Ryokan Suminoyu

Location: Shibu-onsen, Shimotakai-gun, Yamanouchi, Nagano, 381-0401, Yamanouchi, JP

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Ryokans

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Full-service spa
• Free WiFi
• Luggage storage
• Designated smoking area
• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Full-service spa
• Free train station pickup
• Parking (limited spaces)
• Free self parking

Rooms Available

• Japanese-style Room

  4 Twin Futons

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a toilet with electronic bidet, and a hair dryer

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Soap

• Japanese Style Room, Breakfast Included

  4 Twin Futons

  Overlooking the mountains

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, a toilet with electronic bidet, a hair dryer, and towels

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Toilet paper
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet

• Japanese Style Room, Half Board

  4 Twin Futons

  Overlooking the mountains

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, a toilet with electronic bidet, a hair dryer, and towels

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Toilet paper
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet

• Japanese Style Room, Room Only

  4 Twin Futons

  Overlooking the mountains

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, a toilet with electronic bidet, a hair dryer, and towels

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Toilet paper
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet

Guest Reviews

• Miroslav (2/5): - We lost a money 100% for the reason, that no one was able to make check in after 10 p.m. We must to find and pay another hotel :-((((((
• Lisa (10/5): - Loved our experience. Only issue was the bed was not enough mattress for us but maybe others would not take issue. Other than that everything was a 10/10. Food was unique and delicious, service excellent, clean and of course the Onsen’s we so fun. Beautiful little town.
• Brad (10/5): - Nicer Ryokan for the area. Obvious reason to stay is to visit the Shibu Onsen facilities and the Snow Monkey Park and this is a great option for those activities. Pretty close to the Shiga Kogen resort. Check the Map before booking as it is not in Nagano despite the address. Diner and breakfast with Half board was very good and staff were friendly and helpful. Free shuttles were a bonus.
• 496monicaa (10/5): Excellent Japanese style hotel - The hotel is located in the Shibu Onsen area and apart from it's own onsen it gives you access to the historic onsen with 9 traditional baths, each has a different healing hot spring water. The hotel is very clean, decorated in typical Japanese style. The rooms are cosy and the beds are very comfortable. In the restaurant they serve traditional Japanese food for breakfast and dinner. If needed there is a shuttle bus from/to the train station and to the Snow Monkey Park. Very convenient.
• Suzanne (10/5): - Ryokan Suminoyu was absolutely wonderful. We had a traditional Japanese room with two twin futons. The bathroom and shower were modern and lovely. The staff spoke English and were very gracious about our attempts to speak Japanese. The location is perfect; tucked on a quaint street in the heart of Shibu Onsen. We were picked up from the Yudanaka Station by the staff who monitored our train arrival time and were there to retrieve us when we arrived. There were also two very convenient morning shuttles to the Snow Monkey park. The walk back was down hill and only took 25 minutes. There were cabs there if you needed one. We were absolutely delighted with our Kaiseki style dinners and breakfasts. They were prepared and served beautifully and the wait staff were very gracious in explaining the various dishes and in what order to eat them. I cannot praise Ryokan Suminoyu enough. Thank you to the staff for making our first Ryokan and Onsen experience one we will never forget.
• Karen (10/5): A welcome slowdown in pace at a top notch Ryokan - Thoroughly enjoyed my stay. From the pickup at the station to the drop off at the Snow Monkey Park, to the “key” to the local Onsen circuit…this was a welcome reprieve from the crazy pace of Tokyo and Kyoto. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, dinner and breakfast meals were all amazing and the rooms and facilities were clean and comfortable. I would go back in a heartbeat. And to top it all off, I accidentally left my shampoo and conditioner and before I’d realized it, they drove it over to me and gave it to me in the train before it departed, going way above expectations!
• John (10/5): - For an authentic Japanese experience this is the place to go. Staff wonderfully helpful, picked us up from the Monkey Park when we arrived, also put on an early breakfast for us as well as early transport to the railway station.
• Alan (10/5): - The whole stay was a great experience. The staff were amazingly helpful. We needed to be picked up from the station and they came. I needed a PowerPoint adapter abd tgey were able to loan me one. We needed to get back to the station earlier than their set time abd tgey accommodated us. Well done guys, it was great.
• Karen (10/5): - Great service, from check in to check out. Amenities available were great & dinning room staff were very friendly & explained all the dishes. Onsen was fabulous
• Sami (10/5): - Excellent service. Delicious meals at the Ryokan and they catered to my dietary needs! They made me delicious vegan and gluten-free dinner and breakfast. I loved the bathhouse as well.
• Virginia (10/5): wonderful Ryokan with delightful staff - We had a wonderful two night stay here, one in a traditional Japanese room and one in a modern Japanese room. The staff did everything to make us welcome; they are super friendly and helpful. You have everything you need for a stay in an onsen town. The kaiseki dinner was delicious - served in a dining room not in the room, and breakfast wonderful too. The roof level onsen is clean and tidy and has great views from the outside pools - the men's more so as the women's have a bamboo discretion fence. But you can see over it. Collected and dropped at Yudanaka station to meet our trains Heartily recommend.
• kamchatsky (10/5): Great ryokan stay with great food - We stayed there for 1 night. We received free pickup and drop off from/to Yudanaka station. It is a newer build. The room is smaller than say Kanaguya but we find it quite comfortable. Their outdoor onsen at the rooftop is amazing, with the view of the town in the snow. The dinner and breakfast included is of high quality and I found better than Kanaguya. We upgraded our dinner to Beef steak prior to stay via email. Their service is excellent.
• Adam (10/5): Incredible rooftop bathing - Fantastic ryokan within Shibu Onsen - the rooftop spring are so nice that we barely felt the need to leave the town, and the food and service was amazing
• RossOntario (10/5): Top notch receptionist - The moment we stepped into the ryokan, we immediately felt welcome. We had a room on the 4th floor. It was spacious and bright. We had 2 hours before supper, so we quickly changed into our yukata and went onsen hopping. We were given a key to go to 9 different onsens. There were thicker yukata jackets for going out into the cold. We put on Japanese clogs, and walking in them was quite an experience. We tried so hard not to thump as we walked along the quaint old street on those clogs, lol. We weren't able to use all 9 onsens as some of them were too hot even just for our toes. We felt rejuvenated after soaking in a few. Our dinner was scrumptious. Everything was well presented. All ingredients were locally sourced. The next morning, breakfast was just as good. They made our bed while we were having dinner. Felt so warm and cozy. After dinner, we used their on-site onsen. I had the outdoor onsen all to myself. When we checked out the next day, the same lady who checked us in went outside to see us off. She waved goodbye to us until our car turned the corner at the end of the long narrow road. Wow, what hospitality! We have so much to learn from their culture.
• Shufang (10/5): - Unique dining, excellent service
• cody (10/5): - This place was amazing! Never have I stayed with a more friendly staff. They were very helpful with everything. The tradition Japanese experience was perfect from the public hot baths to the great food served at dinner and breakfast!
• Joanne (10/5): - A lovely traditional Ryokan. The staff were lovely and welcoming and went out of their way to make our stay memorable. They offer free collection and delivery to the train station and drop off to the snow monkey resort. The food is beautifully presented and very traditional. They also have a lovely onsen to enjoy.
• Lorenzo (10/5): A wonderful time - A really special place. Amazing room, onsen and food. The service was absolutely amazing. We had the most special time.
• Travelove58 (10/5): An experience not to be missed..... - This Ryokan is located in a traditional Onsen village, with a nice, peaceful & old quaint atmosphere. There are many ( think it's 9) public onsens in the area which guests can also use, besides the inhouse one. Room is typical ryokan with tatami bed & inroom bath. Place is very clean. Service is par excellence! Very warm & friendly staff ( few speak English) all round makes you feel welcome. Staff will set up your bed( tatami) while one have their dinner. Traditional set Breakfast & Dinner (included) are very good quality, very traditional & excellent . Great inhouse onsen. Hotel can pick/send guests from/to train station ( from 1.30pm onwards only) . Also one way to Monkey Park. Easy bus access on main road. Only negative thing is this Ryokan is located at the end of a long uphill walk along the onsen village ( tough dragging heavy luggages or even just walking back). We arrive around 11am, so they can't pick us from train station. Took a bus & walk up & waited. Thankfully the nice lady ( think she is the owner) came to open door earlier to put our luggages. But no big issue. Lots of shops were not opened but some opened later in evening. Great experience not to be missed.
• Lynn (10/5): - Judanaka station transfers were so very convenient for us as well as the transfers to Snow Monkey Park. The staff were incredibly patient and helpful even though we did not speak Japanese. The food served was really incredible. Even the kids meal was very thoughtfully planned and tasty. Location was perfect, it was so close to the shrine and a tiny play area with snow for kids was right next door. They also had a foot bath and next to an area with foot baths. The onsen on site was very nice especially the outdoor one. Not crowded at all. We had everything we needed, even great espresso at the front desk. We loved our stay.
• Ward (10/5): First rate service - The place shows it’s age a little but the hospitality is first rate
• Boon Kiat (10/5): Best Ryokan to stay. - the stay was very nice, very nice lady boss and very friendly, The room was large and extremely cozy and warm for ryokan stay. breakfast and dinner we have was so good. just love it. They supplied us with the key for the 9 public onsens and all the instructions. We also had all the necessary items for the onsen trips including warm jackets for going out. The onsen at the hotel is indoor and outdoor with an amazing view outdoors.
• Kia Hung (10/5): Fantastic Stay - Definitely the best decision to change our booking (for 03 families) to Suminoyu Ryokan as the overall stay was a superb one right from the start. It was also a 2nd time stay in this ryokan for one of us. Lady proprietor greeted us warmly outside the ryokan after we had parked our cars and her team immediately sprang into action welcoming and helping us with the bags and parking. It had snowed the night before so the roads were snowed in and iced and very cold. As we were heading into snow monkey park, lady boss was concerned with the ladies' footwear and gladly offered her personal snow boots to 2 of our female travellers. The rooms were clean, cosy and well maintained taking into account that the ryokan was fully booked. Dinner and breakfast were served in a room separated for each travelling party. Service were prompt and excellent especially from a lady staff ( Filipina) who is always obliging and smiley. The Onsen on the top floor was good and we enjoyed hot soaks daily with an awesome view of the mountain range. Check out was swift and the farewell experience from lady owner and her team was with the highest recognition to their guests. They stood and waited to bid goodbye out in the cold even when we gestured that we would take a while to get ready. Overall it was a great stay and the experience we had was exceptional from the team in Suminoyu Ryokan. Thank you Suminoyu Ryokan, we will sure to be back!
• James (10/5): - The staff were so kind and helpful, and the included meals were exquisite. We were picked up from Yudanaka station and driven to the Snow Monkey Park the next morning. The location is within a block of two public onsens, but the hotel’s own onsen is even nicer and well-appointed.
• Carlos (10/5): Great Ryokan Experience - Lovely ryokan experience at a reasonable price! Felt like a new property, with great rooms, food, and hospitality for our entire stay. Highly recommended for your first time staying at a ryokan, especially in an onsen village
• matt (10/5): Lovely small traditional onsen hotel. - Lovely small hotel. Very clean, great service. Great onsen on top floor. Traditional Japanese dinner was excellent.
• Betty (10/5): - My room was lovely and comfortable, the staff was very pleasant, friendly and helpful. The superb dinner and breakfast were really memorable and a highlight of my trip!
• Leah (10/5): Such a good time. Definitely would book again! - Really nice place. You get access to the 9 onsen nearby and the town is cute and quiet. Definitely opt in for meals, they are AMAZING.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Had a lovely stay at this Ryokan and would highly recommended it. Staff were kind & accomandating and made sure I felt welcome as a solo traveller. When they heard I intended to visit the monkey park the day I arrived, they especially arranged for transportation to take me there. The ryokan is english-friendly, especially my server for dinner who could hold a conversation. Food featured local ingredients and was excellent.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Lovely staff and excellent Onsen at this ryokan. The meals were fantastic too.
• Kristina (10/5): - This property is beautifully maintained and operated. The staff goes above and beyond to assist in explaining what is offered at their facility and the surrounding area. The location is ideal to explore the town and Monkey Park. It is also close to public transportion. They offer shuttle service to and from the train station which is very helpful.
• JustinS (10/5): - Top marks for this beautiful place. Highly recommended to add this into your Japan trip. Stay 2 days, minimum. Enjoy the hospitality from their wonderful staff and soak in the Onsen throughout the village. Truly beautiful, relaxing, and also the meals were incredible. Traditional fare, come hungry and be prepared to ask questions.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This was a fantastic true japanese experience. Staff were so obliging and the food excellent. Cannot fault it.
• Tina (10/5): - Great hosts, speaks English well and very informative
• Omar (10/5): - Amazing property. The ryokan style rooms were clean and had everything we needed with a private bathroom but no shower in the room. The staff was amazing - friendly and very helpful. We needed help figuring out part of our itinerary and they got us the taxi we needed and even offered to shuttle us in their van from the train station. The service was amazing but so was the food. Well worth the price for the dinner and breakfast. Thank you so so much!
• akf2 (10/5): Wonderful Onsen Experience - The Front as well as Meal Staff were very gracious, friendly and helpful. The shuttle picked us up from the train station as well as drove us to the Monkey park (we only asked for one way, as we wanted to walk back). Both the breakfast and dinner meals were fantastic and we enjoyed the onsen on the top floor. We also walked around and visited the public onsens which one can do as a ryokan guest. We enjoyed roaming around Shibu Onsen
• Caitlin (10/5): This was our favourite nights stay in Japan so far - This Ryokan was an incredible experience - the host was extremely friendly and accommodating. It is in a great area with a lot of onsens around, or your own onsen on the top floor of the Ryokan. The host will take you to the snow monkey trail and pick you up/drop off at the station. Highly recommend this place is you’re looking for a Ryokan experience!!
• mstickler (10/5): Excellent Food, Location and Service - We really enjoyed our two night stay here. They greeted us at the train station, took us back at the end of our stay, drove us to the monkey park during our stay, fed us two fantastic dinners and two equally fantastic breakfasts, all with a smile.
• Marlene (10/5): Marlene - Marvelous experience, very traditional,excellent bathing experience.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Loved the unique experience! Very friendly staff! Definitely worth the trip
• MSH (10/5): - We loved this hotel experience. It was our first time staying at a Ryokan and it really offered us what felt like an authentically Japanese cultural experience. The welcome and orientation process by English speaking staff made us feel very comfortable right away; we were escorted to our room and treated to tea and a locally made pastry; the traditions of the local onsen were explained, including how to wear the yakuta and how to access the public baths, as well as the bath on the top floor of this hotel. The breakfast in the morning was stunningly beautiful -- I wish we had reserved dinner too! And there is a free shuttle to the train station in the morning if you need it. The hotel also offers a shuttle to the Snow Monkey Park. Shibu Onsen is a beautiful little town, truly a gem, in my view.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Best onsen in the city. Mountain views are breathtaking.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Enjoyed tremendously the rooftop level onsen which was both indoor and outdoor. No need to venture out in cold to public onsens! Extremely friendly and responsive staff.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Very welcoming and professional staff. Relaxing stay with excellent half board option.
• Doreen (10/5): Best little inn - Amazing little inn. Staff were excellent, very helpful & friendly. Hot springs were excellent both in the hotel and the old ones we had access to in the lovely town of Shibu. Inn had shuttle to train station & to Snow Monkey park. Best hotel/inn on our entire trip to Japan.
• faysie2015 (10/5): Superb Japanese Ryokan - Had such a fun night here experiencing Japanese Ryokan culture - from the table with warmth underneath to the onshen, hot tub in the ryokan. Breakfast and dinner were a culinary delight. The staff were delightful and nothing was too much trouble.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Nice hotel with great staff hospitality. Really enjoy the stat especially the free 9 public bath which is a good experience for non-Japanese like me.
• tal (10/5): Great experience - Stay in the ryokan is very good way to experience the Japanese way, both in living and in eating. Staff is most helpful and friendly.
• Corinne (10/5): Just perfect! - Excellent stay. Amazing dinner and breakfast included, extremelly professional service. Perfect value for money.
• Helmut (10/5): Pleasant stay - delicious food - Most friendly and helpful stuff, delicious breakfast and dinner with many courses, in great location. The rooftop onsen in the ryokan is available all night and has also an outdoor tub - will come back for sure
• knn7 (10/5): Brilliant service - I would give this hotel a rating of 11 out of 10 if I could. Nothing was too much trouble, including looking after our luggage the night before we were due to stay then driving us up to the Monkey park and also back to the bus stop after our stay among many other things. Dinner and breakfast great. And the Onsen experience in the town quite unique and well worth get dressed up for and trying the experience.
• Francesca (10/5): - Located at the edge of a quaint and small town, this hotel took us by surprise, in a good way. We booked a traditional room with half board. I would definitely recommend you book this. The dinner and breakfast was absolutely delicious. They served kaiseki (traditional japanese dinner) and had about 10 different dishes, so although the servings seems small, it will get you full. Same with the breakfast. The room is simple but charming, old but very clean and the futons were very comfortable. They have a shared bath on the top floor and their own indoor and outdoor onsen. You also get a key to access the 9 onsens of Shibu Onsen which I would highly recommend you try. And on top of that, the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful (they also speak very good english). They helped us figure out a schedule for our departure to Kyoto the next day and offered to drive us early to the station so we can catch our train. I would visit Shibu Onsen just to stay at this hotel again.
• Andrea (10/5): Excellent hotej - Excellent location, food and staff. I highly recommend this hotel!
• Mr H O M (8/5): Authentic Japanese Ryokan Experience - A truly authentic traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) and onsen (hot spring bath) experience. Great room in Japanese tatami style with sliding doors. As it was still Spring during the day there was a "kotatsu" in the room - a low table with integrated electric blanket to keep your lower body toasty. Then in the evening while you're at dinner someone will set out the futon. The room has a personal toilet but for bathing you use the shared bathroom on the top (6th) floor. Customer service was always eager & polite. Suminoyu got in touch to find out my train's arrival & arranged pickup by minibus. Suminoyu also provide a shuttle to the train station when checking out. Transport to Jigokudani Monkey Park is also provided but only one way & in the morning. That said it is only a 30 minute trek by foot back to Suminoyu. As one of the participating Ryokans a guest here has automatic access to the 9 traditional Onsens around Shiba. Despite limited English, Suminoyu staff helped explain how to do the 9 Onsen experience & provided a key, yukata and towel. Upon request you can get a special printed cloth on which you use the official stamps from each onsen & a stamp from the local shrine. It is said if you complete all 9 baths & the shrine you will have good health and good luck. Dinner & breakfast is "kaiseki", the equivalent of haute cuisine. Many small dishes of multiple flavours presented beautifully. Chopsticks only & your palate might be challenged.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Really great service - Everyone at the ryokan was really nice and hospitable, the service was amazing. We were given a lift to the monkey park nearby and driven to the train station the next morning for free. One thing to note, our room did not have an attached shower (only a toilet and sink), we were told this was the case for most rooms and instead, guests shower on the 6th floor where the onsen is located. So please be aware if this matters to you.
• Diane (10/5): an amazing experience - This as an amazing place to stay. A traditional ryokan, complete with its own onsen (male and female) plus access to the public onsens in the town. Amazing kind hosts – including bringing my glasses to the railway station when I left them behind! The half board option is recommended – you get amazing traditional Japanese meals. The room was comfortable with a fridge, small bathroom, supplies for using the onsen, futon and warming table, plus supplies to make tea. The building has an elevator, is well maintained and is in a great location for the snow monkeys – plus they have a shuttle to take you to the park (and to the local rail station). Make sure you arrive before about 6pm if you want dinner though they kept the meal for me as I didn’t get there until 7 – but you need to let them know. Plus make sure you get there before 10pm.
• Janelle (10/5): Country Inn excellent service - Could not have done more for us. The food was excellent. The rooms were spacious. We were picked up at train station, driven up to the monkey park and dropped back at station. Loved visiting the 9 onsens in the town.
• Peter & AM (10/5): Friendly Ryokan - Facilities, Service and meals leave nothing to be desired. The evening atmosphere with the different onsen locations is very special.
• A Molly (10/5): Total Delight - Magic! We were transported to another world. Our experience could not have been improved!
• hessh2016 (10/5): Really enjoyed the excellent hospitality here - We spent one night here whilst visiting the Jigokudani Park. It was such excellent service that I wish I had extended it. We arrived early which was not a problem as they stored our bags and this allowed us to have a bit of a meander through the small but very picturesque town. They also drove us to the Snow Monkey Park entrance and picked us up after the hike which was greatly appreciated. The rooms were Japanese style tatami which was very cool. The futons were not comfortable for my hubby who is taller and more used to western style beds. We had the half board which includes the kaiseki dinner and breakfast. while it was a great showcase of local cuisine, I will warn that it is a LOT of food and you will be stuffed after. We also used the onsen at the top of the hotel and found it very pleasant and not as warm as the public onsens in the town ( those were super HOT). It was a lovely reprieve and the service was excellent. I highly recommend this ryokan
• Annarion (10/5): A Good Choice in the Shibu Onsen Area - We're an Australian couple in our late 20s visiting the area for the first time. Our trip began with skiing at Shigakogen and we wanted to end it with a relaxing onsen stay including a side trip to see the Snow Monkeys. We were happy with our choice; it was easy to find, within walking distance to the monkeys, and comfortable. Location: Approaching from Shigakogen, we took a local bus from Hasuike bus stop which took about 15-20 minutes and got off at Wagoubashi bus stop (between the Snow Monkey and Yudanaka station stops; the stop isn't shown on the bus timetables we received from our ski accommodation, however the local bus does indeed stop here and we let the driver know where we were headed before we boarded, just in case). We also had a local map of the Shibu Onsen area from our ski accommodation before we left, and easily navigated from our stop to Suminoyu. It took about 5 minutes and the roads were easily navigated with luggage in tow. Suminoyu also offers a free shuttle from Yudanaka station. The town is small and within walking distance to various restaurants, the famed 9 surrounding onsens and gift shops. We utilised the hotel's free shuttle to the Monkey Park (only offered one-way, which was generous enough) and to Yudanaka station when we checked out). Using Google maps, we navigated back to Suminoyu from the beginning of the Monkey Park trail without any issues, taking about 20 mins (note that from the beginning of the trail to the actual monkeys, takes about another 30mins). We did not end up trying any of the 9 public onsens (key provided by the front desk) during our stay, however we're content using just the one at Suminoyu. Accommodation: Rooms were laid out in the traditional ryokan style with a sitting area during the day converted to a sleeping area with futons at night. It was modern and felt private unlike some older traditional properties we've visited where the paper walls were very thin. Our room had a locked door, with a small entry, mini-fridge, a full bathroom including toilet, and the main room separated by a sliding door. Inside that room, the seating area was heated (heated blanket), there were yukatas (extra long offered to my partner upon arrival), room heating, toiletries, a safety deposit box and tea making facilities with a small welcome cake for each guest.The free WiFi in the room also worked well. It was a nicely set out room with good ambience. Facilities: The shared womens and mens bathrooms including onsens (inside and outside) we're located on level 6. I can only speak for the ladies'; it was neat and clean. The outside onsen was beautiful with snow falling at the time, however I found the water not as hot as the one inside and although I would have liked to stay out longer, it just got too cold for me. Breakfast and dinner was served on level 2; dinner was plentiful and beautifully set out, while breakfast was similarly attractive, we found the flavours too salty for our tastes. Service: Staff were friendly and polite. I can guess as to the "rude" lady others have mentioned in their posts, however I found her OK. She's not as warm as the others, however is still polite and helpful and perhaps, only viewed harshly because of the high standards Japanese service sets. We were greeted warmly on arrival by a gentleman who insisted upon carrying our luggage upstairs to our room (and also upon check-out) and had good restaurant recommendations for us. The dining staff were particularly attentive and we found all encounters with staff throughout our stay, polite. Bottom Line: We had a good stay here and would recommend it to others coming to the Shibu Onsen area; the rooms were comfortable, WiFi worked well, food was good and the free shuttles were useful.
• 386marthat (10/5): Exceptional! - Our first night in Japan and what a welcome! Perfect dinner and night in the hotel. Extremely helpful staff: Since we were supposed to travel to Nozawaonsen with a bus and it was a holiday, and there were no busses, the ownet personally drove us (one hour drive). Thank you once again!
• sasa_the_explorer (10/5): Awesome Ryokan Experience - Great location. Spacious, well-heated and very clean room. Great dinner and breakfast provided with our stay. Top notch service. Overall, great onsen experience. Would come back again if I'm in the area.
• SIOW WAI (10/5): Love this Ryokan.Will definitely go back again - Ryokan staffs were all wonderful and super helpful. The only setback was that the wifi is almost nonexsistent when we dine at then 2nd Floor dinning room.
• A191supitapi (10/5): Fantastic ryokan experience! - We were treated fantastically by the staff at this ryokan, which is very well located with great views of the temple and cemetery right next, and the mountains all around. It is also possible to hike up to the Snow Monkey Park, although they do offer a one-way service to the parking for free (one way, we were politely asked to walk back down, and this was a lovely walk). I have just read another review from a person that stayed there at roughly the same time as we did, and had a very negative experience. Our experience could not contrast more with theirs. We sent several emails and got prompt answers to all of them. The only negative answer we received was a request to delay the first dinner by two hours, but when we actually got there and saw how complex and beautifully arranged dinner was, and all the little parts it entailed, we fully understood why they couldn't accommodate our request. All our other questions were answered positively and diligently. Case in point: As we were checking out I noticed I had lost a tiny piece of plastic in our room. I called on the cleaning staff to ask if they had seen it, who then called the front desk, who then called the manager. All of them came into the room and turned the place upside down trying to find my item. The manager himself went through the garbage bag from all rooms from the previous day to find it! I honestly cannot understand why the other reviewer had such a bad experience with (I presume) the same staff; ours could not have been better. The food was amazing, the rooms clean and with a beautiful view, the location perfect at the top of Suminoyu-onsen village, the attention was unbeatable and the onsen in the ryokan great (make sure to go to the rottemburo, i.e. the one outside; there was snow when we went and the moon was out... gorgeous! See the photo. By the way, for obvious reasons you're most certainly not supposed to take photos in an onsen! In my case, there was nobody around, so I felt that I could take the liberty). Also, the onsen at the ryokan was free, I went twice and was never asked to pay, which respectfully makes me wonder whether the other reviewer is reviewing the right property. My only very slightly negative comment is that smoking is allowed in all the rooms. However, this is very clearly specified in the description, so I knew what I was in for and so I won't remove any stars from my overall rating or cleanliness scores. I asked the staff to deodorize the room in advance, which they kindly did, but of course tobacco smoke is not easy to get rid of. The thing that makes me feel somewhat negatively about it is that the ryokan is large enough that they could easily afford to have an entire non-smoking floor or at least a couple of rooms, and I kindly encourage them to do so. All in all, we had a wonderful experience, would very happily go back, and will certainly recommend it to friends! As for the location, I understand there isn't much snow in December. We went in January and were lucky it had just snowed earlier that day. It was idyllic. If you really want to see the monkeys in the snow, February is probably your best bet. Shibu-onsen is a lovely little village and worth staying at.
• Sarah (10/5): Amazing experience at a great Ryokan - Absolutely amazing experience, Kyoko was so sweet throughout my short stay, I wish I could have stayed a little longer! Highly recommend!
• Lev (8/5): Great location - Excellent location at the edge of Shibu-Onsen town, close to the Snow Monkey park (40 min walk)
• curiositygotmae (4/5): Find another ryokan!! - I had really high expectations when I booked this ryokan since it has a stellar review on Tripadvisor. Everyone had mentioned that the ryokan would go out of their way to make the client's experience truly awesome. Unfortunately, this is what I experienced. Before arrival at the ryokan, I had a lot of questions regarding the schedule during our stay in their ryokan. So, I emailed them twice or thrice before our arrival and they did not even bother replying back. A simple yes or no to my questions was all I needed. Our family was staying at the Yudanaka area for a total of three nights. For the first two nights, we booked with Hotel Tsubakino since they were cheaper than Onyado Suminoyu. We decided to just stay in Suminoyu for the last night for the Shibu Onsen Public Bath experience and also because it had really high reviews that we thought it might be worth the try. During our first day, we had free time so we decided to pass by Suminoyu just so we could finalize our itinerary for our last day in Yudanaka area. Upon arrival in the ryokan, we were greeted by a rude woman. She kept insisting that she was busy and that she will only entertain our questions once we have checked in the hotel. The more annoying thing was, everything we tried to request, we would immediately say no to. She didn't even bother trying or asking someone else in their ryokan. Our family really wanted to just cancel our booking in this ryokan after that experience, but we couldnt since it was prepaid already. Anyway, upon check in, another female attended to us. But again, we had a similar experience of them saying no to all our request without even bother trying. Fortunately, we were persistent and that they finally agreed to give us a roundtrip car service to the snow monkey park. But overall, it was not an enjoyable experience for us. It's very surprising to be treated rudely in Japan. For my many visit in Japan, I can truly say that this is my first time to have encountered poor service. Please consider staying in Hotel Tsubakino instead. The facilities are newer. Their onsen are nicer and much larger. They dont have additional charge (on top of the hotel) for the use of their onsen. They also have free snow boots rental. Their rooms are also bigger. Most importantly, their staff are all welcoming and accommodating.
• ErnestC241 (8/5): Great hospitality and service - Our family of four spent 2 nights at this local ryokan at Shibu Onsen. Prior to this , I have visited Kinosaki onsen in the Hyogo Prefecture. They compare very differently , guess the latter is a much more touristy venue for onsen lovers and more commercialized in every aspects. Suminoyu Ryokan is a more modern setup than my previous stays and comes equipped with a lift. Meals are served on the 2nd floor (and not in the room) and there is an inhouse onsen on the 6th floor with both in and outdoor facilities. The room is well fitted with separate toilet and bath , and also a little kitchenette. Our family of four for nicely into the room with just enough space left for 2 mid size luggages. We opted for the full board on the 1st day which includes a traditional kaiseki dinner. Guess we are all not big fans , it is more the experience that we are going for. Whilst the food may not fully meet our needs , the level of service and attentiveness of the staff is commendable. We were very impressed and satisfied with the hospitality we received. The lady owner , Midori-san , even took the trouble to check and prepare the ski information for us so that we can pick one that suits our needs. Check out the onsen on the 6th floor which I felt is a better option as compared to the public onsens in the area. Overall , Suminoyu Ryokan is a good choice for accommodation in Shibu Onsen. Not to forget , upon confirming your train timing from Nagano , drop them a line and they will arrange a pickup at the Yudanaka station.
• LPig12 (10/5): Unmissable ryokan, amazing hospitality and great food - Totally amazing ryokan stay in Shibu-onsen in November 2016 for 1 night. Arrived via train to Yudanaka station. We had emailed the day before requesting pick up from the station in English, and received a prompt confirmation from Suminoyu. The driver was there waiting with a sign, and 5 minutes later we were checked in. The service was so genuine and warm we were totally blown away and we felt like we were treasured guests. The owner greeted us on arrival and we were touched by her hospitality. It warmed us up on a cold November afternoon. They only have 13 rooms, but the hotel never felt cramped nor busy. We wanted to visit the Jigokudani snow monkey park/onsen on the arrival day, and they were kind enough to offer us a lift there (10 minutes) and we arranged for pick up with the driver which was also smooth. Similarly they asked us what time we wanted to go to the station the next day, and the owner of the ryokan made us some sublime coffee as we checked out. The hotel and room was extremely clean and pleasant with plentiful amenities both in the room and in the hotel onsen. Air conditioning meant the room was comfortable temperature and double glazing too. Yutakas provided (and coats), also a traditional bag to use while visiting the town to carry towels and things. Safe provided in room. Just to say that all the onsens in this town are very hot (estimate above 41 degrees Celsius). There is a cold water tap in the hotel indoor onsen, the outdoor one doesn't have a tap but the views are super and in November it was just right to bathe in hot spring waters with an outdoor temperature of around 10 degrees! The food was amazing, multi-course dinner with local ingredients after which we were totally satisfied with taste and amount, and Japanese breakfast to start our next day. Additional tea making facilities in our room of course, with a welcome snack also. Just to mention they had also kindly translated the dinner menu in English so we knew what the courses were. Excellent location in Shibu-onsen, all the public baths were walking distance, but as the ryokan was located on one side of the town, it didn’t get busy or noisy. Remember to use the easy walking clogs which are more comfortable for the feet! We would definitely stay here again if we were to visit the area again. It was excellent value for money. I would highly recommend that you choose this to be your ryokan if you are visiting Shibu-onsen, you will not be disappointed with your stay! I would also suggest that if you do plan to stay more than 1 night in Shibu-onsen, that you consider changing ryokans because the food at each individual ryokan tends to be similar during each season.
• girishpde (8/5): Nice homely place - Stayed here around new year. Place is good and staff was helpful. They also have a small open air onsen (rotenburo) which has great view of mountains in the back. Food choices are nice and lot of variety including vegetarian option.
• HWaus (10/5): Great Ryokan at Yudanaka Area - I have decided to go to this area to meet the snow monkeys, it was a childhood dream of one day see the National Geographic Cover live. After some research about Yudanaka area I found this suburb and the nine public onsens. For sure the Ryokan was a great experience as everywhere else where I stayed in Japan, everyone was fantastic and the service was outstanding. The traditional Japanese room is very comfy and clean. The traditional Dinner and Breakfast experience was great as well and the service just perfect. If you are going to this area I really recommend this hotel with no hesitation.
• aultako (10/5): You will not be disappointed - Fantastic ryokan experience. A definite highlight of a 2 week trip to Japan. Staff were extremely helpful. The dinner and breakfast were exceedingly generous and tasty. The hotel's onsen was good, as were the towns baths. When the local train was extraordinarily cancelled on our departure day, they took our family to Nagano train station (nearly an hour drive, with tolls) and would not let us pay for the transfer.

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