Maruka Ryokan
Location: Hirao 3109, Yamanouchi, jp
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Ryokans
About this Property
Japanese-Style Accommodations with Traditional Touches
Located in the heart of the Yudanaka hot-spring area, Maruka Ryokan offers a truly authentic Japanese experience. From tatami floors to futon bedding, immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture during your stay.
Relaxation and Comfort
Unwind in the public hot-spring bath after a day of exploring the nearby attractions. Enjoy the serene views of the traditional garden from your room and embrace the tranquility of this charming ryokan.
Convenient Shuttle Services and Local Attractions
Take advantage of the free shuttle service from Yudanaka Train Station and explore the surrounding area with ease. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Heiwa Kannon and Ryuou Ski Park, all just a short distance away.
Experience the beauty of Japanese hospitality at Maruka Ryokan - book your stay now for an unforgettable getaway.
Important Information
Guests with a tattoo may not be permitted to enter public bathing areas and other public facilities.
To use the hotel's free shuttle, call upon arrival at Yudanaka Train Station. Contact details can be found on the booking confirmation.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
An accommodation tax per person, per night is not included in the price and must be paid at the property.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Free beach shuttle
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Massage services
- Non-smoking throughout
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Kid meals
- Public Bath
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- Key access
- Process in place to check health of guests
- Access to health care professionals
- Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
- Security alarm
- Thermometers for guests provided by property
- Free wired internet
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Free beach shuttle
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Japanese garden
- Ski lift privileges
- Snow sports gear
- Accessible shuttle
- No accessible shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Traditional Room, Non Smoking (Wakakusa, kasumi)
3 Twin Futons
Layout - Sitting area and tokonoma (alcove)
Entertainment - 32-inch TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and electric kettle
Sleep - A down duvet, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Shower, slippers, and free toiletries
Practical - Wardrobe or closet
Comfort - Air conditioning, heating, and tatami floors (woven mat)
Accessibility - Grab bar near toilet
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Heating
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Down comforter
- Bedsheets provided
- Tokonoma (alcove)
-
Traditional Room, Non Smoking (Hanasho-bu)
3 Twin Futons
Overlooking the garden
Layout - Sitting area and tokonoma (alcove)
Entertainment - 32-inch TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and electric kettle
Sleep - A down duvet, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Shower, slippers, and free toiletries
Practical - Wardrobe or closet
Comfort - Air conditioning, heating, and tatami floors (woven mat)
Accessibility - Grab bar near toilet
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Heating
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Down comforter
- Bedsheets provided
- Tokonoma (alcove)
-
Japanese-Style Room with Shared Bathroom
The triple room includes a shared bathroom, well-fitted with a bath or a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The air-conditioned triple room features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tatami, a wardrobe, an electric kettle as well as garden views. The unit has 3 futons.
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Heating
- Shared toilet
- Slippers
- Satellite channels
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Yukata
- Socket near the bed
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
-
Economy Triple Room with Shared Bathroom
The triple room includes a shared bathroom, well-fitted with a bath or a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The air-conditioned triple room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tatami, a wardrobe, an electric kettle as well as garden views. The unit has 3 futons.
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Heating
- Shared toilet
- Slippers
- Satellite channels
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Yukata
- Socket near the bed
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
Guest Reviews
- Jamesyn (10/5): - The workers are very kind and the rooms were beautiful and comfortable.
- Martín (8/5): Autenticidad ryokan - Auténtico japonés, antiguo, pero auténtico. Desayuno muy rico y completo, habitación muy bonita. Onsen bien caliente Alguna que otra telaraña, pero es que los propietarios son muy muy mayores
- CHIA TZU (10/5): - 朝ごはん
- Ho (9/5): -
- Simone (9/5): - Hosts are very kind and helpful. Dinner was just delicious and the house is beautiful. Very close to Yudanaka station and convenient for Snow Monkey Park bus! Perfect if you want to experience a real japanese style accomodation. Common rooms are very cold (we stayed during winter time), so prepared to wrap yourself up with additional layers.
- gaelle (9/5): Ryokan traditionnel dans son jus - Très bon emplacement, proche de la gare, ligne de bus à proximité à côté d'un temple et d'une source chaude avec un bain de pieds. Les propriétaires sont très gentils, nous avons pu goûter une pomme fuji de la région. Le chauffage d'appoint c'est coupé pendant la nuit, réveil un peu frisquet.
- Alejandro (10/5): HERMOSO - Todo estuvo increíble 😍
- Ximena (10/5): - La habitacion.... Vivir experiencia tipica
- Wilfredo (2/5): -
- Kathe (2/5): - Denne ryokan er totalt nedslidt, og meget beskidt. Værelset have nedslidte møbler, med spindelvæv alle vegne og sengetøjet virkede ikke rent.
Parret der har stedet var rigtig søde, men virker for gamle til at drive stedet.
Vi valgte at checke ud igen, da vi ikke havde lyst til at blive boende.
- Yohann (8/5): -
- paola (10/5): - Come ritornare indietro nel tempo, futon comodissimi camera grande ad accoglierci i simpatici proprietari e in camera l ,acqua era gia pronta per te verde e biscotti ! Una meraviglia dormire al canto dei grilli !
- Kiana (10/5): - What a beautiful stay. So authentic, kind and respectful. The loveliest experience - one that we will cherish.
- EMANUELA (2/5): - Il posto peggiore dove sono stata! La struttura è decadente, sporca. Neppure una stalla e’ in quelle condizioni. Andate altrove ma non li. Vorrei allegarvi le foto! Non ci sono parole per descriverlo, terribile
- Hans (9/5): -
- Jaume (7/5): -
- ASAFUMI (6/5): - 素泊まりで3泊しました。
1泊当り150円の入浴料金が別途支払う必要があります。
田舎のおばあちゃんの家のような感じの旅館で、建物は古く、掃除が追い付いていないのか、網戸がほころんでいたり、クモの巣があったりします。
ただ宿泊料金が安いので、仕方ないかな、と思います。
全体的に昭和を感じさせるレトロな宿で、外国人旅行客には面白い体験になると思いました。
トイレと洗面所は共同です。
お風呂は3人入れるかどうかの広さです。
蛇口と椅子は1つだけですが、風呂桶は5~6個ありました。
お湯はとても熱い温泉です。
なお宿の近くにある温泉の共同浴場にも入れます。
洗濯機も貸してもらえ、助かりました。
宿のおばあちゃんとおじいちゃんは、とても気さくな方でした。
機会があったら、また泊まるかもしれません。
- Sanae (8/5): - 設備は古いですが、必要なところは清潔です。お湯も良くてゆっくり滞在できました。スタッフの親切さや心配りの行き届いた朝食は古き良き温泉宿を彷彿させる宿です。駅前にはコンビニもあり不便は感じない。また訪れたい。
- Lucas (10/5): - A beautiful and rustic ryokan run by a lovely older couple and their son. The building and it’s location are incredible, just a short walk from Yudanaka Station and Shibu Onsen.
- Brodien (10/5): Old school hotel - I liked the charm of an old ryokan. The quietness of th place is amazing.
The food served for breakfast and dinner was delicious.
The hosts were vers nice and adorable.
It's close to the train station.
- Skylar (10/5): - I very much enjoyed my stay at this little gem in the beautiful Onsen town of Yudanaka in the mountains. This ryokan is owned by an older Japanese couple. It had a private Onsen on site, so if you are not comfortable with the idea of using a public Onsen, I recommend this ryokan for you. Do keep in mind, this is an old building and is not a flashy or fancy place by any means. My stay here was very comfortable, and it feels very homey and safe here. This place is located very conveniently near the Yudanaka train station (10 min walk) and the Snow Monkey park (10 min bus ride to the top- then a 30 min hike to the park). There are also very many site-seeing spots nearby. Shibu Onsen and the World Peace statue are both musts. If you are considering coming to this cute sleepy unseen town, I recommend staying here.
- Lenny (5/5): Don’t expect too much! - Lots of character and the traditional aspect of the property. The onsen and general facilities were very old. We stayed during winter so the hallways were freezing.
- Christian (7/5): Good -
- Charlotte (8/5): Traditional Ryoken - It is as it says a very traditional ryoken and loved the experience of it! My room had a lovely view of the garden and I spent a lot of time sitting just peacefully looking out.
Very close to a bus stop that takes you to snow monkey park (and only 10 minute walk from train station from Nagano). As others have said it could do with a bit of a dust and the hallways are freezing (I was there in January so winter so to be expected).
The WiFi only works in 1 room so I had to rely on my own data while in my room.
Onsen is an extra charge and was very hot (again know this isn’t the owners fault).
- Minh (10/5): Exceptional -
- Lyman (4/5): - Owners are nice people. Seems family-owned, so very traditional and homely. However, facilities are extremely dated, and there were cobwebs everywhere, which made me highly doubt the cleanliness...
- Martin (10/5): - Unique Japanese experience
- Brandon (8/5): Very good -
- Arnie (10/5): Maruka Rtokan - Relaxed, friendly service. A delicious breakfast. A good traditional experience with wonderful foot bath right outside the front door.
- Hazel (8/5): Would recommend! - The room was very spacious and the breakfast was filling and delicious. The common amenities were also well maintained and the staff was very kind and helpful.
- Carlos (6/5): Pleasant - Very friendly staff and big rooms Need a hard cleaned and some repairs.
- Md1370 (8/5): Very good - Kind owners, lots of space, delicious meals. You will like this place if you enjoy simple, cosy, authentic accommodation. The views out of my room were beautiful, and the atmosphere – peaceful. A bit old, dusty, spider webs here and there. An old house, so sound isolation isn't great. Personally, these things didn't bother me much, and didn't spoil the overall positive impression.
- Rita (10/5): Super Recommended Place to Stay! - I loved the hosts, the traditional style of the ryokan, the room was absolutely gorgeous, the location was really nice too :) and the onsen had really nice piping hot water! Loved it!! I liked everything :)
- Nathan (8/5): Very good -
- Beaver (10/5): Exceptional - Beautiful traditional Ryokan with lovely hosts. The location is perfect, surrounded by nature. The onsen onsite was so nice and the food was delicious. We loved the fresh air and beautiful space.
- Pearn (9/5): Superb -
- Lily (10/5): Exceptional - The hosts are extremely welcoming and generous. We had a wonderful time. The room was beautiful and spacious.
- yuki (10/5): - 古風ですが、夏の湯田中エリアはとても静かで過ごしやすく快適に過ごせました。
- Sandy (8/5): Very good - The couple who run the ryokan are lovely and the setting is tranquil. The rooms are authentic and huge and very relaxing. It's an easy walk to Yudanaka Station where there is a bus to the Snow Monkeys and the Sorra Terrace. The bathrooms needed cleaning and the onsen needed an upgrade.The only place open to buy food was Lawson.
- Corrie (7/5): Comfortable ryokan - Lovely older couple and the room was quite nice. Good location and quiet. Seeing the snow monkeys was amazing. We also took a day trip to Obuse which was nice. Could use a good cleaning especially the sinks. The onsen was really hot and wifi is spotty at best.
- Bastiaansen (8/5): Pleasant stay - Very friendly staff and beautiful surroundings Building had seen better days
- CCA (8/5): - Hosts are gracious and kind. We were picked up at the train station and taken to the monkey park right away. Driver met us to return us to the inn and took us to train station the next day. Inn is very old and needs some maintenance but it is clean and historically beautiful. Very reasonably priced and conveniently located for a walk to dinner. We stayed in July and we had A/C in the room but the open air was nice in the morning and evening.
- Metin (6/5): - Der Ryokan hat einen urigen scharm jedoch lassen sich hygienische Bedingungen zu wünschen übrig.
Es ist sehr schade, den der Ryokan liegt in einem ruhigen Ort und ist zu Fuß ca 10 min vom Bahnhof Yudanaka entfernt.
Die Gastgeber, ein älteres Ehepaar sind sehr nett und lieb und sind steht's bemüht mit ihren Möglichkeiten, den Gästen zu Seite zu stehen.
Hier wird kaum Englisch gesprochen.
Wenn die Sanitäranlagen und die Räume eine ordentliche Renovierung bekommen würden und die Reinigung insgesamt sich verbessern würde, wäre es ein sehr schöner Ryokan.
- Pierre (10/5): - Very friendly owner and unique experience. Definitely recommending
- Abigail (6/5): Comfortable, good location, but could do with a clean! - The room was the traditional style Ryokan, large space with comfortable futons and seating area. A heater was provided. The hotel had a private onsen (but it was Very hot). The late check-in was useful and the staff were friendly. The place could do with some dusting and removing cobwebs. Felt a bit old and slightly filthy.
- Klara (10/5): Beautiful old Japanese inn run by friendly family - perfectly located for seeing the snow monkeys! - Beautiful rooms and facilities. Lovely staff that left little gifts for me in the room (still dreaming of the apple juice I got!). Fantastic views of garden, wonderful traditional onsen. Nicely located close to street with restaurants and cafes, and some sights like temples and public onsens. Perfect location for going to see the snow monkeys!
- Raphael (9/5): Superb - The room is nice and cozy The first night i stayed there, around 8pm i wanted to go shower, but they already closed the corridor warmer... end up I have a cold...
- Kelsey (8/5): Really lovely onsen town. Ryoken was one of the cheapest options and you get what you pay for! - Love the set up of the room with the sitting area and table. The boiling water for tea was lovely. The heater was nice enough and very necessary. The private onsen with door that locks was very nice for my partner and I- tattoo friendly. The onsen town is so lovely! We walked down to shibu onsen for supper, it’s about a 15 minute walk. Less than 10 minute walk from the station, which is where you can catch the bus for a short ride to snow monkey park. The hosts are very friendly! The breakfast was very yummy with many options. Outdated for sure, which I knew it would be from other reviews. The heater shuts off every now and then (when the room gets to the set temperature maybe) and then it gets really cold. I thought breakfast was included, but had to pay for it after the fact. Also paid a small fee for using the onsen that I didn’t realize we would have to pay.
- Kamilia (7/5): Good - Traditional Ryokan, it was quite an experience
Great view , private onsen , calm and well heated room It's a bit complicated to get to the Ryokan with snow if you have a suitcase, i took the bus when i came there but i don't recommend it because it leaves you a bit far so you have to walk up a hill ( troublesome with snow) However the station is not far a very walkable distance if you have a back bag or of it's not snowing (wich was the case on my way back and i had less trouble)
- Rossana (8/5): Old and dusty but charming - Very charming and authentic A bit dusty
- Jamie (10/5): Fabulous stay and fantastic hosts. - This is a fantastic stay. The owners are super friendly and helpful. The breakfast was exceptional. The onsen is great. Everyone should try and stay in a ryokan while in Japan. They were very kind in waiting for me to turn up and check in later (10pm). I would recommend 100%.
- Douglas (10/5): Amazing feel - Super cool older building. They could advertise the public onsen down the road better. Not much english, but its a very very cool place to stay.
- Matilda (10/5): beautiful and comfortable ryokan in a great location run by a lovely family. - an absolutely beautiful ryokan run by a lovely family :) the room was amazing with very warm comfy beds, the view is stunning and the onsen was well needed after some snowy days! had a wonderful stay and will be back next time we are in Japan. N/A
- Gabriele (10/5): Amazing ! - The staff are very kind!
- Michael (9/5): A great experience and stay in a beautiful Japanese town. - A very authentic royokan experience with a helpful and friendly family in a very good location. All good
- Heryanto (8/5): Very good -
- Serena (8/5): - Maruka Ryokan is charming and unique place to stay in Yudanaka.
Pros:
The staff are very extremely kind and helpful, and despite our language barriers, they were able to share essential information. Breakfast is a delight - would highly recommend getting. The common hot bath is wonderful especially since the common areas tend to be quite cold. Our room was very spacious, with a traditional tatami mat area for sleeping and very comfortable blankets, a sitting room with a large window overlooking the garden and nearby temple for morning tea and small snacks that the staff replenish daily, and an attached washroom with sink only. Location is great, only 8-9 minutes of walking distance of the train station and major bus lines.
Things to know:
Most rooms share communal toilet and shower areas. Common areas are not well insulated from the cold. Rooms warm up quickly with use of electric heaters. This is not a high end onsen hotel; facilities are fairly modest but clean.
Bottom line: Would recommend staying here for a unique and homey ryokan experience, if you’re looking for peace and quiet, and if you don’t need a lot of amenities!
- Anonymous (8/5): Very good - Very authentic experice!
- Sara (9/5): Friendly and traditional onsen - It was a traditional Japanese hotel with a beautiful garden , with rooms and onsen overlooking it. The staff were super nice and the food was amazing. The building does shows its age in some places, but it add to the charm and authenticity.
- Yuki (8/5): - 共同浴場を借りられる
お湯は熱いが泉質はとても良い
- laurent (10/5): - Retour vers le passé
Des propriétaires âgés mais adorable
Simple mais tellement touchant
Si vous souhaitez une expérience unique et accepter de ne pas être dans le luxe alors cet établissement est parfait
- Natsumi (4/5): - 受付の男性の態度が悪かった
- Mark (10/5): Exceptional -
- Julie (8/5): Very pleasant stay in traditional ryokan - We very much appreciated been picked up & returned to train station at end of our stay, our room was very comfortable & pleasant facilities. Comfortable traditional room. People whom owned the property very friendly. I think there prob needs little attention to upgrading baths & small areas need bit more maintaining. Also information eg cafes & restaurants open & times buses to snow monkeys as we were picked up missed this information from tourist bureau.
- エリーク (10/5): Exceptional -
- Robinson (9/5): Fantastic stay in a traditional Ryokan - Maruka Ryokan was a fantastic choice for a weekend retreat. The property was stunning with a very traditionally Japanese style and stunning views. It is situated really close to all the necessary amenities and has an excellent private onsen. The staff are very kind and helpful. Would highly recommend it.
- Jacob (10/5): amazing - very nice facilities and owners
- Reagan (9/5): Superb -
- KATSUSHI (10/5): - 自転車で渋峠を越えたいと思い、前泊で良い場所を探していました。昭和の香りがする古い宿でしたがそれがまた良い味を出していました。街はどこも歩いて回れるし、近くの温泉も最高でした。友人に勧めたいし、また宿泊したいです。
- atsuo (8/5): とても親切な昔ながらの旅館 - ご飯なしの素泊まりで利用。おじさん・おばさんに暖かくお迎え頂きました。昔ながらの旅館で玄関から部屋まで階段多く、遠くて寒い。部屋はエアコンとガスファンヒータがあり暖かいが廊下は寒くて、トイレ・お風呂行くにも決意が必要。お風呂はシャワーの出が悪い。外湯は非常に熱くて快適。
- shigeru (8/5): - 夕食^_^朝飯食べ切れない?
又、行きたい。
- Verified traveler (6/5): 家族経営で気を使うことがない。 - 家族経営ですが、お客さんは少ないようで細かい所まで手が入っていません。他のお客さんに気を使う事がないことと、廉価なことを思えば悪くはないかもしれません。
- Verified traveler (6/5): - Let me start by saying that the hosts are super friendly and supportive. They pick you up from the train station and will drop you at the entrance of the famous monkey park.
The place itself was very cold. You can warm your room, but in the hallways you could blow condense fog. When having to use the shared bathroom you really dress up.
There’s only one shower and there’s absolutely no pressure so showering wasn’t great. The shower is in the same space as the hot spring and the window is always open. So it was very cold and no water pressure this was not ideal. But when cold you can get in the hot tub which is really hot.
Overall I think for what they offer it is too expensive. Nice people for sure and the rooms are large, but that’s about it.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - This was our first stay in a Japanese Ryokan. We had read good reviews and the reviews were exactly on point. This is not somewhere to stay if you want western luxury, but it is somewhere to stay if you want a warm, kind welcome and a real taste of traditional japanese. Our room was spacious and had a little sitting area by the window where we were provided tea and snacks every day. I don't understand Japanese heating given the constant supply of hot water in the mountains, but the only heating provided was a small gas heater. It really did warm to room up well, but it was quite chilly when it wasn't on. So be prepared for that in the winter! As with many ryokans there was no bathroom in the room. There was a toilet (one for women one for men)down the corridor and a communal sink for teeth etc. The bathroom is the onsen. Took us a while to figure it out! The communal Onsen has a sign on the door. If you flip it to 'private' then no one will come in. Inside the onsen there is a shower and little stool where you can sit and wash yourself. All the toiletries are nice and provided. Once you are fully clean you can go in the bath which is by the shower. It's a bit shabby in this room, but it's clean and the water is amazing! We had to add some cool water as it was too hot. The couple who run the Ryokan, are clearly proud of their hotel. They wanted to know where we were from (they didn't speak any English and we don't speak Japanese) so Google translate helped! They were so kind!
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Service durch Personal absolut herausragend.
Kostenloser Transfer vom und zum Bahnhof, sowie für kürzest möglichen Fußweg nach Jigokudani ( Schneeaffen ).
Hervorragendes Frühstück.
Sehr angenehme Atmosphäre. Direkter Kontakt zu den Gastgebern.
Allerdings muß das Alter des Ryokans berücksichtigt werden. Die sanitären Gemeinschaftseinrichtungen wurden durch Herzlichkeit der Gastgeber mehr als ausgeglichen. Ein Ryokan ist ein traditionelles japanisches Gasthaus. Hier kann und darf man nicht mit modernen Hotels vergleichen.
Wer sich auf eine solche Unterkunft einläßt, weiß was er tut !
Wir jedenfalls waren äusserst zufrieden und können diesen Ryokan sehr empfehlen !
- John (10/5): Different for an American - The experience was very different for this American. Though we live in Okinawa, we have never experienced the bedding, breakfast, bath or hospitality of any place we've stayed. We knew all of this going into it by the way. Bedding is on the ground, but you have some padding under you. The pillow is filled with something (everyone says rice so I'll say rice). It was in the 20s outside when we stayed, yet the blanket and heater kept us comfortable all night. I used part of my blanket to help cushion my pillow. We slept thru the night after a day of travel, and woke up rested. The breakfast was a lot of food and very food. Asian food is not a favorite of mine, but this was great. It kept us satisfied for many hours. The hospitality is second to none. You'd never find such hospitality in a chain hotel. They were very kind and drove us anywhere we needed.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Good corner ryokan near snow monkey park - The guest house was beautiful, run by an old couple who does not speak English. The room was very big and the guest house right beside an onsen and near to the train station. The shuttle service to and from the snow monkey park and the train station made it a hassle-free experience! However, the shower head was weak and the guest house seems a little old.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - A fabulous old ryokan with the best hosts ever. Everything is traditional Japan. If you're looking for modern, this is the wrong place. It is authenic. On site private onsen was a bonus (and there is no other shower). We got picked up and dropped off from the train station and monkey park as part of the service by the super frei dly staff. Highly recomend.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - sehr traditionell leider nicht mehr das neuste Ryokan aber super freundliche Eigentümer
- Marlena (8/5): - If you’re just going for 1 night to see the snow monkeys, this is a perfect ryokan. It was a very reasonable price, and included transportation to and from the hotel and to and from the snow monkey park, which saved so much fuss and planning! The actual hotel, well, it’s a bit old and a lot rustic. Shared bathrooms, and the onsen could use a scrub ( maybe you just don’t do that? What do I know). Great value, incredibly sweet hosts.
- Chris (10/5): Authentic stay with wonderful hosts - We came here to experience the Onsen town and the famous monkey park. Our hosts were fantastic and could not have been more helpful. They collected us from the train station and dropped us to and from the monkey park. The friendliness and warmth of the staff of the ryokan made the stay that little bit more special.
The building itself is older but feels very authentic as a result and the presence of a private onsen was great at the end of a long day.
Would reccomend staying here to anyone looking for a stay with genuinely lovely people in a wonderful setting.
Only regret is that we only stayed the one night and didn't avail of the breakfast.
- Michele (10/5): Quintessential Japanese Hospitality - The owners are so nice!!! Sometimes you can forget how much difference it makes to be greeted and welcomed into what is essentially a home instead of a hotel. From the moment you arrive you will be met with the biggest smiles and kindest hearts. I travel ALOT! And have met some great people and owners, and still this one surprised me. We came to the area to go to the monkey forest and to top it all off - they will literally offer to drive you there which was so nice of them! This was my first Ryokan. With all the options you have when booking I highly suggest giving this one a try versus another boring hotel you can book anywhere. It exemplifies quintessential Japanese hospitality!
- Verified traveler (8/5): - The traditional styling was great. The garden was lovely. The staff were very friendly and went out of their way to help.
- Lee Wood (10/5): - Lovely Ryokan in the Alps run by a lovely family, with their own Onsens.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Great area. Friendly staff. Good food. Ryokan a little run down.
- Scott (10/5): Delightful ryokan near Jigokudani - Maruka Ryokan is a charming traditional inn whose owners are incredibly nice and hospitable. Not only did they pick up from the train station and drive us part of the way to the monkey park, they even cleaned our muddy shoes after our hike there. We didn’t ask for any of these services, it’s just the way they treat their guests. The dinner and breakfasts we had here were among the highlights of our trip. It should be noted that the building is 100 years old and shows its age in areas.
- steve (10/5): - Our hosts were so lovely, running us around and taking great care of us. Very traditional experience in an authentic ryokan. Great experience
- Verified traveler (10/5): - We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and it was an authentic experience. Highly recommend! Wonderful staff who were very welcoming and helpful.
- aztecwolf (10/5): - What a great stay, the staff although limited in english were as nice as any as we had in our stay in Japan, and that is saying a lot. They will pick you up at the train station take you to the hotel and immediately drive you out to the Snow Monkey Park and ask when you want to be picked up. Every conversation was meet with a pleasant smile and they even gave us a little parting gift. Add on the traditional setting of the ryokan and it was 5 stars. We have recommended it to a couple of friends who have stayed at the ryokan and they all have had the same experience.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - The tatami mat room feels homely with a lovely view. Very spacious for three persons with big luggages. It's pretty well insulated during winter and they provided a very well working heater (I've had experience with ryokan with poorly working heater before) so the nights stayed warm to our comfort. Our room was pretty high up, so guests with heavy luggages should be aware that there will be a lot of stairs. The owners are very friendly and helpful, especially the grandmother. She was so nice and greeted us every time we went out and came back in. They also provide small cakes and tea in your room during arrival and we received apples the next day. There were no microwaves provided for you to use on your own but you can ask the owners if they can heat up the food for you.
Also, I had an incident where I left my glasses behind when we checked out. I messaged the owners through Expedia chat room. And they gladly offered to send the glasses to my next hotel in Tokyo with no extra charges. I am so thankful for that.
Would definitely come back for the wonderful hospitality.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Our stay at Maruka Ryokan was amazing. We enjoyed every bit of the experience. The ryokan Owners were so polite, friendly and helpful. They picked us up from the train station so that we didn’t have to lug our luggage through the snow. They were also happy to drive us to and from the snow monkey park so we didn’t have to worry about catching the public bus. The rooms were big and warm. It was great to experience a traditional ryokan. We felt very comfortable. The ryokan itself was quiet and relaxing and had an osen.
Close to shops and restaurants. Very easy and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of a big city.
Thank you.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Great family, very welcoming, pleasure to stay with. Close to shops and station. Truly traditional stay.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Extremely friendly staff very cute Japanese couple so excited to have you at their place :) complimentary shuttle! room was great very cultural and exciting to stay in. Price was right and came home every day to a complimentary snack.
Bed was thin and pillow felt like a bag of rice, again cultural :p free wifi but only in lobby
- Robert (10/5): Wonderful traditional Japanese ryokan - We had a wonderful stay at this traditional Japanese ryokan for six days in December. The hosts were great and did everything to make us feel comfortable. Transportation was provided to and from the Yudanaka train station, but it was only a 9-minute walk, so we did not use it until we left on the last day because it was snowing. Breakfast was amazing and we looked forward to it every morning. Since the location was at a natural hot spring, the bathroom included a private onsen which felt great after a day of skiing. We highly recommend this accommodation, and will plan to stay again if we return to the area.
- Robert (10/5): Authentic charming ryokan - The proprietors are great! We stayed 6 nights, and they made us feel right at home, providing us with a wonderful breakfast each morning, and help with getting to know the area. They provide transportation to and from the Yudanaka train station, but since it is only a 9 minute walk we only had them drive us to the station on the last morning when it was snowing. This ryokan is located at a hot spring, so it includes a bath which can be used as a private onsen. I highly recommend this place and would stay there again.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Recommend 10+++ It is accomodation by japanese traditional. Very nice and staff is the best support.
I hope to back again in the future
- Julia (10/5): - Location was beautiful. I loved the small village where it was located. The hosts were so kind and cordial. The ryokan itself was traditional and fun and quaint. I loved it!
- Koby (10/5): - Great place to stay for a couple of days!
Surrounded by nature and springs this is the ultimate way to feel the traditional Japanese way of living.
This family owned ryokan has it's own onsen and is walkable from other public onsens outside, some attractions and of course- the snow monkeys park which is about 4 km.
They will pick you up from the Yudanaka station upon arrival, and will drop you back.
They also offer to drive you to the monkeys park but I preferred to do it by walk through the forest. Amazing experience.
Make sure to be clear whether you want breakfast or not!
Very recommended.
- ALEX (8/5): Great stay - Great traditional home stay with lovely hosts. Rooms are comfy and spacious. Small onsite onsen as well.
- Michael (10/5): Make sure you get the breakfast! - Great little family run establishment
Very friendly staff
Very limited English
Make sure you get the breakfast extra, it's enormous and lovingly hand made
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