deal for the price. This ryokan is close to the Korakuen Station and the Kasuga Station, so it's pretty convenient. The place was very quiet, the rooms were quite spacious, and it was very easy to sleep for the money. The staff were very professional and helpful, although they did exude a feeling that I didn't know what I was doing (but I did...yay for data and Google Maps!) and seemed a bit panicky. Needless to say, great for tourists.

From U.S.A.
Sept. '13
Stayed at Homeikan, Tokyo

This place was a real gem! Made our stay in Japan. The staff are outstanding, so helpful!

From U.S.A.
Sept. '13
Stayed at Seifu-so, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano

I really recommend this hotel. The food was very good quality and excellent variety and taste. The staff were very helpful and provided us with all the information we needed for the bus and skiing options. They also helped us to make reservations for snowmobiling! Which I really recommend if anyone in your group doesn't want to ski the whole time. The onsen was really excellent and a private onsen was also available. The private onsen was often available for use. We also rented a snowboard and boots with no problems. I sent my luggage by kuroneko and the staff were more than happy to take care of this.

From Kyoto
Sept. '13
Stayed at Hotel Shirakabaso, Shiga Kogen, Nagano

Stayed here for two nights, mainly as a base to visit the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani. It was a bit pricey, but the rooms were very nice, spacious and in a traditional Japanese style (some may find the futon mattress on the floor a bit too hard if you're not used to it!). The traditional Japanese breakfast was excellent and served to us in a private room. The staff were very friendly and spoke just enough English to get by without having to dig out the Japanese phrasebook and make a fool of myself speaking very bad Japanese! They offered a free ride to the Snow Monkey park and back again, which was brilliant as we didn't have a car. They also did a free ride to and from Yudanaka Train station. There is a small private onsen in the hotel (which can be used by couples), which was nice, as a lot of places have only single sex onsen available. The town itself is small, quiet but definitely worth exploring for an afternoon. There is a walk around a few small shrines up in the hill side, and you get a key to allow you to access the other Onsen dotted around (about 10 or so in total I think). Overall, I felt it was worth the price for a very nice traditional Japanese experience and the convenience of being so close to the Snow Monkey park (with the added bonus of free transportation too!).

From England
Apr. '13
Stayed at Shibu Hotel, Shibu Onsen near Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Monkey Park), Nagano Prefecture

Just one word : Perfect.

From France
Aug. '13
Stayed at Seifu-so, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano

From Germany
Aug. '13
Visit Seikiro homepage at http://www.seikirou.co.jp/english/index.html for more photos and reservations.

We had an amazing stay at this hostel. I could not fault any part of our experience. The location is fantastic - so close to everything. When staying here we did not need one train, bus or taxi. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly and even playful with our 5 year old daughter. The room was large, clean and had everything we needed. Thank you so much! We will definitely be back one day.

From Australia
Jul. '13
Stayed at Kaneyoshi Ryokan, Namba Dotombori, Osaka.

I really enjoyed my stay at the Homeikan. After a long and exhausting day, we were so pleased to come and find our futons all made up, and that made our day!! :) Everything was perfect. Finding the hotel was kinda tricky,but most people around the neighborhood know where it is and directed us towards it. No complaints here, I definitely recommend this hotel :)

From Canada
Apr. '13
Stayed at Homeikan, Tokyo

In all of my Life, I have never stayed at such a wonderful, relaxing, amazing place.
From Picking us up at the train station, to escorting us to the rooms, and showing us how to wear the traditional garb of locals, we were in awe and delight.
I have never before, in all of my life, been treated with such kindness, and respect as a customer.
We were truly Humbled, and in absolute love with our choice.
The food was wonderful! A great home cooked meal consisting of such tradition!
The sake was some of the best we tasted in our travels, The easy hike to the Monkey park, all of it.
This would be the first time I have reviewed on any forum that I would give 100% Complete satisfaction.
We will always stay here every time we visit japan. It is worth the travel.
The hot spring tubs were everything you could imagine from the movies.
I Longingly think of this wonderful place, and staff, they are one of my best memories of Japan.
My only regret is that we should have stayed here for at least two days, as a pure relaxing vacation.

From U.S.A.
June '13
Stayed at Jinpyokaku, Kanbayashi Onsen, Nagano.

The onsen is charming, the hosts are incredible, we had a wonderful time!!!

From Belgium
Jul. '13
Stayed at Seifu-so, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano

Extremely friendly staff who went out of their way to help. Excellent hostel.

From Australia
Jul. '13
Stayed at Kaneyoshi Ryokan, Namba Dotombori, Osaka.

This is one of the best stays we have experienced in any country. We stayed as a couple and the highlight (besides snow monkeys!) was the exquisite hospitality of the staff. The accommodation is luxurious, peaceful, and relaxing. We enjoyed the food immensely and the overall privacy of our room and our own private dining room is very VIP. The food was sourced from local sources and was beautifully presented in several courses. Stay for two nights if you really want to relax!

From Australia
May '13
Stayed at Jinpyokaku, Kanbayashi Onsen, Nagano.

I stayed at the Daimichi Bekkan. The facility is well-maintained and very clean. The staff is very helpful. I was working late at the University and someone made sure to turn the light and air conditioning on in my room prior to my return.

From U.S.A.
Jul. '13
Stayed at Homeikan, Tokyo