The traditional style room with futon beds was a new experience for us. We all found the beds comfortable. We only stayed 1 night so not sure how it would have been for longer. The Onsen was wonderful. Very clean and relaxing. Really enjoyed the one outside as the view was of the snow covered trees. The evening meal was great. We weren’t really sure what we were doing but all of the food was really nice. The breakfast was a buffet style and we all found something that we liked. The staff were so so helpful. They picked us up from the station when we arrived and the following day they took us to the monkey park and picked us up again. They also took us back to the train station when we were ready to leave.

It was snowing when we arrived. They have a shuttle that shows up at the hours a train arrives and we were surprised they were there to pick us up. It really made it easier for us. The room was spacious and had amazing views of the snowed on mountains and roofs all around. They also had additional blankets, ready to be used when needed. When we arrived, we hadn't booked for dinner, but there was a nice little hole-in-the-wall restaurant nearby that they directed us to. On the next day we did book for dinner and I would highly recommend it. It was pretty amazing. Finally, the Onsen facilities had both an indoor and outdoor one (male and female separated). On a snowy day, the outdoor Onsen was incredibly nice and picturesque.

Super spacious room. Indoor and outdoor onsen are huge and absolutely amazing, the indoor onsen water is scorching hot. Free shuttle to and from snow monkey park with no fixed schedule, no need to book, just ask the staff and agree on pickup time from the park. Wifi was good enough to work on. Buffet style breakfast was good. Short walk to Yudanaka station and town center, with multiple restaurant options.

Bathroom and toilets were a bit dirty. There were some dust motes on the yukata.

Kaiseki dinner and buffet breakfast both had good variety and was tasty. The traditional onsen resort vibe was nice. We also felt very welcomed at the check in.

A bit of a walk to the train station and bus stop

The staff were very friendly on arrival, we were a bit early but our room was still ready and we were shown up to our rooms. The onsen was explained, and they told us about the free return shuttle to and from the snow monkey park the next day. There was a microwave in the lobby common area that we were able to use to heat up meals, and the staff cut up one of the giant local apples for us to share. The traditional beds are surprisingly comfortable. The shuttle bus to the snow monkeys is great and gives you a good amount of time to walk up and back, see the monkeys if you are lucky enough, and get a bite to eat. We were able to leave any bags at reception while we were away, and when we returned to collect them, they then drove us to the train station as well.

A slight odor from the toilet, but very minimal. Maybe a bit musty or older plumbing.

First Ryokan experience, we had a room with private onsen which was fab. Yukatas provided and there was even instructions on the correct way to wear it. The dinner was a wonderful experience, so many little plates to try, a real journey of discovery. Free shuttle bus to the Jigokudani Monkey park and shuttle back to Ryokan. Also dropped us off at the train station after the park. Staff friendly, smiling and of course incredibly polite. Great breakfast, lots of Japanese breakfast items but also croissants, rolls, omelette, sausages and plentiful coffee and orange juice. We didn’t try the public onsen because we are shy westerners but also we all have small tattoos so didn’t feel it was acceptable to under those circumstances. A little old fashioned decor wise, but very clean which more than makes up for that.

Traditional ryokan which gave us a little taste of the real Japan! The futons and the pillows were surprisingly comfortable, everyone in my party of 6 said so! I also tried the natural springs bath and I am hooked. The breakfast had plenty of choices - both Japanese and Western, although the Western selection stayed basically the same for both days we were there. The location couldn’t be better, only 15min to the Snow Monkey Park by car. The hotel provides a shutle that leaves at 9.30, however we took our own car. Highly recommend.

The hotel was a bit dated but everything works so really no complaints. It is a small town so not much night life at all. The entrance to the driveway of the hotel can be dark if you arrive after 9pm (approx).

The outdoor Onsen was lovely. I have to be honest. When we first arrived I was disappointed. The area looks a bit shabby, our Japanese style room was very basic and the cost was quite high. But it did grow on me after a few times in the Onsen and was a good base to see snow monkeys and Shiga Kogan. The free shuttle to the snow monkeys was a nice touch.

Twice when I wanted to speak to reception, the man was asleep behind the counter. He couldn’t speak any English anyway so communication was difficult. Our toilet smelt a bit funky in our room. Finding eating places is a challenge and a bit of walking.

Housei is a quant little Ryokan with an excellent indoor and outdoor Onsen. There was plenty of space in the reception area to lounge around in. Our goal was to just CHILL so we opted for half board and the food was so yummy! Breakfast is a big buffet spread of mostly Japanese and some western offerings. Dinner was a big multiple course dinner served at the dining hall. The staff were warm and welcoming, I want to give a big shout out to their MVP, he really made the stay such a friendly experience that I would totally consider going back again someday. The room is certainly dated but they keep it very, very clean. Futon beds were sooooo comfy to sleep in.

Perhaps it’s because they are an old building, you CAN smell the kitchen whenever you walk close to it but honesty it did not really bother me much.

Was in such a great location! Could easily walk from the station (but they also have a free shuttle). There was also a free shuttle to the snow monkeys. The onsen was the best part! The photos on the site don’t do it justice - was lovely and open pretty much 24/7 so I always had it to myself. Each room had its own heating (given it was snowing outside this was a must!). The breakfast was great. The staff were lovely and welcoming, and clearly loved their town!

The bathroom in my room definitely needed a deep clean. I think that as the whole hotel was quite old, it had just been worn down overtime.