Shibu Onsen KOKUYA
Ryokan in Shimotakai District
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 3 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
Includes essentialsKitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner, Internet / Wifi and more
About this ryokan rental
While you're here, you can enjoy all the comforts of home and more, including a refrigerator and free WiFi, as well as a TV and a toilet with electronic bidet. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a hair dryer, towels, and slippers.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Hot tub or spa
TV
Map of Shimotakai District
Available Rooms
Deluxe Japanese-Style Room with Open-Air Bath
Beds not specified
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Hotels.com for availability & pricing
Superior Japanese-Style Room with Open-Air Bath
Beds not specified
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Hotels.com for availability & pricing
Standard Japanese-style Room with Open-Air Bath
Beds not specified
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Hotels.com for availability & pricing
Standard Japanese-Style Room with Shared Bathroom
Beds not specified
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Hotels.com for availability & pricing
RRRR
Reviews
10.0
Such a lovely Ryokan, the staff were all so kind and nice. Super friendly! Explained everything so well and offered pick up from a nearby train station and drop off at local monkey park. The baths were all so different and the vibes were really good. Would definitely go again! I'd recommend everyone to go if you want to stay in the area.
10.0
Such a lovely Ryokan, the staff were all so kind and nice. Super friendly! Explained everything so well and offered pick up from a nearby train station and drop off at local monkey park. The baths were all so different and the vibes were really good. Would definitely go again! I'd recommend everyone to go if you want to stay in the area.
10.0
Super helpful staff and they speak English. The customer service was excellent with thorough explanations of the facilities, the meals and the van service to see the snow monkeys the next day (free van service)
Great meals (plenty of great food) and the baths were amazing (onsen). You can book the indoors baths twice in a day (heaven!) and I had a private onsen in my room as well. Even when the weather was super cold and rainy, I was able to enjoy and recover from my long trip. I was not able to get out and walk around the property at night since it was very cold outside. Would definitely love to return!
10.0
Super helpful staff and they speak English. The customer service was excellent with thorough explanations of the facilities, the meals and the van service to see the snow monkeys the next day (free van service)
Great meals (plenty of great food) and the baths were amazing (onsen). You can book the indoors baths twice in a day (heaven!) and I had a private onsen in my room as well. Even when the weather was super cold and rainy, I was able to enjoy and recover from my long trip. I was not able to get out and walk around the property at night since it was very cold outside. Would definitely love to return!
3.0
This is a very old building. No lift is available. The staircase is slanting and is difficult for elders to climb. Foods offered were not up to standard.
3.0
This is a very old building. No lift is available. The staircase is slanting and is difficult for elders to climb. Foods offered were not up to standard.
10.0
For my overnight trip to Nagano, my focus had always been to visit Togakushi Shrine for the giant cedar trees and Jigokudani Yaen Koen for the snow monkeys. This meant that I had to find lodging that was within a reasonable drive from both locations as one was west of Nagano and the other east. As I favored more of visiting Jigokudani Yaen Koen when there are lesser crowds, which meant early morning hours when the park just opens (keep in mind it takes 45 minutes to hike up to the park), I decided to go with Shibu Onsen Kukuya, which was comfortably situated in Shibu Onsen a small onsen town that is 10 minutes drive away from the park. My overall experience with this Ryokan style lodging was exceptional as they were easy to get in touch with, responsive with inquiries, English friendly and very accommodating to their guest needs. The food that came with my room reservation (dinner & breakfast) was comparable to fine dining that you would find in luxury hotels and restaurants from larger cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. The private onsens found within the premises as well as within certain rooms offer a very intimate and comfortable experience. As for the staff, they all offered a world class service from the moment they greet you to moment they bid you farewell, I was truly impressed by the attention to detail and professionalism that each staff member shared. Overall, Shibu Onsen Kokuya has exceeded my expectations and has provided me with an enjoyable and memorable experience.
10.0
For my overnight trip to Nagano, my focus had always been to visit Togakushi Shrine for the giant cedar trees and Jigokudani Yaen Koen for the snow monkeys. This meant that I had to find lodging that was within a reasonable drive from both locations as one was west of Nagano and the other east. As I favored more of visiting Jigokudani Yaen Koen when there are lesser crowds, which meant early morning hours when the park just opens (keep in mind it takes 45 minutes to hike up to the park), I decided to go with Shibu Onsen Kukuya, which was comfortably situated in Shibu Onsen a small onsen town that is 10 minutes drive away from the park. My overall experience with this Ryokan style lodging was exceptional as they were easy to get in touch with, responsive with inquiries, English friendly and very accommodating to their guest needs. The food that came with my room reservation (dinner & breakfast) was comparable to fine dining that you would find in luxury hotels and restaurants from larger cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. The private onsens found within the premises as well as within certain rooms offer a very intimate and comfortable experience. As for the staff, they all offered a world class service from the moment they greet you to moment they bid you farewell, I was truly impressed by the attention to detail and professionalism that each staff member shared. Overall, Shibu Onsen Kokuya has exceeded my expectations and has provided me with an enjoyable and memorable experience.
10.0
A traditional Japanese hotel. They served breakfast and dinner. Exceptional. Staff very helpful, punctual, and sweet. The resort even has onsens within the hotel that guests can use. There is about ten of them. We used them instead of using the Puplic Onsen which we also had access to. Only issue was my husband is tall and had to duck in many doorways. Also we are in our 60’s and sleeping on the floor on mats was a bit uncomfortable. But definitely worth it. And going to the Snow Monkey Park was just awesome. Shuttle service was available at 9:15am. It is best to go early. Loved this place for traditional Japan hospitality.
10.0
A traditional Japanese hotel. They served breakfast and dinner. Exceptional. Staff very helpful, punctual, and sweet. The resort even has onsens within the hotel that guests can use. There is about ten of them. We used them instead of using the Puplic Onsen which we also had access to. Only issue was my husband is tall and had to duck in many doorways. Also we are in our 60’s and sleeping on the floor on mats was a bit uncomfortable. But definitely worth it. And going to the Snow Monkey Park was just awesome. Shuttle service was available at 9:15am. It is best to go early. Loved this place for traditional Japan hospitality.
10.0
This ryokan was an absolute dream. The staff goes above and beyond to make it worth the price. My husband and I got to Nagano station and the only train to get to the ryokan was out of service and we had to take a bus to the snow monkey park with all our luggage and the ryokan used their shuttle to pick us up. They also provide free shuttle service to the snow monkey park in the morning (timed) and free bagging storage. The staff also had amazing English and explained everything the ryokan had to offer as well as helping us with how to get to our next location. Aside from the staff being great, the room we stayed in was amazing (we had the traditional futons, you get to wear traditional yukatas during your stay, and you have access to 6 or so onsens on the premise (you can privately use alone or with your partner/friends/family) and all 9 public onsens in the town. Also, we did the half board and everything we ate was delicious!!!
10.0
This ryokan was an absolute dream. The staff goes above and beyond to make it worth the price. My husband and I got to Nagano station and the only train to get to the ryokan was out of service and we had to take a bus to the snow monkey park with all our luggage and the ryokan used their shuttle to pick us up. They also provide free shuttle service to the snow monkey park in the morning (timed) and free bagging storage. The staff also had amazing English and explained everything the ryokan had to offer as well as helping us with how to get to our next location. Aside from the staff being great, the room we stayed in was amazing (we had the traditional futons, you get to wear traditional yukatas during your stay, and you have access to 6 or so onsens on the premise (you can privately use alone or with your partner/friends/family) and all 9 public onsens in the town. Also, we did the half board and everything we ate was delicious!!!
10.0
Amazing property in Yamanouchi. Staff was very friendly and the rooms were amazing. The open air bath in the room was serene and relaxing. The private hot springs on the property were all great as well.
10.0
Amazing property in Yamanouchi. Staff was very friendly and the rooms were amazing. The open air bath in the room was serene and relaxing. The private hot springs on the property were all great as well.
10.0
Staff and Manager went out of their way to accomodate our group itinerary, including transportation.
10.0
Staff and Manager went out of their way to accomodate our group itinerary, including transportation.
10.0
We absolutely loved our stay here. Everyone was so lovely and helpful. It was an amazing experience.
We’re planning on coming back.
10.0
We absolutely loved our stay here. Everyone was so lovely and helpful. It was an amazing experience.
We’re planning on coming back.
10.0
A great selection of onsens right inside the ryokan. Nice Japanese food in the half board. Very accommodating staff.
10.0
A great selection of onsens right inside the ryokan. Nice Japanese food in the half board. Very accommodating staff.
10.0
This property was one of best stays I’ve ever had. The staff were extremely professional and courteous. Food/meals felt authentic and abundant. The onsens offered a more atheistic variety with the added privacy. We cant thank the staff enough for how polite and helpful they truly were!
10.0
This property was one of best stays I’ve ever had. The staff were extremely professional and courteous. Food/meals felt authentic and abundant. The onsens offered a more atheistic variety with the added privacy. We cant thank the staff enough for how polite and helpful they truly were!
5.0
Excellent cuisine, wonderful location (private onsen, especially the outdoor ones, are great), kind and friendly staff, beautiful atmosphere at night, traditional and spacious rooms (chilling in the room onsen bath was a dream)
5.0
Excellent cuisine, wonderful location (private onsen, especially the outdoor ones, are great), kind and friendly staff, beautiful atmosphere at night, traditional and spacious rooms (chilling in the room onsen bath was a dream)
5.0
We stayed at Kokuya for one night. It is a larger Ryokan compared to some of the others we stayed at. The advantage of this place is that they have at least 8 baths within the property that are very different in look and feel (both indoors and outdoors) and can be booked just for your party (so a couple can use a certain bath without having to be separated by gender) - this is free for all guests. They also provide a key to the town's public baths. Very centrally located. There are yukatas in the room. Would definitely stay again.
5.0
We stayed at Kokuya for one night. It is a larger Ryokan compared to some of the others we stayed at. The advantage of this place is that they have at least 8 baths within the property that are very different in look and feel (both indoors and outdoors) and can be booked just for your party (so a couple can use a certain bath without having to be separated by gender) - this is free for all guests. They also provide a key to the town's public baths. Very centrally located. There are yukatas in the room. Would definitely stay again.
10.0
It is a nice Ryokan style hotel, hot springs very close to snow monkey park, short train ride to nice sight seeing and cultural sites and great if you want to disconnect from normal day to day life
1.0
Very unhappy with our stay. We confirmed 3 times by email that we would be arriving early. We were told we couldn’t check in but that we could leave our bags and get key to local onsens. We showed up and no one was there. Lights out and a sign saying they would open at 3 pm. Then when we did checkin the room was dirty and dated. We paid for 5 futons and got two (one each). Floor was so hard.
10.0
such great service! the kaiseki meals are also phenomenal. this was our second time at Kokuya and will be back for sure. Note: the property is kind of a maze of stairs, so if you can't handle stairs, this might not be the place for you.
1.0
Very unhappy with our stay. We confirmed 3 times by email that we would be arriving early. We were told we couldn’t check in but that we could leave our bags and get key to local onsens. We showed up and no one was there. Lights out and a sign saying they would open at 3 pm. Then when we did checkin the room was dirty and dated. We paid for 5 futons and got two (one each). Floor was so hard.
10.0
Beautiful and historical ryokan - this place is incredible. Kokuya has been around for for hundred years and was passed down from generation to generation. You can tell there is a lot of love put into in keeping this traditional inn alive. The multiple hot baths available to guests make it a great and unique place to stay. The service was spot on. The meals were varied and delicious. The only point of feedback would be that some parts of the ryokan need to be updated. The carpet throughout the inn is quite worn and a place this expensive should look like it's worth the expense.
4.0
"Shibu Onsen" is a quaint little town very close to the snow monkey park in Yamanouchi (Nagano). As onsen lovers, it was the perfect gateway for our family. We stayed at the Kokuya because of the history of the place, the number of onsen available (inside the ryokan, but also in the village) and location.
What makes the Kokuya unique is its design - the place is an amazing maze of stairs, guest rooms and baths. The staff is also very kind and caring and made us feel like we were part of the family. They are used to foreigners so English was not a problem.
However, our review wouldn't be complete without a little bit of feedback. Having visited several luxury ryokans throughout Japan, we felt that the
Kokuya is in need of serious TLC and would benefit from some repairs and a fresh coat of paint (among other things). We also noticed some onsen baths to be slimy, including our own private bath.
The quality of food we were served during our stay was not the same; the Friday dinner being much superior to the Thursday one. Guests were allowed to smoke in the hallway, right by the dinning room, which was not pleasant. Overall, we are satisfied with our stay and would recommend for visitors wishing to experience a different type of ryokan experience.
4.0
"Shibu Onsen" is a quaint little town very close to the snow monkey park in Yamanouchi (Nagano). As onsen lovers, it was the perfect gateway for our family. We stayed at the Kokuya because of the history of the place, the number of onsen available (inside the ryokan, but also in the village) and location.
What makes the Kokuya unique is its design - the place is an amazing maze of stairs, guest rooms and baths. The staff is also very kind and caring and made us feel like we were part of the family. They are used to foreigners so English was not a problem.
However, our review wouldn't be complete without a little bit of feedback. Having visited several luxury ryokans throughout Japan, we felt that the
Kokuya is in need of serious TLC and would benefit from some repairs and a fresh coat of paint (among other things). We also noticed some onsen baths to be slimy, including our own private bath.
The quality of food we were served during our stay was not the same; the Friday dinner being much superior to the Thursday one. Guests were allowed to smoke in the hallway, right by the dinning room, which was not pleasant. Overall, we are satisfied with our stay and would recommend for visitors wishing to experience a different type of ryokan experience.
5.0
Lovely and helpful staff. Extraordinary dinner and breakfast. Not to be missed. 🇯🇵
5.0
Lovely and helpful staff. Extraordinary dinner and breakfast. Not to be missed. 🇯🇵
5.0
Staff were very welcoming and helpful throughout the stay. The onsen were a lot of fun. Would absolutely recommend a stay here.
5.0
Staff were very welcoming and helpful throughout the stay. The onsen were a lot of fun. Would absolutely recommend a stay here.
5.0
Whether you are a first-time or regular ryokan traveler, Kokuya sets the gold standard for comfort, relaxation, and personalized service. The advantages over the many other Shibu-onsen ryokans include its own nine (7 public, 2 private) onsen available to all guests, and some rooms with their own open air private baths for the ultimate bed-to-bath soaking. Add in impeccable "farm and stream to table" kaseki-style meals with attentive service just short of pampering, cozy tatami rooms, and strolling the narrow Shibu-onsen lanes in a yukata and geta (or slippers) for an immersive cultural experience. While there is free and ample wifi, you'll likely want to stow your cell phone and let the worries "back there" stay there while you explore discoveries of a more inner nature. Nearby are snow monkeys, sake brewery & art gallery, craft shops, and temples. What's not to love?
5.0
Whether you are a first-time or regular ryokan traveler, Kokuya sets the gold standard for comfort, relaxation, and personalized service. The advantages over the many other Shibu-onsen ryokans include its own nine (7 public, 2 private) onsen available to all guests, and some rooms with their own open air private baths for the ultimate bed-to-bath soaking. Add in impeccable "farm and stream to table" kaseki-style meals with attentive service just short of pampering, cozy tatami rooms, and strolling the narrow Shibu-onsen lanes in a yukata and geta (or slippers) for an immersive cultural experience. While there is free and ample wifi, you'll likely want to stow your cell phone and let the worries "back there" stay there while you explore discoveries of a more inner nature. Nearby are snow monkeys, sake brewery & art gallery, craft shops, and temples. What's not to love?
4.0
Service was beyond expectation! They picked us up from the station even though we at last minute took a later train. The place is older and the rooms are small, but definitely an authentic experience. They also offer a shuttle to the snow monkey park and took our luggage to a cafe near the station for storage. All in all, would definitely recommend!
FAQs
How much does this ryokan cost compared to others in Shimotakai District?
The average price for a rental in Shimotakai District is R 2,212 per night. This rental is R 7,631 above the average.
Is parking included with this ryokan?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Shibu Onsen KOKUYA. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this ryokan?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this ryokan. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Shibu Onsen KOKUYA pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this ryokan is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Shibu Onsen KOKUYA?
We found 7 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
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