Yudanaka Tawaraya Ryokan

This traditional Ryokan hotel is a little gem of a place and the family hosts are just wonderful. Had the best night sleep of my 2 week trip to Japan sleeping on Ryokan bed. Rooms and hotel is extremely clean, we had our own toilet and washbasin but you have to share showers which wasn't an issue. The family are so friendly, speak very good English. It's a short walk (10mins) to Shibu-Onsen village and only 5mins to Yudanaka train station. We stayed here for one night to visit the Snow monkey park and to experience an Onsen. The hotel has 2 onsens, shared and private. You can pre-book shared Onsen at check-in. I'd love to return to this Ryokan at winter time.

We loved the opportunity to stay in a traditional Ryoken which is over 90 years old and operated by the third generation of the family. That said, had all the modern conveniences but enjoyed the tatami floors and futon bed. The jewel in the crown are the onsens. Separate male and female onsens inside with a shared/private booking onsen outside. Traditionally served Japanese breakfast is a treat you probably won’t find in modern hotels either. The hosts are so friendly and helpful.

Took my husband for a birthday getaway during Golden Week. We loved the hospitality here and we're big onsen fans, so having the beautiful open air bath was a huge plus for us. We also were able to have dinner one of our nights which was wonderful and very delicious. We highly recommend staying here and will definitely stay again if we make another trip.