Shibu Hotel

Japan , Nagano
Yamanouchi, 2173 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

James Michael

The building is beautiful and clean. The staff were very sweet and incredibly helpful. We had a delicious dinner and breakfast during our stay. It's also in a beautiful location where you can listen to the river while falling asleep. If you are planning on seeing the snow monkeys, this place is a must.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2026

Skyler

Shibu hotel and the entire staff was welcoming, helpful, and perfect in every way. Hands down one of the best hotels and experiences I’ve ever had!! They are amazing and everyone should stay there - the town is stunning, the relaxation is peak, and the food and rooms are above and beyond!!

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2026

Nehemias

Friendly staff, great amenities

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2026

Monica

The Ryokan exceeded all our expectations. The food was absolutely outstanding -beautifully presented and truly memorable. The service was impeccable, attentive, kind and genuinely welcoming. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and cared for throughout our stay. Having a private onsen that we could reserve was the perfect touch. It was peaceful and relaxing.We truly enjoyed the authentic Ryokan experience.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2026

John

A great hotel in a beautiful location with incredibly kind, and attentive staff. The food here is outstandjng

10/10

Exceptional

29 Dec 2025

Shihua

The thoughtful staff, excellent kaiseiki dinner made our stay a fabulous one. The property is well kept & we experienced warm, Japanese hospitality - from lunch recommendations, snowball toys, to free flow drinks at the lobby and room. We loved Shibu Onsen town & Shibu hotel made it all the more special. The Onsen was great especially during winter.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2025

Michelle

Outstanding facilities, outstanding service!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2025

Aaron

This place was amazing! Extremely authentic feeling and the staff were extremely helpful. The food was also a great experience.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Dec 2025

Marcelo

Fantastic!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2025

William

Absolutely wonderful.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2025

ERIKA

I loved my stay here! The food was amazing. The onsite Onsen (for hotel guests) was wonderful. The staff were kind and patient with my lack of Japanese language. I loved the snow monkeys at Jigokudani. The town has several small (delicious) bakeries and ramen lunch places. The whole visit was a delight.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2025

Shirley

Very warm and welcoming team, shuttle services are offered for pickup and drop off at Yudanaka station.l and also to Snow Monkey Park. The room is spacious and equipped with all the amenities. Free drinks offered in room and also in lobby. We booked breakfast and dinner which was such a sensory and delicious experience. I used the private outdoor onsen both days and really enjoyed the experience. All in all a healing 3 day 2 night vacation thanks to the hotel’s hospitality.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2025

Chris

Room and staff were wonderful as were the on site public and private indoor and outdoor baths.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2025

Stephen

Wondering hotel in lovely surroundings,
Staff made us very welcome and comfortable, the Perfect end to our holiday.
Would highly recommend

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Oct 2025

Miki

Great service with good foods.

The spa was not big but was clean and comfortable. All the staffs were so polite and gave us VIP treatment. The owner was very accommodating with our plans. I would highly recommend this hotel if you are in Shibu Onsen village.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2025

Anthony Drew

Our stay at Shibu Hotel was a memorable highlight of our trip. The staff were extremely helpful and provided us with boots and umbrellas after we told them we wanted to venture out into the rain to view the monkey park.
Our dining experiences were equally as pleasant with the staff greeting us and explaining the menus to us in detail.
The area around the hotel was quiet and peaceful as well. On top of that all, the private bath offered was the last relaxing piece of the puzzle we needed.
Thank you to all the staff members present!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2025

Jessica

Staff was kind and attentive, we got a great authentic experience with the dinner and breakfast addition. We would love to come back!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2025

Jeffrey

Staff made us very welcome and the shuttle service was excellent. The dining at the hotel was a very special experience (our first). An excellent choice.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2025

Sarah

We had a fantastic stay at Shibu Hotel. The staff were so kind and welcoming. They made us feel so special throughout our stay. The Kaiseki dinner was such an experience. The room was very nice, clean and had nice decor. I would recommend this hotel to anyone staying in Shibu Onsen.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2025

Jamie

Excellent place to experience Japanese Onsens

Excellent service and delicious food. The hotel is clearly well run and cared for. The onsen baths in the hotel were the perfect temperature and the location ideal.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 May 2025

EIRINI

Off the beaten path… beautiful scenery and people

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2025

Joshua

The property could stand some renovation, but was nice overall and in a pretty location. The best part was the staff. They were very kind, considerate, helpful and accommodating. I appreciated them very much. And when I think back on my stay, that will be what I most distinctly remember.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2025

Scott

We thoroughly enjoyed our Ryoken experience. We stayed in the Japanese style room and had dinner and breakfast. Both exceeded our expectations. The meals were served in our own private room and were very elaborate and delicious. So many different dishes were included. The staff were very nice. The onsen experience was also very fun. Finally, they made it so convenient to visit the snow monkeys upon arrival. Highly recommend.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2025

Irene

Traditional luxury Onsen experience in near Nagano

This traditional Onsen and inn has excellent staff that is very patient, kind, thoughtful, and pays attention to details. They were very friendly, and willing to speak English to explain and introduce new foods. No matter what time we stopped by front desk, they answered our questions with a smile. They cleaned mud off our shoes after our visit to snow monkey park. Their shuttle service to park and train station was super helpful. They even returned my mother’s forgotten hat to her on the rapid express train before we left town after check out.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2025

Jennifer

Shibu Hotel is such a lovely place to stay the staff is very kind and attentive. Most of them spoke some English. We would definitely come back for the hospitality and beautiful location.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2025

Karen

Highlight of trip. Service excellent. Stayed 2 nights and food for breakfast and dinner different each night. So fun and delicious . Onsen each different and very relaxing. Snow monkeys incredible. Borrow boots from hotel. We forgot and they cleaned our shoes.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2025

Smittipon

One of the best staff who was always super helpful during our stay.

Food service at both breakfast and dinner were always of very high quality.

Lastly, onsen experience was also very relaxing. I recommend booking the private outdoor onsen.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2025

Fabrice

Excellent service and awesome breakfast I truly recommend and forgetting to mention to high quality of the staff

Self

8/10

Excellent

27 Mar 2025

Amir

Staying the night here was unnecessary and expensive. I would advise you to visit the monkey park and then continue onward to wherever you’re headed. Having said that should you decide to spend the night, the room was large comfortable and well appointed. Beds were comfy and there was free tea and beverages in the public lounge. The kaiseki dinner was good but the breakfast was a single tray set menu. No buffet. It’s a sleepy town with 9 onsens, so spring onwards might be worth to get the onsen key, put on your Yukata and go to town (sic). The owners brother drives the shuttle to the money park and the station. He is a lovely person!!! Oh and don’t miss the Chokkun Izakaya. The owner is a character alongwith his wife so you will have a very enjoyable and filling meal - guaranteed.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2025

Michaela

Amazing staff that are so accommodating, the dinner was a great experience and the food was delicious. Couldn't fault the experience here.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2025

Raphael

A wonderful spot to experience Shibu Onsen

Such a wonderful stay! The staff were so friendly and accommodating. They drove us to and from Yudanaka station, and had no trouble offering us vegetarian kaiseki.

The room was spacious and comfortable, with a great sunset view.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2025

Barbara

Top notch

We felt like royalty. Excellent food and service. The van ride to the Monkey Park and the outdoor private onsen was icing on the top! Highly recommend!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2025

David

Beautiful, serene place to visit snow monkey park

Very caring staff and thoughtful experience. The private and group onsens on site were beautiful and clean. The guidance and support navigating the town were exceptional. Will go again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2025

Hsin-Ming

Lovely onsen hotel, Shibu Hotel

Lovely service with top notch onsen

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2025

Verified traveler

great clean helpful proprietor, they go out of their way to accomodayte any request, will come again

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2025

Casey

Incredible stay.

Incredible experience. Hotel was clean and comfortable, the staff is very helpful and nice, and I had some of my favorite meals in all of Japan. Would highly recommend this place.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2025

Kerri

We were picked up from the train and immediately got a ride to the monkey park, a major reason for our visit. The hotel then sent a shuttle to pick us up and return us to the hotel where our luggage had already been taken to the room. This was a more traditional place with shoe removal and slippers provided. Dinner was incredible despite my not loving a few of the items in the set course menu. Breakfast was equally fulfilling. We did not take advantage of the public onsens due to our short visit but did use the private onsen in site. At the end of the stay we were driven back to the train station for our departure and given a small token of candies. An excellent stay!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2024

Verified traveler

何と言っても従業員の方々が素晴らしいかったです。
これぞ温泉旅館！といった感じでした。
ありがとうございました。

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2024

Kay

Superb onsen experience. Our room was very clean with comfortable tatami/futon. Outdoor and indoor onsen was very pleasant as were the private onsen. Kaiseki was delicious and filling. Most of all staff and owners were very welcoming and kind. Will come back.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2024

Teresa

Best hotel near snow monkey river

The staff was amazing. Very friendly and professional. I especially like the fact that they picked us up from our bus stop and took us to Snow monkey River. Thereafter, we called them, and they picked us up and took us to the hotel. The private onsen was amazing. I enjoyed it. The 13 course meal was exceptional and tasty This is a must place hotel to be at because they make the whole transition from the bus stop to their place very easy. There is a couple that runs the place and they are helpful, professional, and beautiful!!!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2024

David

We had the best time at the Shibu Hotel! The staff was so friendly and went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel welcome in their little slice of paradise. Our room was beautiful! We were given rides to and from the train station, rides to and from snow monkey park, two great meals, and friendly helpful service at every juncture. The hotel’s private and public onsen’s are great but don’t miss out on the public bath house tour!!! The hotel perfectly placed in the middle of the public bath house tour and will give you a map and a key to access each little bath. One of the best experiences of our entire Japan trip (or any trip). I would also pick one night to and try one of the local restaurants. We loved our smokey bar and home closing experience at a place down the road called Chokkun Izakaya.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2024

David

Kazuyoshi and family was so nice and kind. They provided the highest quality service and hospitality we’ve had so far ever! Their property is so healing and peaceful with their on property private Onsen’s. Their close location to the snow monkey park was so worth it as well! Their dining experience was so amazing and delicious! We will bring our family back for sure.

Mahalo and Aloha Kazuyoshi San and family! Much respect and a Big Thank you! Jya mata!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2024

Kerry

Family most friendly and gracious

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2024

Dennis

Beautiful historic property. Comfortable rooms. The hot spring baths make this a must. Very close to snow monkey park and the best part - they will shuttle you from the train station, to the hotel, to the monkey park, to dinner and to the train station. Staff is very helpful. Awesome place.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2024

valerie

The love and attention the owners put into this property making sure all our needs was taking care of has surpassed our expectations. You are treated as a guest in their home. Will definitely recommend. Our family made incredible memories there.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Dec 2023

Dan

Soulful and relaxing

The most wonderful place, beautiful location and kind service. The private onsen is definitely worth the visit. And the food service is traditional and generous. Only a few minutes from the snow monkeys and the staff will take you there and pick you up.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2023

Yu Jing

Shibu Hotel is very beautiful. Our Deluxe Twin room looks like new. The room is much larger than advertised. We were lucky to book half board as the private dining room is beautiful and the staff is just so courteous. The meals are so beautifully decorated and delicious. The onsen is clean and very warm. We were picked up from the train station and were driven to the Snow Monkey Park. We love this place and will definitely come back.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2023

James

A really incredible town and hotel. The service and hospitality was amazing. A really great stay.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2023

Steven

Family Run Ryokan Provides Exceptional Service

The Shibu Hotel is a family run ryokan. The service level is beyond exceptional. They both fulfilled everything we wanted before we asked, but found ways to make our stay more pleasant than we had thought of.

The kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts were rich, varied and authentic. And again the staff that served us were exceptional.

While we enjoyed the village onsens, the onsens at the Shibu Hotel were our favorites.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2023

Erin

A fantastic place to stay. The staff are just exceptional. Was very kindly welcomed and was offered transport to and from the monkey park. In detail instructions for the onsens were provided along with the traditional robes and shoes. I highly recommend staying here. Just ensure you contact the property with you train arrival time asap so you don’t have to walk from the station

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2023

greg

Very friendly staff. Lovely stay. Great location for onsens.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2023

Nikolaj

Really nice hotel.

Great hotel with a clean, large room. The Onsen hot bath was absolutely awesome: you can have it private and outdoors or indoors.
Very helpful staff has completed an overall picture.
Highly recommended.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2023

Gideon

Stunning traditional Japanese hotel, with onsen onsite. The kaiseki meals were spectacular, and they accommodated dietary requirements impressively well. Fantastic place to stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2023

Elizabeth

Wonderful hotel and a must stay!

I absolutely loved the Shibu Hotel! The staff were incredible. They were extremely helpful and kind during our entire stay. There are public bathhouses around the area that you get free access to. You can also use the hotel's private onsen which was AMAZING. The dinner and breakfast were very delicious! And they offer a shuttle to and from the snow monkey park nearby. I would definitely stay here again!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2020

Cristina

The free shuttle service is really good. The staff drove us from and to the station and also to the monkey park. They even made sure I could buy the famous apples from Nagano before leaving town (which are much more expensive anywhere else)

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2020

Verified traveler

So much to say about Shibu Hotel so let me start with the big points

- Free pickup from Yudanaka Station - you can transfer here from Nagano (go down the steps). Call the Shibu Hotel when you know your train time
- Free transfer to the Snow Monkey Onsen leafing you to do the last 10 mins on flat ground - MUCH appreciated
- Free secure key access to 9 Onsen in the town + 3 at the Ryokan = TWELVE Onsens are for your use. Ask for the ‘souvenir towel’ (in red envelope) and you can get a stamp for visiting each Onsen + a 10th stamp from a small shrine above Onsen number 9. Check the example of a completed towel to the right of reception.

The hotel is a Ryokan which means traditional Japanese style without skimping on quality. There are some basic rules about Ryokan the owners will be all too happy to explain to you which are simple things like leaving your shoes at the door. Optionally you can wear a sized Yukata (similar to a kimono) for your stay and even when visiting the neighbouring onsens (it makes changing easier and you won’t look out of place). They’ll be ready and welcoming with a smile and “make yourself at home” mantra that is embodied thoughout your stay.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2020

Rory

Brilliant experience!

A really enjoyable stay. Everybody was very friendly, welcoming and helpful and the room was clean and comfortable. We were taken up to, and collected from, the nearby Snow Monkey Park. This was great to see with the monkeys out in large numbers. In and around the hotel you are encouraged to wear the traditional Yukata which adds to the experience and we enjoyed the use of the hotel’s private onsen. Both dinner and breakfast were excellent, fantastically presented and we had the added pleasure of our own private dining room. An evening walk around the Main Street where most of the nine renowned public onsen are located was rich in atmosphere with the way the wonderful old buildings are lit at night.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2020

Dina

Gem of a place

This was a delightful hotel with amazing customer service. Get the breakfast and spend time visiting the onsens!

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Feb 2020

Timothy P

Wonderful Traditional Stay

Hotel itself is becoming a bit dilapidated. Any lacking of hotel condition is made up with the friendliness and service of the staff. They treat you like family and happily go the extra mile to ensure an enjoyable stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2020

Thomas

Absolutely delightful experience. The staff is attentive and courteous.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Outstanding

Outstanding place in the heart of Shibu Onsen. A genuine Japanese experience. A friendly, competent staff.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2020

Martina

Traditional hotel in beautiful traditional town.

We spent big money compared to the rest of our trip, not realising we had picked one of the most popular venues of the area. From the moment we arrived we felt looked after. Staff picked us up from the train station. English speaking staff helped us check in and settle into our room. Including sizing the yukata to wear. We were driven to and from the monkey park. We had access to the onsen on site as well as the communal ones in town. We had a map of stores and restaurants. The hotel is very traditional. The room fit 4 very comfortably. The room was a tatami room. Nice touches like our shoes being left ready at the door when they knew we were going out. And the lovely matriarch even bagged us joice and lollies to take when we left as it was really early in the morning. It was expensive but absolutely worth it.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Extremely courteous and friendly service. This was our first Ryoken experience and it could not have been better! Close to Main Street and the hotel provides shuttle to/from snow monkey park and the train station.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Extremely helpful hotel staff. We were surprised that driver offered us a free ride to the snow monkey place upon our arrival at the train station.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2019

Julia

Amazing staff, loved the location

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2019

Diane

Fantastic ryokan

What a fantastic ryokan. The hotel met us at the train station, then showed us the 3 onsen at the hotel and then took us up to a huge bedroom. There were 3 Japanese beds made up for us plus a little sitting room. A separate toilet and shower. There was a safe, lots of electrical outlets, a fridge, cold water carafe, yukata, and overcoat to wear in the hotel and outside. Everything was clean and so lovely. We had a wonderful view of the mountains and river.
They also took us up the snow monkey park entrance (and will pick you up, too -although we walked back down).
Very attentive staff. Always trying to help you. There are a couple of people there who speak English.
We did have the Japanese dinner there one night. There must have been 12-15 courses (I stopped counting after a while). Delicious but be aware that a lot of it is fish in case you don’t like fish. There was beef as well.
I would stay there again in a heartbeat.
We had room 504 with a great view of the river and mountains.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Shibu is an older hotel but don't let that sway you. We stayed in a Ryokan in Kyoto, two adults and our teenaged daughter and this one was much bigger in comparison with a separate large shower/bathroom and sitting area. Extremely quiet for sleeping with views of the river and mountains. The hotel staff didn't miss a thing, were extremely accommodating and polite offering free shuttles to the monkey park and train station. We came back from the monkey park with muddy shoes which our driver must have noticed as when we went out later that evening they had been cleaned off and looked brand new! Also our daughter left her little bag behind and Shibu staff contacted us immediately to advise and arrange for shipment back to us in Canada. We wanted to stay longer and enjoy the wonderful onsens both in the hotel (one of the few outdoor onsens we discovered) and in the neighbourhood.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

The manager/owner is extremely helpful and professional in providing his service which made our 1 day trip a pleasant memory. The hotel is well maintained and very clean, the staff are very professional as well by the Japanese standard. One thing worth mentioning is that they even cleaned our dirty shoes (due to the melting snow and mud from the nearby Snowmonkey park) overnight and placed them in front of the front desk tatami area when we head out. Shibu hotel has the attention to detail in a friendly way that makes you feel like the guest of honor.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2019

William

We loved the Shibu Hotel. The service was excellent. Everything about the town and this hotel were delightful. Can’t wait to come back!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Wonderful place! Such a lovely experience to stay in a family run resort that’s been around for a long time. Our corner room was wonderful. The breakfast was great and dinner was simply amazing! One of the best meals I’ve ever had. Absolutely loved our stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2019

Mark

Lovely experience

A very special two days staying here. Friendly, gracious hosts who could not do enough to help our enjoyment. Monkeys and ski fields in two days made so easy and relaxed by our hosts.

Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Comfortable stay in the countryside.

It was a relaxing stay and staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. The food was just ok though. I’ve stayed at other Ryokans and this one just doesn’t stack up with quality, quantity and taste. Breakfast was especially disappointing.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2018

may-ling

Very friendly and helpful. Great meals.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2018

Christian

Great hotel, in centre of Shibu with nice Onsen

Great hotel, in centre of Shibu with nice Onsen and very pleasant staff.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2018

Samson

This ryokan is located on the main road of the shibu onsen area. The staff was simply awesome, very humble and very friendly. They went out of their way to make sure my stay was enjoyable and memorable. They offered pick up and drop off service at Yudanaka station (I was able to use expedia messenger when I was boarding the train at Nagano station to advise them of my arrival time and they made sure the shuttle bus was waiting for me) and snow monkey park (even made sure to provide the train schedules for the day we left to make sure we were able to maximize our time at the park before being dropped off at the station). The hotel had its own onsen (indoor, outdoor and private co-ed) accessible anytime from 15:00 to 09:30. They also provide the \"town key\" to the 9 public bathhouses, a must do experience if you enjoy onsen-ing (word of warning - the water is very hot at most of the bathhouses and they are old so don't expect marble floors/shining wall tiles). When you go, I highly recommend the dinner and breakfast combo. The food was simply amazing and a great way to enjoy a traditional japanese meal. They also offer free yukata use during your stay. I highly recommend this place and would definitely stay again!!

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

The hotel was absolutely beautiful. It was more traditional and was located in a comfortable sleepy town. We really enjoyed our stay here and left feeling wonderful and relaxed. Would highly recommend their breakfast meal. It was a highlight of the trip for sure.

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2018

Verified traveler

we have been there before , so we know of the snow monkey , the walk
in the forest the Shrines and Temples ...and the little quaint village of
Yamamuchi ,

8/10

Excellent

07 Apr 2018

Katrine

Beautiful room and amazing breakfast

We really enjoyed our stay at Shibu and the breakfast was lovely!
Great accommodation if you are going to see the snow monkeys

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2018

Anthony

Amazing hotel in the heart of Shibu

We had a wonderful time at this hotel. The staff were amazing, so kind and helpful with our 3 children. They drove us up to take the children to play in the snow and to see the snow monkeys.
We cannot rate this hotel highly enough. I recommend it to anyone who visits Shibu.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2018

virginia

We fell in love with this hotel! The owners are friendly & will go out of there way to help you with anything you need! The food was delicious & so is the plum wine! Highly recommend to stay here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2018

Gregory

Came for the snow monkeys and stayed for the charm

A charming hotel with such a sweet staff. If you call ahead, they'll pick you up from Yudanaka train station. We went to see snow monkeys but really enjoyed the hotel, the public onsen in Shibu and the overall charm. If you have time to spare, I reccomend even saying for two nights to take advantage of the Onsen and enjoy the charm ok f a small mountain town.

The staff at the hotel was really great in helping us learn the customs and expectations of the onsen, while making us feel at home.

Also the breakfast was the best breakfast we've had on our entire trip. Be aware that if you're a picky eater and used to western style breakfasts, it may not be for you.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Absolutely amazing staying. Got picked up from the train station even if this was not arranged or even asked for. Extremely clean place. The on site onsen was also really nice.

Family

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2018

Verified traveler

Friendly staff and nice location.

Very warm hearted hotel staff and nice location near the 9 onsens.

8/10

Excellent

07 Jan 2018

Dorit

A lovely Japanese hotel, sleeping on futons on the floor was an uncomfortable experience for us coming from the US.
Food was excellent but the service over dinner was rushed.
Overall an awesome experience .

10/10

Exceptional

27 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Shibu hotel is a MUST.

Shibu is not just an incredible hotel but an incredible experience. Yamanouchi is a small town so don't expect a lot to do, but my family didn't mind spending most of our time at Shibu. It's conveniently located in the small town so you're next to shops and restaurants. (Check out the neighboring soba shops.) The staff feel like family and I definitely recommend paying a little extra for the provided meals because you can't find that anywhere. They have a private onsen for guests which is the biggest of the ones around Yamaouichi. We absolutely loved this family owned hotel and can't say enough good things about them.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2017

Rick

Staff

Excellent service. Pick up and drop off at the station and monkey park.

8/10

Excellent

23 Oct 2017

Kristin

Convenient and Comfortable

Shibu Hotel is located in a very cool \"onsen town\" where almost all accommodations are full-service ryokans, which is not what we wanted for this particular part of our trip. So as a more conventional type of hotel set-up the Shibu Hotel was better for us than a ryokan. The hotel has some minor quirks and it does show it's age a bit, but on the other hand the hotel had some nice Japanese touches, a high level of customer care, and everything needed for a comfortable stay. We enjoyed our stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2017

Robbie

Traditional & nice

Lovely, very raditional ryokan without being over fussy or difficult to negotiate. Rooms are comfortable, you have futon on the floor but a couple of chairs by the window. Breakfast may not be everything to Western tastes but is beautifully presented in the dining room. Onsen can also be a little confusing but well worth the effort. Decent level of English spoke by most staff. We were the only big noses in the place which added to the authentic feel, for us anyhoo

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

A traditional room in an onsen

Very, very, kind staff, excellent food, lovely traditional room. Easy access to Jingokudani Park - snow monkeys

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2017

marie

A perfect escape!

A fabulous escape, in a beautiful mountain area with full access to both the hotel and local onsens. We booked the package that included dinner and breakfast - the food was simply amazing! The town is quiet and peaceful, with visitors wearing their kimonos as they wander in the streets and go onsen hoping... exactly what we needed!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2017

Kiril

very good choice

We had an wonderful experience at Shibu hotel. We were greeted by the owner at the JR station. When we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by a very nice young man with perfect English who explained the breakfast, the room and the rules about the public baths. The dinner and breakfast were 5 star traditional Japanese meals - prepared carefully and very artistically presented. We loved the room, the place and the location.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2017

Tamie

They picked us up and dropped us off at the station and snow monkey park. Nice staff members accommodated us. Highly recommend this hotel!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

This place is wonderful. The service and people were wonderful.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2017

jeffrey

During our stay at the hotel, there were heavy snow conditions and an avalanche that occurred the day before our arrival, causing the snow monkey tourist site to close. Despite this unfortunate experience, the hotel staff members' level of service made us feel somewhat less disappointed. Everyone here are friendly and welcoming. This is one of the main aspects I look for in a great holiday.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jan 2017

Anthony

Comfortable Ryokan

Very friendly and helpful family run ryokan
Located in the middle of Shibu Onsen
They have a private lockable onsen and an outdoor onsen ( separate male and female)
Onsen closed from 9am to 4 pm
Had an amazing Kaiseke dinner and fantastic Japanese style breakfast
Recommend the sushi restaurant next door
Owner helped with parking our car outside the hotel for people driving

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2017

Glenn

Great traditional Japanese Ryoken

This was a very nice experience for me and my family. The hotel itself is very nice, but the best part is the service provided by the staff. Extremely courteous and they provided for all our requests. It's in a very nice location with 9 onsens (hot spings) within walking distance. As long as you stay in a hotel in town, you get a free key to access all of them. The hotel provides you with a Onsen outfit that we found very fun to walk around in (like a kimono with jacket and wooden sandels). The local train station is 5 min away, and they will pick you up and drop you off. Also, very close to the snow monkey park. Be advised though, that to see the snow monkeys, you will need to hike about 1 mile from the parking area. Well worth it. This hotel is highly recommended!

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2017

Gary

Wow!

This was place was great, I've never felt so welcome at a hotel! It was like we were family, they were genuinely concerned with our comfort and happiness. We were greeted at the train station and taken directly to the hotel where we were met with smiles. When we wanted to go to the Monkey park we were provided with rain boots and an umbrella, they gave us a ride and picked us up. Only regret was we only stayed one night.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2017

Verified traveler

great get away

staff were wonderful, and very helpful despite little english. food was excellent !! location was right in centre of town to make it easy to try all 9 public baths.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2016

Verified traveler

Excellent Service

Excellent service

Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2016

Alan

Wonderfully calm and relaxing.

We were only here for a short while to see the snow-monkeys nearby but the hotel was a wonderfully relaxing place to stay. The food was excellent and the staff could not have been more friendly, helpful and welcoming. We would definitely come again!

Partner