This traditional ryotan was wonderful. It was a blend of traditional Japanese with modern updates. We booked a suite that had western beds and a private onsen. Our sons shared a smaller room with tatami mats. We selected the traditional dinner and breakfast which were wonderful experiences. If you do not like traditional Japanese food you may not like the meal option. The service was great and staff helpful, despite some language limitations. It was very conveniently located near the train station and monkey park. They provided shuttles services which we found helpful.

Best food on our trip!

So nice! Staff were helpful with everything and so polite. Beautiful place, beautiful room and dinner presentation was exquisite. Free ride to Snow monkey park. Saw lots of Snow monkeys and a serow antelope, the national treasure of Japan. We had a private bath and Onsen tub.

Yes, the room was spotless

N/A

Room was in good condition and staff was courteous. However, if you’re booking on Expedia, there is no transparency in your ability to book dinner at the ryokan which is 65% of the reason why you’d need to stay at a ryokan. You will then go in a wild goose chase to find a seat at any restaurant nearby which will be nearly impossible until after dinner hours. Makes a supposedly relaxing trip very relaxing

Everything was great! The staff, accommodations, service and staff were exemplary.

Watch how you book via Expedia. There is a basic rate - then everything you do adds more to the basic rate. It was clean. The hotel restaurant was fully booked every night! Before we even arrived we couldn’t obtain a reservation.

Incredible experience at a wonderful location, unbelievable food, and great staff. One of our most memorable experiences, ever!!!

One of the best experiences of our life. The staff and service really made it wonderful. I will absolutely be coming back.

Good stay at the hotel

The area around the property was absolutely beautiful and charming - but maybe because of the time of year we visited (1/06-1/08), very few places were open, despite their signs claiming what their hours of operation were. Even when we found a restaurant that was open at 6pm for dinner, multiple restaurants turned us away because we have a six year old daughter and they didn't accept kids. It was pretty upsetting to my daughter, but the area was absolutely beautiful.

This is my 3rd time in Nagano and this is the best place I’ve stayed! Staff are super friendly and really accommodating. The monkey park is so close and you can take a shuttle from the hotel to the park, if reservations are full they even call you a taxi. 10/10 stay

We came here last year and came back with our son this year. The area offers several fun things such as Monkey mountain and street public bathing. Sakaeya's service is very nice. It offers you nice yukata, sandals and basket to walk and hop in many unique baths. The dinner and breakfast are also amazing and we enjoyed out stay very much. Hope to come back again here.

Shibu Onsen Sakaeya is an unforgettable gem nestled in the heart of Japan's charming onsen town. From the moment I arrived, I was embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the staff, who made my stay exceptional. The ryokan's traditional atmosphere, with its beautifully preserved wooden interiors and serene ambiance, immediately put me at ease. However, what truly set Sakaeya apart was the personal touch of the staff, especially Runa, whose kindness and grace left a lasting impression on me. Her attentive service, warm smile, and genuine desire to make my stay comfortable made me feel like an honored guest. Whether it was offering local insights, ensuring I enjoyed the full onsen experience, or simply sharing kind words, Runa’s presence elevated my time there. She embodied the spirit of Japanese hospitality, making each interaction a memorable one. The onsen itself was a peaceful retreat, with soothing waters and a relaxing environment that perfectly complemented the traditional ryokan experience. I left Shibu Onsen Sakaeya not only refreshed but deeply moved by the kindness of its people, particularly Runa. If you're seeking a place that marries beauty, tranquility, and heartfelt service, Sakaeya is the perfect destination.

This was our first ryokan experience and we couldn’t have been more impressed. The staff were fantastic, the kaiseki dinner and breakfast were incredible and our room, with a private Onsen, was stunning. The area around the hotel is so picturesque. We had a great time exploring the streets, in our provided yukata, trying all the public onsen. We will certainly be back to Shibu Onsen

This was our first time in a Ryokan! And we loved it!! We enjoyed wearing the Kimonos provided and having a multi course dinner! They were also able to provide vegetarian options for dinner as well. The onsen at the hotel was much larger and nicer than the free ones outside the hotel. There is a toilet in the room but no shower, so you have to use the public bath to shower.

Very nice property. Staff very friendly abd helpful. Very clean. Traditional baths are very nice.

Excellent ryokan, women's public bath was never more than 2 people but the private bath with sauna is worth booking..book ASAP as spots fill up. Meals are amazing, though the first night menu was preferred by far. The staff is very kind, but their support is limited so make sure to do your research if you're looking to visit snow monkeys or venture outside of the town. They aren't as up to date local bus schedules, etc.

This was our first time staying at a ryokan and it was a fantastic experience. The staff were so welcoming, the rooms clean & tidy and the food deserved at least 1 Michelin star! Would highly recommend.