Kamei no Yu

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.

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!

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.