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

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

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, Shiga Kogen, Nagano

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.