Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 200 reviews.
Christopher
Germany · Couple · November 2026
“We had such a great experience here, from the monkey park to the onsen, everything perfect.”
+The loveliest hosts, who even gave us a lift up to the snow monkey park. A prime example of hospitality. Fairly priced breakfast in a special, 60s/70s atmosphere. Fabulous private onsen, and a great view from the room to the mountains.
−N/A
ACT
Sweden · Family · November 2026
“A wonderful cultural experience in an old, traditional ryokan run by a local Japanese family”
+We liked everything about Shimaya! This is a small family business, run by a lovely elderly couple. They are very helpful, offer a lot of good tips on sightseeing and restaurants in the area, and even drive you to the Monkey Park for free. The ryokan is extremely clean and tidy, everything spotless. We stayed in a traditional room, fully equipped with everything we need, and with a beautiful view across the mountains. The onsen is cosy and available all day, and you also have the possibility to book a separate private onsen if you want to have it for yourself. You are offered yukatas, slippers, towels, hygiene products and everything you need as soon as you arrive. Matcha tea is also available in the room. Breakfast covers everything you need, and is served with piano music in the background. A wonderful cultural experience, strongly recommended!
Laurie
Canada · Family · October 2026
“The perfect traditional Japanese stay!”
+We all loved everything about our stay at Shimaya! The host was wonderful,kind, knowledgeable, interested in our trip, and fun fact: he and his family are the sixth generation to be running this lovely. quaint, and well-situated hotel.
Jane
United Kingdom · Couple · October 2026
“Quirky, welcoming, back to the 70’s”
+What a great quirky place. Mr Yamato was so helpful, picking us up from the station, taking us to the Snow Monkey Park and then giving us a lift back to the station. Everything despite being dated was very clean. Our first Ryokan experience, very comfortable. Loved the pianola at Breakfast
−The property is showing its age a little, the decor is unique and a little dated and clean. There are a few stains on sanitaryware but through age not hygiene
Christopher
United Kingdom · Family · October 2026
“Friendly base for Onsen, Monkeys, and Mountains.”
+Mr Yumoto is very welcoming and extremely helpful. Our room on the second floor (third floor in US/Japan speak) was lovely. We had a balcony, which was nice. Good location for both the station, and Shibu Onsen. We did a circular walk to the Monkey Park, and used local buses from the station, to go hiking in the mountains. We used both the private and public onsens in the hotel.
−Nothing really. The communal areas could do with a freshen-up, but it's not a big deal. Our room was great.
Lisa
United States · Couple · October 2026
“Authentic but old”
+The area is beautiful and convenient for us (we had a rental car). The owner is very sweet
−It was old and not maintained and overpriced, onsen not great
manon
Belgium · Group of friends · October 2026
“Une très belle découverte”
+Le personnel est au petit soin et de bons conseils
Camilla
Italy · Couple · October 2026
+Parcheggio incluso proprio dall'altro lato della strada (comodissimo). Onsen privato molto piccolo ma accogliente e alla temperatura perfetta. Flessibilità per l'orario del check-in/check-out e gentilezza estrema del signore alla reception (con tanto di souvenir e foto ricordo).
martin
Netherlands · Family · October 2026
+Shimaya is een hele fijne locatie om te verblijven. Centrale locatie met goede voorzieningen. Dichtbij het treinstation en de bushalte. Het hotel heeft een rustgevende atmosfeer. In het trappenhuis hangen tekeningen van vorige gasten van alle hoeken van de wereld. Leuk om hun ervaring te lezen van hun verblijf. De eigenaar is zeer vriendelijk en behulpzaam. Hij heeft ons zelfs een lift gegeven naar het snowmonkey park en gaf advies over andere bestemmingen in de omgeving. De kamer is ruim en hygiënisch. Ontbijt is standaard maar zeker niks mis mee. Ik zou hier zeker nog een keer terugkomen.
Marwane
France · Family · October 2026
+Ichiro-san a été très accueillant et nous a été d'une grande aide que ce soit dans l'organisation de notre voyage ou dans les excursions à faire autour du ryokan. Nous avons eu la chance de voir un lac dans un volcan et les singes grâce aux conseils de M. Ichiran.
−Le ryokan en lui même est correct même si ce n'était pas le meilleur dans lequel on a séjourné. La décoration est un peu désuète, certaines chambres ne sont pas équipés des toilettes et l'onsen est un peu dans son jus avec des difficultés à regler précisément la température de l'eau. Nous n'avons pas eu l'occasion goûter le petit déjeuner. Il dispose d'un parking gratuit face a l'hôtel.