Koishiya Ryokan

Location: 2277, Hirao, Shiga-kogen/Yudanaka, Yamanouchi, Nagano-ken, 381-0401, Yamanouchi, JP

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Guest houses

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.

Amenities & Facilities

• Hot springs nearby
• Free WiFi
• Luggage storage
• Concierge service
• Breakfast available (surcharge)
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Hot springs nearby

Rooms Available

• Japanese Tatami Room, Mountain view

  2 Twin Futons

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and a bidet

  Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning, heating, and geta (wooden sandals)

  Need to Know - No housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Electric kettle
  • Bidet
  • Shampoo
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping
  • Soap
  • Geta (wooden sandals)

• Basic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds, Non Smoking

  2 Twin Beds

  147 sq feet

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and a bidet

  Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning, heating, and geta (wooden sandals)

  Need to Know - No housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Electric kettle
  • Bidet
  • Shampoo
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping
  • Soap
  • Geta (wooden sandals)

• Japanese Tatami Room, Mountain view

  3 Twin Futons

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and a bidet

  Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning, heating, and geta (wooden sandals)

  Need to Know - No housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Electric kettle
  • Bidet
  • Shampoo
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping
  • Soap
  • Geta (wooden sandals)

• Dormitory for men 1 bed in 3 beds

  1 Twin Futon

  409 sq feet

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and a bidet

  Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning, heating, and geta (wooden sandals)

  Need to Know - No housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Electric kettle
  • Bidet
  • Shampoo
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping
  • Soap
  • Geta (wooden sandals)

• Japanese Tatami Room, Mountain view

  4 Twin Futons

  161 sq feet

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and a bidet

  Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning, heating, and tatami floors (woven mat)

  Need to Know - No housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Electric kettle
  • Bidet
  • Shampoo
  • Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping
  • Soap
  • Geta (wooden sandals)

Guest Reviews

• Strath (10/5): - Friendly staff and everything was easy for us. Shuttle service to & from station was excellent as well as to the monkey park.
• Pat (10/5): A dream stay - Fantastic! If you are looking for the plushest hotel with facilities everywhere … then not for you. If you want a beautiful traditional ryokan with access to the baths, clean showers and great service where the staff go extra without even asking then stay here. As a father and two sons staying in a traditional room we had a great time.
• Aaron (10/5): Delightful Inn - We loved our stay here.
• Tomáš (10/5): - The staff was friendly. Upon arrival the guest gets a yukata and a key to 9 public thermal springs around the town, where he may bath freely. Note that they are extremely hot. The staff also offers a free ride to the Snow Monkey Park or Yudanaka Station in the morning.
• Paul (10/5): - The 9 public onsens (baths) were interesting, #9 was the best imo, but the town itself is captivating.
• marni (10/5): - The staff were amazing and very accommodating with bags. They actually have a pick up service depending on your arrival and departure times. This was a bonus since it worked out when we were leaving. Our room was very spacious and comfortable!
• Kathy (10/5): Would recommend! - Would highly recommend this inn for a stay in the Japanese Alps. The staff are absolutely amazing - nothing is too much trouble for them and they're always around to offer you help and support. There is a free shuttle service both to and from the train station and up to the Monkey park. The rooms are spacious and we were very comfortable on our futons ☺️ The onsen hopping is also a great attraction...worth the trip out of the city to see!
• Heath (10/5): - Exceptional staff and hospitality willing to accommodate any requests. Very informative and great exposure to traditional ryokan/ onsens. Highly recommended - thank you!
• Cynthia (10/5): - The staff were very friendly and helpful making this a relaxed and comfortable stay. It is an old building but well kept. Not as fancy as some places down the road but extra charming. The public onsens were fun to try. Their shuttles are well organized and we had no trouble booking the times to private onsen and monkey park that we wanted. Excellent service and stay and would return and recommend to others.
• martha (10/5): - This hotel and this city was the best part of my Japan trip. I loved staying in a traditional old Japanese ryokan, and I absolutely loved hoping around to all the onsens! Note, they are extremely hot! The staff was wonderful and very accomodating. They offer free shuttle rides to the monkey park or to the train station, so that is wonderful. Ate once there for breakfast, and it was delicious!
• Cassius (10/5): - Just amazing
• Misa (10/5): - Authentic yet casual ryokan experience. Staff are so accommodating - picked us up at Yudanaka Station outside of normal pickup hours, advised us to stay in the waiting room (freezing cold in February). Following day, drove us to Snow Monkey Park, first stop to drop our luggage, then to the entrance. I accidentally left my Snow Monkey Pass in my luggage, and she drove me back to the first spot to retrieve it!! Thank you for your generous heart ;)))
• Jannai (10/5): - It's a great place to get to relax and enjoy nature.
• Doug (6/5): - The staff was really nice and the food (dinner and breakfast) was pretty good, but the room was a bit disappointing, I spent about US$160 for one night there for two and found 21 stinkbugs (kamemushi) in the bedroom.
• Verified traveler (4/5): really old ryokan but exceptional services - First of all, it’s an old ryokan and not much has been done to upgrade. Reviews are high in some travel services but do know that rooms do not come with a private bath; the place does not have its own onsen; and you may see some beetles in your room. If you want to experience what people used to travel to a hot spring resort 50 years ago, then this is your place. Staff are extremely helpful and nice and I wish I can give them more stars.
• Ksenia (10/5): Perfect - Great dinner, big room and perfect service. Also we had the chance to use a private onsen close to the hotel. We recommend this place very much
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Amazing cafe food during dinner! Would recommend the Curry and the Miso Meat Spaghetti
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Staff are very nice and helpful. The rooms are maintained well. They offer free shuttle to the SnowMonkey Park and the Yudanaka Station in the morning at certain times.
• Meng (10/5): - Staff are very nice and helpful. The rooms are maintained well. They offer free shuttle to the SnowMonkey Park and the Yudanaka Station in the morning at certain times.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great and friendly staff with warm conversations. Amenities are clean and food options were plenty. Great over all stay.
• vl (8/5): - The place was perfect, the room and sheets a little old, but confortable. The restaurant of the hotel was good, small plate but not too expensive. The only negative point was when we arrived, the reception was close and the personn who open us the door looks like not soo happy to reveive travelers...But the rest of the staff was really nice, offer free shuttle to the train station, onsen,.....We recommend!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - I was pleased to stay in this style of lodging. Appreciated the Yukata that was available to the guests. Location was great with regards to the amenities around. Staff was great and supportive.
• Sandra (10/5): Grear place to stay inYamanouchi - This place was amazing, all the employees bent over backwards to make sure we were happy and informed on all activities. Highly recommend this hotel!!!! Hotel was super clean and comfortable.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The staff at this place were very warm and welcoming. They went out of their way to make sure my stay there was comfortable as possible. Love this place will definitely stay there again.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Excellent hostel. The staff were so nice and friendly. Great location with complimentary shuttle bus to the monkey park. Nice little cafe inside also. I thoroughly recommend. Thank you staff 😁
• Gavin (8/5): Perfect couple of days - Great staff, great little café. Forget the day trip, stay a night. Enjoyed our stay Thanks
• John (10/5): - We booked this hotel because of its closeness to the snow monkey park.The staff are all young really nice eager to please and generally couldnt do enough for you.They all speak good english as well. There is a bus stop just around the corner to get to the park you could walk but its steeply up hill all the way.Bear in mind its a 30 minute up hill walk once you get off the bus. The hotel is a traditional japanese inn so its mats on the floor shoes off in the lobby no ensuite its nice if you buy into the whole experience.The staff give give you a free lift back to the train station after check out as well.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Very helpful staff, clean and comfortable room - The staff were very welcoming and were incredibly helpful. The ryokan has access to a number of nearby onsen and there is also a free drop-off for the snow monkey park. Would definitely stay here again.
• Stephen (10/5): An overnight trip to see the snow monkeys! - Had an awesome time with some great hosts! The onsen was great and a truly unique experience.
• Melissa (6/5): Great staff, poor facilities. - The effort of the staff was fantastic and the amenities they give for free are great. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. But unfortunately the facilities are sub par to the efforts of the staff. Everything in the rooms and the washrooms was very worn to the point of gross. The bedding was so worn it looked dirty and the futon mats looked really bad. The restaurant is trying far too hard to be cute with their menu instead of making simple good food it comes across as inexperienced self indulgence. Other then breakfast the cafe isn't open when mosts guests could really use it when everyone else in town is closed and they only open when all the other and better establishments are open. They do have access to some fantastic onsens that can be used for free and we used them every night we stayed, but again it would have nice to have the bar open when we returned at 10pm for some drinks. Again the people are wonderful but I suspect that for the prices they are charging that there isn't better options in town
• Verified traveler (10/5): Very nice ryokan - This ryokan is excellent, staff is super friendly and you can really feel a traditional japanese atmosphere by entering the room. They have free shuttle for the station and for the snow monkey park, as well they have different options for Onsen around Yudanaka. Definitely recommended.
• Robert (8/5): Great way to experience ryokan with kids - We're travelling through Japan with 2 kids, 9 & 11, and didn't want the full-blown "all meals included top-end ryokan package" as that would've been wasted on the boys. We did want to experience staying in a ryokan, bathe in an onsen and hopefully see the snow monkeys, so chose the Koiishiya and don't regret the decision. Not only did we manage all our aims in less than 24-hours, when the monkeys only appeared just as we were leaving to walk back to Shiba Onsen I booked a taxi so we could stay an extra 25 mins ( having seen none for the first 90 mins), however it didn't work out and we ended up missing the train we'd planned to get back to Yudanaka ( a problem as we'd already booked seats on the two other trains to get us to Kyoto!). No problem to the staff though - they immediately offered to drive us, not to the local station, but one 20 mins away which allowed us to get back on our plan, with no expectation of payment - truly fantastic service. We really enjoyed our visit to beautiful Shibu Onsen and the Koishiya experience was a big part of that. It's a great way to experience staying in a ryokan without breaking the bank, whilst having a coffee shop and restaurant within your hotel and access to a couple of lovely onsen - we'd definitely recommend it.
• Rick (10/5): A real taste of hospitality! - Really enjoyed my stay. Mizuki, Itsuya sp? were delightful. Patient, kind n helpful. Not a real ryokan, but the complimentary onsen offsite was real nice n the restaurant food was surprisingly good. Nice setting as well which is probably why non-guests were there too. Their dorm only had 3 beds and was very roomy unlike most places. I just liked everything about this place. It had a good vibe all around.
• Kirsten (10/5): One of our favourite stays in Japan - As a family of 4 we enjoyed the comfort of our quiet traditional Japanese room looking out into the "bush". Everything was spotless and comfortable and the staff very helpful and friendly. Best of all the onsen next door is stunning and so we used it 3 times a day. Food is good -particularly the breakfast is also value for money - not so sure with the dinner.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Japanese hospitality at its best - This simple, cosy hotel had the best service we experienced in Japan, which is saying a lot since we only experienced excellent service. It doesn't have its own bath but has access to others. The food is good and an interesting take on western-Japanese fusion. The shared toilets are clean and convenient. Highly recommended!
• Lindsay (10/5): Great traditional Ryokan! - We really enjoyed our stay here at this lovely Ryokan. The staff was great, the Ryokan was very cozy and close to everything! It is a traditional Ryokan with futons on the floor for beds and buckwheat pillows but we loved it! While there is no onsen here, there is access to some of the public onsen and even a few private ones for 500 yen a person. Also, the free shuttle to the monkey park and train station was great. Thanks so much for a wonderful stay!
• Laura (10/5): Great place! - Shuttle service from train station, to area onsens, the Jigokundani Monkey Park and back to the train station. Stayed in traditional tatami mat room, was very comfortable. The walls are thin and others can be loud, nothing some ear plugs couldn't fix. Overall, the staff was very friendly and helpful. Food from the restaurant was delicious. I will definitely go back!
• Verified traveler (6/5): A basic crash pad - Room was clean but the place had very basic amenities... hot water only available at shared shower area but not at the 2 shared washrooms.
• Megan (10/5): A favorite in Japan - This is the second time staying at Koishiya, and every time, we have been so impressed by the high level of hospitality, and friendliness of the staff. The rooms are charming - traditional Japanese tatami... we recommend the mountain room for its views! It is so close to the snow monkey park, and they offer rides to onsens. Daisuke even so kindly offered to drive us to a restaurant in the next town. This place is very special and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique off the beaten path experience. Thank you! Merci!
• Verified traveler (10/5): Japanese comfort - Cultural experience - sleep on futons you set up on the floor. The bathrooms are on 3 for guys, 2 for girls and 1 for both. Showers are on 1. The steps are steep so take care when walking. The attached restaurant is great! It's not typical Japanese food but the way they cook Japanese spaghetti was wonderful! The staff was very helpful and we were welcomed at 4pm... strict check in time. I loved our stay and would stay again if in the area.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Bugs - Place was great. Cafe down stairs was delicious. Only problem was the bus. I know bugs come in for summer but it was winter during my visit
• gaijin (6/5): Very friendly, traditional Ryokan near Jigokudani - Friendly stafff. Facilities are not fancy (shared bathrooms, common showers on first floor, etc). Location is fine, it was about a 45 minute walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park, ...although it was dumping snow. Would consider stayin there again, but would also investigate alternatives.
• Adelene (8/5): Clean and good services ryokan:) - I had an enjoyable stay. The staff are very helpful. They are able to speak English. They provided free shuttle pick up to and fro from the station. The toilets are clean and well maintained. Even though the room is a bit small and old, it is kept clean. The downside is there is no elevator, therefore carrying a heavy luggage to the 3rd floor is a task.
• MerryJoy (8/5): Friendly and helpful staffs - I have not experienced such hospitality in any hotel before this one. The owner and staff(s)(notice the plural) were so helpful and considerate that with this one point, it is worth staying there. The breakfast was great too. All you can drink coffee, tea, juice etc. They brought us a thermos of hot water.
• Alison (10/5): Convenient with friendly staff - Fantastic authentic japanese experience.
• Leils (8/5): Great choice - I was pretty satisfied with our Japanese-style room and the shared bathrooms. I was more impressed by the friendly staff and great meals at the restaurant/cafe. I had a delicious dinner there and breakfast was tasty and cheap. I also really liked their decor. They had a pretty convenient shuttle service to/from the monkey park and local onsens. I would book there again if I ever get to return to the area, or at least eat at the cafe. It is also walking distance to little souvenir shops and a sake museum that offers free tastings. I had worried about getting there from the train station because we were scheduled to miss the shuttle, but it was only a 25 minute walk from the station and otherwise volunteers would have helped us figure out the bus.
• Josh (10/5): Fantastic ryokan in a wonderful town! - Koishiya ryokan is a wonderful little place that we really enjoyed staying at. The staff are extremely helpful and speak perfect English, and the feeling is that of a welcoming inn. The building itself is quite old, but the main floor has been renovated and is very comfortable. The rooms above are older but still very comfortable; be aware that as it's an older building in the Japanese style there is very little to no soundproofing. This is fine if everyone is respectful of the other guests, so keep your voices down and it's not an issue. The onsens in Yamanouchi have a wonderful relationship with each other and the ryokans, and they all share free entry with one another so you have a choice of numerous different baths to attend (the Koishiya offers a free shuttle to each). As it was the down season we had the entire onsen to ourselves, which was lovely. Definitely recommended!
• Holly (10/5): Great great hospitality! - If you decide to walk from the train station, then follow Google Maps and it will take you about 30 minutes. As I was informed that in fact you can contact the Ryokan and they can help set up a pick up service. Or if you prefer taxi then it costs around 1500 yens to the ryokan. We were greeted by Shinji. His English is excellent and he is very informative on the area like where to eat, which onsen to go to, or how to get to the monkey park. Overall, the room is cozy and has all the necessities you need. Not so lavish but it is a great place for the price. However, what makes us want to come back is the hospitality of the hosts. They can not be anymore helpful. Unfortunately, just our luck, the day we paid a visit, the monkeys did not come down to the hot springs. What can you do? Sometimes things don't go the way you want to but that just means we will have to pay a visit back in the future.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Great upscale hostel - Great staff! But I did not know that this ryokan did not have access to the public baths the street is known for. They do provide some excellent other options! Would stay again - especially for that price and the great staff!
• Paul (8/5): Nice staff at an affordable. cozy Ryokan. - This is a more rustic experience, but our young children loved the futons on the floor. It was a surprisingly cold with a heater that shut off after 5-10 minutes. (April snow while we were there). Other than that, it was a neat old neighborhood and the breakfast was decent. Nice wine and craft beer selection at night. Might be a good idea to stock up at the train station convenience store before you arrive. No decent shops within walking distance. The onsen isn't at the place, but they'll bus you there. Great staff.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Japan Getaway weekend - Just a wonderful touch of Japan. The Onsen was great. Good food. Great staff and a wonderful location. Right out side the rooms window we saw snow monkeys can not ask for better.
• Ellen (10/5): Great ryoken - This is a great guesthouse, very friendly staff who explained everything they offer. The common room is really nice, a great spot to talk to other travelers, order food, drinks, watch tv. The traditional rooms are fun to stay in, futons on the floor(although not as comfortable as I hoped), ricepaper wall and a fun warning to close your windows when you leave the room or monkeys will get in. The room price comes with access to a beautiful onsen, shuttle service included.
• Adrian (10/5): Great Ryokan in a great location - Went here March of 2016 and had an Amazing time. We arrived at the train & took a taxi to the ryokan [900¥], the staff was so nice they took in our luggage and we went to the snow monkeys [30 min inclined walk to the monkey park gate] or a quick 5 min taxi ride to the gate [900¥] the ryokan does offer a free shuttle at 11am to the monkey park, make sure not to miss that. The rooms were clean and quiet. The staff helped us find a private Onsen across the street due to our tattoos. It was awesome. They also will give u a ride to the train station after checkout, just ask them.
• Verified traveler (10/5): see the snow monkeys without breaking the bank - the cafe connected to the hotel was really cute. staff shuttled us to where we wanted to go, they were very kind and friendly. this was a perfect place for an overnight or more if you want to relax
• Larry (10/5): - Excellent, friendly staff!

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