This is a very traditional Japanese Ryokan – our first experience of Japanese Ryokan culture including sleeping on futons. Our room was super-clean and beautiful, a tatami floor and three carefully laid out futons. We had a large picture window with views of the river below and a stunning beautiful range of mountains all around us. The colours in Autumn all around us were breath-taking. In terms of location, it’s a short walk from the hotel, across the bridge to Yudanaka where we found a handful of restaurants. The village was very quiet but maybe we were there out of season. The snow monkey park is a short easy drive away from the hotel. Disappointingly, we hadn’t booked in for dinner at Aburaya Tousen and it was booked up for both the evenings we were there. Totally our fault - next time we definitely will do this and I’d highly recommend it. We visited the hotel’s brewery close by and had a drink there – the evening we visited there was no food being served there. The breakfast buffet is mainly Japanese traditional food, with extensive choices. We visited the hotel’s rooftop Onsen every evening – this was a beautiful experience out in the fresh clean open air. The Onsen is separate females/males. The hotel also offers private Onsen options. Overall, we were delighted with our stay at Aburaya Tousen – a very traditional, clean and comfortable hotel and a wonderful experience. Very friendly, super helpful team of staff too. We would definitely recommend this hotel.

At first, on arrival, we weren’t quite sure if we were in the right place – we drove down a narrow lane, past a derelict block and thought we were lost. Very soon, however, we were warmly welcomed by a member of staff from Aburaya Tousen, who showed us where to park and took us into the hotel where the welcome was warm, friendly and informative.

Dinner was an experience, beautifully prepared and staff was kind and wonderful. The room was also very authentic and the private onsen was amazing. We missed the last train and our bus contacted the hotel who met us with the shuttle when we arrived which was greatly appreciated after a long travel day. The lounge is great for happy hour or a mid- day coffee. Overall wonderful experience.

I would have preferred western beds as I'm older and the futons are challenging. My kids used the futons but also would have preferred the comfort of a western bed. The only pillows were preformed memory foam, not very comfortable. This hotel was a splurge and truly beautiful but not a comfortable sleeping situation.

Aburaya Tousen has excellent facilities and professional staff who communicated very well. I especially loved the cleanliness of the room and onsen baths. We also really enjoyed the breakfast spread! There are a few restaurants nearby, including a craft brewery literally next door. I chose this ryokan for its proximity to the Yudanaka station, where you can take a short 15 minute bus ride to the Snow Monkey Park. Aburaya Tousen provided shuttle service by request and it was a breeze to schedule with them

We wish there was better dinner service since the breakfast was so excellent

Great hotel with fabulous onsen (both the room/private and the hotel guests onsen). Spacious and clean room and wonderful roof top bar experience. Staff at dinner, breakfast and at the roof top were an absolute dream of kindness and professionalism. During the private dinner the chef came to prepare the sushi by our table which was incredible. The food was absolutely exquisite using local produce and prepared and presented with such a delicacy as I've never seen before! What a treat! Walking distance from the station but possible to get a ride from the hotel (need to ask them in advance). A great place to stay!

Although it was for sure a great hotel and experience which we definitely would reccommend, we found the price a bit too high. Given the high standard of the hotel onsen, if I went back again I would not book the room with the private onsen as I think it can't justify the very high price.

The wonderful staff and excellent service, the kaiseiki dinner is a must, the location (easy walk from station and ideal for a visit too snow monkey park) and mountain views. Our room was well equipped and the private outdoor onsen was a highlight. We took breakfast in the buffet instead of a private room with different menu and it had a range of Japanese and western options. The lovely wonder has run the hotel since she was a young bride. You can see how passionate and proud she is. Very visible leadership and care for her staff and patrons. Did I mention catching the Sakura at the end of the season? So pretty. This is apple, apricot, wine and Sakura country. We loved every minute.

I loved the amazing staff and amenities. The private onsen in the suite was amazing and the view with that on the balcony was beautiful. The staff were able to accommodate with an English speaking staff member. The owner of the hotel was also amazing! The hospitality was wonderful. They made sure we had a way to the train station. The Japanese style breakfast and dinner included with our stay were the best food me and my husband both have ever had in our two year stay in Japan. They even give you traditional wear to wear throughout the hotel to make the experience immersive!

The staff was so helpful and polite. I would highly recommend getting the kaiseki dinner. We had 8 in our family and we enjoyed the private room, the sushi chef coming out, the owner coming in and checking on us, it was all very special. The onsen was wonderful, so spacious and full of amenities. They provide lots of amenities in your room too. The breakfast was amazing. My mom grew up in Japan and couldn't get over the selection of Japan items. Best breakfast we had during our Japan trip. We also appreciated the shuttle to Snow Monkey park and it was easily walkable to the train station, even with luggage.

I enjoyed everything the whole experience is amazing. starting with welcoming drink and sweet, and we pick a Yukata. They explain everything and guide us to our room. the staff were extraordinary, super friendly and polite They will go above and beyond to help you. we got upgrade to bigger room, the private hot spring bath was awesome with view on the river. I like the private dining room, they me our special dietary request, the food was so delicious, the chef prepare sushi / egg infront of you it was fun experience. The owner came by herself to greet us and to say goodbye when we were leaving. They even took us to snow monkey park and the station for free. Thank you to all staff I really appreciate all efforts to make my stay unforgettable. I am for sure coming back again.

Every thing is so perfect

A beautiful Onsen-Ryokan located in a quiet and tranquil area not too far from the Snow Monkey Park. The facilities are beautiful, especially the large spacious rooms with private onsens. The dinner was fantastic, and a great introduction to traditional, local Japanese cuisine. There are many rooms and quiet areas throughout the Ryokan to sit and relax. The staff were lovely and accommodating and we loved our visit.

A little on the pricey side, but well worth it for the experience!

The room had traditional japanese flair and was positively beautiful. The staff explained the room and the procedures in great length, so we felt prepared for roaming the ryokan in beautiful yukatas. The dinner was exceptionally delicious with a 10 course menu and the breakfast was a large buffet. They drove us to the monkey park, because they felt walking was to far.

We reservated the room for four people, but they had only received a reservation for 2. But they didn't even increased the prize for two people more in the room. They really are super nice!