Lovely place to stay for feel of traditional Japan with convenience of a modern hotel. Great location, close to Shibu onsen and snow monkleys- much more character than Yudanaka. Yamada family could not be more welcoming and friendly. Would definitely come back/recommend.

Natalie and Robert Rowland
From London, UK
Stayed in Mar. '08
I stayed at Shibu Hotel, Shibu Onsen, Nagano Prefecture

We stayed one night in this basic traditional Japanese style little Minshuku. Located near a busy road, 10 min to the railway station, 20-25 minutes walk to the old town alleys - a bit far away but it was ok. The staff was efficient: the morning cleaning activities started early, as in the countryside they always start :) Our room was clean, small but nice for one day - the best part was though the cosy furo bath we sneaked in the evening with our Yukatas.

Riina
From Finland
Stayed in Apr. '08
We stayed at Minshuku Sosuke, Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.

Fantastic character with beautiful environment(garden and bath) and atmosphere. We would recommend it for its fantastic originality. We enjoyed the welcome, the nice room, the food, the silence, the bath and the friendliness of the staff a lot. There is a safety deposit in the room and we felt very safe! The location was good and easily found. Staff were very friendly, helpful and efficient. We felt really very good in the hotel and this was also because the staff were so attentive and knowledgable. Just perfect! Thank you!

Nicole Gobel
From Zurich, Switzerland
Stayed in Apr. '08
I stayed at Benten-no Yado Itsukushima, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Wonderful atmosphere, I hadn't felt this relaxed in over 3 months of travelling. Hearing the water from the fountain in the japanese garden outside as you ate your traditional japanese breakfast in the morning. Fabulous staff, highly recommend this place.

Julie
From Australia
Stayed in Mar. '08
Stayed at Homeikan, Tokyo

We have had such a wonderful stay at your hotel. It is perfectly situated on the beautiful onsen street and within walking distance to Yudanaka. Also close to the snow monkeys. The staff are so friendly, very helpful and go out of their way to assist you with your enquires. We were picked up at the railway station and taken back again.Would highly recommend a stay at this hotel.

Alan Hedges
From Australia
Stayed in Mar. '08
I stayed at Shibu Hotel, Shibu Onsen, Nagano Prefecture

I have really enjoyed my stay at Seifuso. The hotel has a lovely atmosphere and the staff are incredibly freindly. As a traveler, traveling on my own, I felt very safe and well looked after. During my stay, I enjoyed the onsen, the snow monkeys, and yummy breafast in the morning. Thank you.

Simone Cassidy
From Melbourne, Australia
Stayed in Jan. '08
Stayed at Seifu-so, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano

Shibu Hotel was a memorable experience! Friendly attentive staff ensured our stay was comfortable. The pick-up service from the station and provided transportation to jigokudani snow monkeys was prompt and reliable. Our included breakfast was a very pleasant experience.

Anne-Maree Grant
From Australia
Stayed in Feb. '08
I stayed at Shibu Hotel, Shibu Onsen, Nagano Prefecture

The view from the hotel room, the fantastic food and the spa was very good. We found the place easily, the map was good. The staff did an amazing job on everything from explaining the food to creating a super nice atmosphere. It could be nice with an added "cold water bath" together with the hot onsen outside and inside. We had a very good time at your hotel!

Erlend Kyte
Norway
Stayed in Feb. '08
We stayed at Benten-no Yado Itsukushima, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Yudanaka was a pleasant and short train trip from Nagano and the ryokan is only a couple of minutes walk from the station. The room was a fantastic classic Japanese room, very large and comfortable with beautiful furnishings. Staff were friendly and helpful. The owner even took us to see the snow monkeys and the baths, especially the outdoor one were great. This place is a good choice for people on a budget as long as they don't mind a slightly run-down atmosphere and a less-than-impressive breakfast. Make sure you ask for the big room. It's lovely and great value.

A.C.
From Canberra, Australia
Stayed in Jan. '08
Stayed at Seifu-so, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano

Hinoki Buro is excellent. Very clean rooms. Modern design. Very well-maintained ryokan. Very safe and secure. Got lost on the 1st day. Enjoyed traveling to many places. Staff are very kind, friendly, helpful and caring. I would love to return here again.

Dorene Creasey
From Australia
Stayed in Nov. '07
Stayed at Ryokan Ichi-Fuji, Nagoya

The atmosphere of the hotel is good, a lovely garden and many different onsen, which is not to be found so easily. Free services such as massages, lemon water, etc. The staff is great! We had a very nice time talking with the waitress at the restaurant. We even got a free hour in a bath(private) due to our honey moon. Location is ok. Security is simply Japanese one, great! The only downside is the white neons in the restaurant that gives a gloomy atmosphere(warmer lights would be much better) and a newer TV!

Pasquier
From Cachan, France
Stayed in Nov. '07
We stayed at Benten-no Yado Itsukushima, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Hotel Shikarakabaso is ideal for a ski holiday. This medium-sized hotel is very close to two ski areas, each no more than 100 metres away. The food is excellent. The staff are friendly and most speak some English. The ski equipment for rent is high quality and the after-ski onsen is very pleasant and relaxing.

Simon Hall
From U.K. (Beijing-based)
Stayed in Mar. '08
I stayed at Hotel Shirakabaso

Shibu Onsen Hotel is delightful. The moment you are met from the train station and you are welcomed at the front door of the hotel you know you are in for a treat. The atmosphere is calming, the staff work hard to make you feel relaxed- take tea after the private onsen, in the old school room at the front and water nightfall. The Japanese garden at the front is lit up　and the waterfall in the background is so picturesque, a photograph doesn’t do it credit. We felt safe here, our belongings locked in the in room safe gives added security when traveling overseas. Using the public onsens also very safe. Monkey Park is best attraction in local area.

Bridget and Vince Halley
From England
Stayed in Feb. '08
I stayed at Shibu Hotel, Shibu Onsen, Nagano Prefecture

We had an amazing stay here. It's not a place full of young people looking to party, but the experience is wonderful and the staff was so friendly and helpful. And the traditional style can be a quiet, relaxing place to come home to after crazy nights in Tokyo. I recommend this to anyone.

From USA
Stayed in Jan. '08
Stayed at Homeikan, Tokyo

We really enjoyed our stay at the Ichi Fuji Ryokan! Great atmosphere, nice interior and a convenient location, useful facilities! We waited quite long for breakfast though...

N
From Germany
Stayed at Ryokan Ichi-Fuji, Nagoya

We booked this because it was cheap. It turned out to be a great value! The rooms were nice and the place had a lot of character. They were also selling yukata for 2100 yen cheaper than I've seen anywhere else. I'd definitely recommend it. We didn't eat any meals there but they do serve them.

N
From USA
We stayed at Minshuku Sosuke, Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.

Sato-san (the manager) is very helpful, friendly and efficient. This is very important for tourists. The hotel is very comfortable and clean. Other staff are also friendly. Will visit Hotel Shirakabaso again.

Audrey and Daniel
From Hong Kong
We stayed at Hotel Shirakabaso

The ryokan has a pleasant atmosphere. Almost as though you are staying at a friend’s home. The outdoor ofuro was extremely beautiful and relaxing. I felt very secured at all times. One recommendation I have is to maybe to post a map or better directions on the Hostelworld website. The staff was very kind and attentive to our needs.

Emily Schlickman
From St. Louis, USA
Stayed at Seifu-so, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano

Our family had a wonderful stay at Benten-no Yado Itsukushima in Miyajima. The location is great with beautiful views of the sea and right in the center of Miyajima. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We especially appreciated their English-speaking since we can only speak limited Japanese. The food was fabulous, among the best of any places. We’ve stayed our 3 weeks in Japan. In all we had a beautiful stay and would definitely recommend Benten-no Yado Itsukushima to anyone visiting Miyajima Island.

Steve Korn
From Washington DC, USA
I stayed at Benten-no Yado Itsukushima, Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Very luxurious, and the staff caters to you.

J.
From USA
We stayed at Oishiya