Name: Kamei No Yu
Address: 3174 Hirao Yamanochi Machi Shimotakai, Yamanouchi, 381-0401, JP

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2026

Alan

A beautiful full-service experience that exceeded our expectations. The included dinners and breakfasts not only tasted good, but also taught us about Japanese culture and customs.

Thank you to all staff for providing the experience.

8/10

Excellent

04 Jun 2026

Jayden

This was a pretty cool stay. It really feels like your at a traditional style Japanese Inn! We did both of the private onsens and they were awesome; One option is a wooden bath and the other is a stone bath, both options have an indoor and outdoor bath. It rained on our visit to the outdoor stone bath and it was a great experience, they supply hats for the rain too if you want.

We also did the breakfast and dinners. You get a lot of food for both, so make sure you're hungry, the food is pretty good though!

When it comes to downsides: I don't know if this is everyone else's experience, but when we arrived we were sat down and asked a bunch of questions about our stay (dinner and onsen reservation details, a survey about our stay, etc..) I understand that they need this info, but it was kind of a lot after our train journey when we just wanted to get in and relax. I sort of feel like it could have just been a single paper in your room to fill out and bring to the front or something. I also don't love being locked into times for things, and here you set your time for breakfast, dinner, and onsens. Again, it makes sense that they do this, and it's not a big problem, just something to note if you're planning on staying here! The only other minor downsides are that the shower head kind of sucked lol (water spraying out practically sideways, making it hard to get in the water), and the AC units were quite loud/annoying.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Sarah

We had an amazing stay. The traditional Japanese experience was a highlight of our two week trip. As guests we were able to reserve a private onsen experience each evening, which we all loved. We also had breakfast and dinner included in our stay and the food was excellent. The staff was very friendly and helpful with any questions we had about culture, food, and activities. We were traveling with our adult children and grandchild.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2026

Bruce

Incredibly relaxing environment and the host-hostess were amazing! Evening dinner and morning breakfasts were definitely a highlight. Also appreciated being able to reserve the onsen for a private experience. Would definitely return!!!

Family

4/10

Poor

24 Mar 2026

Carol

Property had exposed knob and tube, which is a fire hazard for this kind of structure. Due to the age of the inn, there is no insulation. Rooms must be heated with space heaters which further increases the risk of fire. The accumulation of dust and various other contaminants triggered allergic reactions to several members of my family. On a positive note, food was very authentic and delicious. The comments and reviews need to reflect the condition of this inn.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2026

Christine

The facility is very clean and the staff are courteous and helpful.
A unique experience of a Ryokan and make sure to enjoy the hot springs and the snow monkeys.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

Lorena

Quaint Japanese Onsen Ryokan
Amazing food for dinner and breakfast

Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2026

Aiden

The meals were beyond our wildest imaginings. There are smaller, lovely onsen available on the premises, and larger ones available at a nearby partner property. We had a lovely experience and would want to visit again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Brian

Great little inn. The hospitality was top notch. We enjoyed trying the different Onsen. We especially enjoyed the private onsen reservation. The dinner and breakfast were very fancy and tasty i

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2026

Vishakha

Incredible service, meals and onsen.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2026

Bob

Good blend of traditional appearance and modern amenities, wonderful staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2026

Daniel

Excellent attention to customers
We had a great experience

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2025

Monica V

Love this truly Japanese experience. The staff was super friendly and very helpful.
Of the 3 hotels we stayed in during out trip to Japan this was by far my favorite experience.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2025

Lee-Ann

Wow! This place ‘Kamei no yu’ was spectacular. A wonderful experience from beginning to end.

The lobby area looks out onto a little garden. The room we were put in ‘ Mizubashou’ was large enough for our family of four. Little treats provided everywhere. The famous bath ‘Momoyama’ was up the road in Yudanaka Onsen. It was wonderful to get into the yokatas provided and use the onsen in another location. And you don’t want to miss using and seeing the Momoyama bath as the place is amazing!
Dinner was served there in the same location - a huge banquet of little dishes. The breakfast was just as good but have this back at Kamei no yu.

The cost for us wasn’t cheap but now I feel like it was worth every dollar.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2025

Jeffrey

Such a wonderful experience. This smaller, quaint, relaxing spa was just the retreat we were looking for after 2 weeks of city life. We really enjoyed the slower pace, the food, and close proximity to Snow Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2025

Maxene

Absolutely fantastic!

Had a wonderful stay! The ryokan was really cute and the staff were welcoming and incredibly helpful, they even made sure we were wearing our yukata correctly before heading to the onsen. Idyllic and a picturesque location in the mountains.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2025

Dino

Unbeatable hospitality. I would definitely stay here again.

8/10

Excellent

04 Apr 2025

Krista

This traditional ryokan Onsen experience felt like traveling back in time to how Japan was years ago. We loved staying there for a night, having a half hour of free private onsen hot spring time, wearing the traditional clothing they provided and eating the traditional meal at the Beauitful restaurant down the street that is included… an experience we will always remember!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2025

Karin

We loved Kamei no Yu! The staff was welcoming and kind. Our room was lovely, clean and looked out onto the garden with lamps. We recieved a welcome sweet with tea, and some snacks in our room. We were able to reserve a bath time in the ryokan. It was a little unclear at booking that the more historic baths and also dinner was at a larger ryokan up the road just a bit. We didn't mind, especially if it keeps a smaller more personal ryokan in business. We only were here one night so we could visit the monkey park. The last time we were in the area was 2008. The town still feels quiet and I imagine most people come for the monkeys and head back to Nagano or elsewhere. I'm happy we stayed and I highly recommend bringing your business not only to the park but to the local ryokan and other businesses.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2025

Ramsey

We loved this hotel! It was the perfect place to explore the snow monkey park and also experience the local Onsen towns, a must do in Japan.

The room was super spacious and cosy, and the staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, adding plenty of extra touches such as warm matcha on arrival and teas and juices for the road when we checked out pre-breakfast. Some of the staff speak English but those who don’t are happy to use translate apps to communicate. They made us feel very at home!

The highlight for us was definitely the two in-house onsen, which can be booked privately once a day per room. Also included in the room rate was a 10 course traditional dinner and a wonderful traditional breakfast.

This truly was a full traditional Japanese experience, much more than just a hotel. We highly recommend making a trip to Yudanaka during your trip to Japan and staying here!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Nov 2024

Dr Miguel

Really cost place. Well worth it

Really cost place with excellent food both at breakfast and dinner, service great. Nice small town

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2024

Mercedes

This is one of the most delightful Japanese full emergence experience you could have.
We traveled from Tokyo which in itself a incredible trip by train. Protip: take an uber from the train station.
You are greeted like family and your dinner, breakfast and onsen (Japanese hot spring bath) are planned. They offer two different ones in house. Staying in a traditional room is the perfect way to round out the stay. The hotel has beautiful gardens which you can enjoy from the lobby and rooms. The town main street is lined with bars, cafes and more hot spring baths! Dinner is served at a near by (5 min walk) hotel that reminds me of the Kill Bill movie. It is located near the Monkey park. Which is a journey. Walk down to bus stop. Take bus to town. Walk to park entrance then walk 2 miles to pay to go to hot spring where the monkeys gather. Note if you want to see monkey. Go in the dead of winter. Dec-Feb. The park does rent snow boots and gear. I highly recommend this stay. Its rustic beauty and friendly people takes you back in time.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2024

Susan

Amazing Ryoken, with shared access to a second hotel for dining and onsen options. Exceptional hospitality by owners and staff. This was a treasured experience I would fully recommend for others.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2024

Tristan

The staff were extremely nice and helpful and the Onsen was super relaxing!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2024

Maria Camila

Me and my mom had a wonderful stay at this traditional Ryokan. Every detail in this hotel was amazing. The room was precious, the food was delicious and the onsen was incredible. I would recommend anyone wanting to have a unique Japanese experience to stay at this wonderful Ryokan.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2024

Boon Chee

Absolutely amazing Japanese hospitality

Amazing stay with top notch service that lets you experience a true Japanese hospitality with the ever friendly and helpful staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2023

troy

This place is amazing. Service is wonderful. Food is extraordinary and there are 2 excellent hot springs in hotel. One of best experiences of my 2 week trip.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2023

Tracey

Japanese zen experience with amazing food

Absolutely lovely accommodations, experience japanese living and tranquility with beautiful garden view.

The staff and their attentiveness is first class. Truly elevated our Japan trip and definitely a place to revisit.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2023

John

Very welcoming staff and Ryokan. Tomo san is the best host. Breakfast and dinner food was excellent! Great place to stay!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2023

Mathieu

The room was incredible, experience a lot of fun (Onsen and monkeys) and the breakfast / dinner were some of the best dining experience. The value is unmatched ! Tomo is a very helpful and kind host who thinks of every detail to make your stay unique and memorable (pick you up from the train station / book a private Onsen). We only stayed 2 nights but should of spend at least 4-5 nights as it was a very relaxing area and peaceful area - a stark contrast from the big cities.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2023

Verified traveler

Highly recommended.

Very friendly landlady and staffs. Feel very welcomed. The rooms have very beautiful views of the garden.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Dec 2022

Hang

The staff are super nice and went above and beyond in helping us. The male housekeeper has excellence English and is very helpful. One of the best accommodations we had this year!

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2022

Tanya

Very cozy ryokan with access to excellent onsen facilities. Delicious meals!

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2019

Hayley

Clean, Beautiful, and Authentic

We loved Kamei no Yu! The two women operating the ryokan were exceptionally friendly (slight language barrier, but we managed) and offered fantastic hospitality. The room itself was lovely, with sliding doors opening onto the outdoor garden and a private ensuite bathroom/shower.

There are small male and female onsens on site (separate), and you have access to several other public baths - one of which was big and beautiful and outdoors. Note that there isn't a mixed gender or private onsen available here, which initially scared us, but it ended up being an authentic and memorable experience at the public ones! Highly recommend.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Typical ryokan which was lovely to experience. The public onsen nearby was great, make sure you go to the traditional one

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2019

Verified traveler

Onsen on site and beautiful garden in the lobby. The rooms all have garden views and are extremely comfortable. Service was amazing and the food was delicious. Staff were so hospitable and polite.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2019

Paul

Experience of a Lifetime !!

It was the best experience in my whole entire life as far as vacation/business accommodations are concerned . From the warmest reception of the owner to the surprise hot matcha green tea and red bean treat , to explaining everything the property has to offer in a very conscientious and personalized attention I got like I felt I was the only guest . I never felt so important . The tatami room was as expected : very clean and organized with another surprise red bean treat and tea . The breakfast that was included in my 2 night stay surpassed all my expectations for the price . The owner even drove us to and from the snow monkey park which was an added bonus that we didn’t expect . Also the spouse picked us up from the Japanese restaurant we had dinner at after the husband dropped us off . There are so many other things I can say but I’m afraid it will require more pages . Come and stay here and you will have an experience of a lifetime, one you won’t forget ! The hospitality of the host family transcended all my previous hotel experiences !! 10/10 is an understatement and an insult to this hotel and the family that owns it I will definitely be back !! Thanks hotel.com for leading me to this hotel !!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2019

Mr Thomas P

A beautiful place with beautiful hearted people

The hotel and staff were amazing and more than we could have expected. No question was too silly and no request was out of the question. It was really easy to get to aswell, just a 6 minute walk from the train station. Even though it was so close the area and hotel was still so quiet and very very peaceful. K the concierge was so patient with us, as not local speakers, and was just so thoughtful in his explanations of the hotel and local area as well as organising transport and tips for the things we wanted to do. Definitely a perfect stay to what is the start of our Japanese tour.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

The Ryokan is good and hosts are friendly. They offered free shuttle to Snow Monkey every 9am. We missed it but the host was kind enough to give us a ride there. You can enjoy other three public Onsens apart from the one in the hotel. The big down side is that dinner is not served in the hotel but another hotel that’s about 5min walk, which is not stated clearly on the booking site. There’s good variety of food but quality was not quite up to our standard. Breakfast served in the hotel was way better.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2026

Matteo

Si

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2026

elizabeth

Un lugar perfecto para hospedarte , personal muy am able , y el lugar muy lindo y limpio

Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2026

RAQUEL

Funcionários extremamente prestativos, acomodação próxima à estação e café da manhã tradicional japonês.
Foi uma experiência muito legal ficar em um ryokan.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Dec 2025

Mats

Fin plass, veldig snille ansatte, fine rom og veldig veldig veldig god mat

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2025

???

スタッフの方にはとてもアットホームで丁寧な対応して頂き、様々な温泉施設に入浴出来楽しめ、料理もとてもおいしく満足出来ました。綺麗な庭園を眺めながら、安心してゆっくり寛ぐことが出来ました。

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2025

えみこ

加命の湯は思っていたより小さな宿でよろずやさんでお風呂、食事をとりました。宿に戻り、とてもリラックス出来、朝風呂、朝食は加命の湯で、係の人の対応や何よりよろずやさんより綺麗に掃除がしてあった事が私的には良かったです。

Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2024

Theo

旅館主人很親切，希望下次能再拜訪。

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2023

???

別の旅館ではありましたが素晴らしい温泉を楽しめました。旅館の温泉も時間制貸風呂となっており、ゆっくり気兼ねなく使えました。泉質も良かったです。

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 May 2023

きみひと

一泊でしたがとてもゆっくりと充実した時間を過ごすことが出来ました。スタッフの方の対応が温かくて居心地良かったです。

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Feb 2023

Laurent

Très beau petit Ryokan, beaucoup de charme, avec un personnel au petit soin et plein d'attentions au quotidien. Le petit déjeuner japonais est exceptionnel de qualité.
On a accès d'autre part au fabuleux bains Momoyama a proximité. Un lieu à recommander absolument pour ceux qui veulent passer quelques jours dans la région

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2022

Verified traveler

素晴らしい宿

接客が丁寧で良かったです。
温泉は言うことありません非常に満足です。
食事も美味しくいただけました。

Friends_and_family Family