Wafu-No-Yado Masuya

Yes very nice hotel that’s a blend of traditional style and western beds. We did one night stay so that’s why we can go to Snow Monkey park in the morning and also experience Shibu onsen. Because it’s not one of the Ryokan in the village itself you don’t get to do the 7 onsens in the village but the hotel has 2 very nice onsens that you can experience the hot springs naturally (indoor and open air). We booked the hotel with dinner and breakfast and they were delicious!!! See pictures… definitely recommend that because eating options in the village is minimum. We got picked up right away from the Yudanaka station by the hotel shuttle and in the morning the shuttle also drove us to the monkey park. However, you have to take the local bus back to the hotel on your own and pay the fare. The bus stop is not where you’re dropped off so you have to walk down to the stop. The room is really nice and they provided Yukata for us to wear which is really nice. You can wear that throughout the hotel. The room is really big and we had two double beds and has nice window views. We had a really nice stay and is a bit more expensive but so much is included.

I had an amazing stay here, and it’s one I will fondly remember during my trip to Japan forever. The staff does speak some English (which I wasn’t prepared for), you just need to be patient. I paid to use the private bath and it was AMAZING and a fantastic value. They served a green tea upon arrival, and the Kaiseki dinner was the best meal I had in Japan. Truly a treat and I’m glad I did this. They also happened to give me a ride from Yudanaka station for check in (arrived to the station after 3pm) and let me keep my bags there after checkout while I hiked up to the snow monkey park (recommend taking a cab for this). I also recommend booking the room with the dinner and breakfast- the town is very charming but has few restaurants. Maybe it was the season or day of the week I went, it seemed most places were closed and the one restaurant I saw had I sign outside that said it was full for reservations, so if you don’t have a meal planned you’d have to walk or cab to Yudanaka for a meal. The food and on site restaurant staff was fantastic, and was able to explain the menu to me in English which was a nice touch. Highly recommend!

Amazing family run ryokan just few minutes drive from Snow Monkey Park. Booked a room with a private in-room onsen but it didn't make much sense as the bath was hot but there was no hot water in the shower. The room was spacious with comfortable beds and futon. Nice yukatas and socks were provided in the room. Public baths in the ryokan are great (especially outdoor area), we tried both of them. The kaiseki dinner and japanese breakfast are VERY delicious. The staff and the owner are so nice and welcoming. The free transfer to the Monkey Park is available at 9:45 am

Fabulous authentic stay, where we were made to feel very welcome. We booked the private onsen in advance for 2500 yen (just email them) and that was brilliant. The dinner was exceptional and we dont think that we have ever experienced as many courses before. Each one being explained. Their best quality sake was extremely smooth and a bargain it just over 3000yen. Yukatans were provided and everyone enjoyed wearing them, be that around the hotel or at meal times. The Japanese breakfast was very filling and we loved the sweet omelet. If you are going up to the monkey park just let them know at reception when you check in and they will take you up at 945am. To get back down there are plenty of buses but just check the timings, and if you are travelling to Nagano have a look for the express bus which takes you direct from the monkey park to negano station for 3000yen Nb you can book all the bus tickets down at main bus stop below the monkey park entrance way. A fantastic stay and a fabulous hotel.

Note that this ryokan is not part of Shibu onsen premise. It is part of Andai onsen. You will not get the master key to the 9 public baths of shibu onsen if you are planning to do that.

Location is great, hotel provides shuttle transfer to and from station, and also transfer to Snow Monkey Park. The email communication is very slow, but can simply give them a call the day before to book the shuttle bus, the receptionist can all speak simple English. We booked the very basic room which the bathroom is very tiny, upgrade your room if you can.