For a ryokan, this is at the relaxed, informal end of the spectrum! We loved it. My 19- and 21-year-old children and I shared a family room. I was by far the oldest person staying at the hotel: most of the guests were in their 20s. My son and daughter slightly guiltily preferred the straightforward restaurant here to the kaiseki cuisine you meet with in other ryokans. Breakfast, too, set us up for the day. We really appreciated the kind service and the lifts from the station and to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Shibu Onsen itself is lovely. Donning a yukata and geta sandals completes the experience, and my Japanese-speaking daughter found the onsens to be frequented by friendly local ladies who quickly made her welcome! For the Monkey Park, staying in Shibu Onsen is really worthwhile because if, like us, you initially find that there are no monkeys to be seen, you're close enough to be able to try again later the same day if you have the energy. We did and on our second attempt were privileged to see monkeys relaxing in warm Spring sunshine, behaving around us as if we were simply invisible - a breath-taking experience.

We can't fault this lovely ryokan, but it's perhaps good to be aware that it's a simple rather than a grand one.

Nice area, friendly staff, pickup from the station. Very clean. Would visit again :)

The breakfast was very small (I could've eaten 3 of them :)), but tasty. Same with the dinner. Unlike the other ryokan we went to, access to private onsen was not free. Unfortunately, we were robbed during our stay, even with locked doors, so maybe locker would help here.

A nice experience sleeping in a ryokan. It was clean and comfortable. We had shared shower, which was small but clean. Breakfast was delicious but we were required to pay before having the breakfast, which was a bit of inconvenience. They could at least just add it to the room bill to be paid after or during checkout. They give the key that gives guests access to the public onsens, this was the highlight of our stay. We were also given traditional yutara and geta sandals we wore to go to the onsens. They also offer shuttle service to/ from the train and bus station at specific times. We didn't use the service because we arrived late.

Having to pay for breakfast before eating. We recommend that the amount should rather be added to the bill and paid during checkout.

Cute little place. Nice authentic experience

Room was very big and the tatami mat beds were very comfortable. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The hotel food was incredible and I recommend all of it. Location was absolutely perfect. Hotel shuttled us to the monkey park in the morning for free and we were able to book a private onsen nearby for cheap. The 9 public onsens are also wonderful.

The women's bathroom was down a staircase from our room which was a little inconvenient, but it wasn't q significant issue.

What I like the most is definitely the Onsen experience. It is daunting at first, but I try to enjoy it. The room is really what I have imagine. Feel so cultured.

Very friendly staff and a nice looking little ryokan. I stayed in a dormitory room for one night, which makes staying in shibu onsen for a night extremely cheap. As the town is very small, there are no good or bad locations for accomodation. Everything is within walking distance. Going to all nine public onsens was very nice. The Ryokan also offers shuttle service to the Yudanaka station. But it is only a 20min walk, and by walking you can see some more of the area :) Breakfast was also very good. If it is not included in the room plan, you can purchase some good food for less than 1,000¥.

Everything was good. Sharing a room and bathroom for one night was no problem, as everything was clean and quiet. It is very good value for the little price per night.

Amazing service, friendly staff, quiet and spacious rooms, and magical town

Not sound proof

very kind and helpful staff

Staffs are friendly and english OK. The room is clean, modern, and I really like the way we got a key for all 9 communal bath (plus yukata to go outside).

Since the ryokan is old building, the room is thin and not sound proof, we could hear baby crying from the other room.

The staff is very helpful and kind. The private outdoor onsen is amazing! Nice facility and gorgeous views of the city. The food in the restaurant was good slso. We ate dinner there twice and enjoyed a snack of hot chocolate and caramel apple cheesecake. Very beautiful presentation. We really enjoyed our stay.

Very beautiful, old and traditional building. A good restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Helpful and kind staff. Perfect location and many public baths in the area (free of charge for ryokan guests).

It was a bit cold during the night so I recommend bringing a warm pajamas and socks. In the booking process there was no mention of some sort of bugs (we have read about them from the pamphlet in our room).

Fantastic location, warm and welcoming. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly and the hostel was beautiful and warm inside. Breakfast was yummy and the options for onsen were endless. Bathrooms were very clean.

Communal bathrooms and showers - however to be expected in a hostel.

Very helpful staff and nice location in Shibu Onsen. Futon was comfortable.

The room we received was not the one advertised as the room as booked. I know hotel pictures can differ but usually when you’ve booked the room it shows you pictures ours was not this one. It has been painted all black inside. Also very easy to hear next door guests.

Friendly and welcoming staff, delicious food with good coffee and alcoholic drink options, modern design and atmosphere, and shuttle service to the train station and monkey park.

Nothing, we enjoyed our stay!

Staff were extremely helpful keeping us pointed in the right direction and getting us where we wanted to go.

great value for money extremely clean beautiful room great location perfect for visiting the 9 onsens

I really liked the energy of the Ryokan. The style of the room was cool, too! The walls in my room were painted with black sparkly paint, so it looked like a starry night sky. I also loved how close the Ryokan was to the public baths. The coffee served in the restaurant was also amazing. :)

The only thing I think could be improved are the breakfast food options. I know that many guests from outside of Japan come to stay, but I was surprised there was no option for a traditional Japanese-style breakfast. Next time I come to stay at Koishiya, I will ask in advance about the possibility of a different breakfast option.

we enjoyed every moment of our stay. We were extremely well cared for, the restaurant was wonderful for breakfast lunch or dinner. The transportation to and from the train station was worth so much. We were also delighted that they drove us straight to the monkey park. The Yukatas were excellent quality. our stay was exceptional Not only because of the walking distance to all of the onsens in the town, but because of the incredible staff and their attention to detail. We were so thankful that they could communicate with us in English. They also gave us many tips about not only Japanese culture but life in Nagano.

There are no negative reviews here. We had a wonderful experience And look forward to our soon return.

- Location - in middle of historic Shibu Onsen - The vibes - friendly, casual, international environment in a historic house, we felt at ease, privacy in the rooms while common cafe with nice feel and seating area - The food - amazingly delicious dinner and breakfast. suiting both Japanese and western cuisine. - The hosts - friendly, courteous, welcoming, helpful and easy to communicate with

Historical yet convenient accommodation! Food was very good and the location was prime.

The gas heater of my room(Matsu) turned off every 3 hours and I had to get up to turn it on again. There might have been a way to set it up to prevent it from turning off, but being a foreigner, it wasn't easy to figure it out.

Very nice staff, onsens on the street, restaurant. Also there was very clean and cozy.

There was too much light in the room at night. I think it would be better, if there was zaluzine.