Shimaya
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Summary of reviewsShimaya, located in the picturesque town of Yudanaka, is highly regarded for its prime location and authentic Japanese experience. Just a short stroll from the Yudanaka train station, Shimaya offers easy access to popular attractions like the Snow Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen ski area. The surrounding natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere enhance the appeal, with views of mountains and a rich cultural environment that includes temples and local eateries, making it an ideal spot for exploration.
Guests warmly praise the hospitality of the hosts, with the owner frequently going above and beyond to enrich the visitor experience, such as providing complimentary rides to local attractions and thoughtful touches like lending rubber boots. The hotel's authenticity and cultural immersion make it a popular choice for travelers seeking a traditional experience.
The breakfast offered at Shimaya, while simple, is noted as satisfying and economical. Served in a charming setting augmented by unique touches like a vintage jukebox, the breakfast consists of basic yet nutritious items that guests find adequate to begin their day. Although there is no dinner served, the hotel’s location provides access to a wide variety of excellent local dining options, which are a highlight for many guests.
Accommodations at Shimaya combine traditional Japanese charm with modern comfort. Rooms are clean, spacious, and beautifully furnished with tatami mats and futons, offering a cozy environment complemented by breathtaking views. Although the building shows signs of age, it remains well-maintained and clean. Guests find the traditional setup comfortable and authentic, though some note the firmness of the futons and the mixed comfort of the pillows.
Cleanliness is a standout feature, with facilities consistently praised for their immaculate condition. Despite some minor signs of aging, guests appreciate the attentive efforts to maintain tidiness, especially in the shared spaces and the well-kept onsen experience.
The staff at Shimaya, led by the exceptionally warm and helpful Mr. Yumoto and his wife, create an environment of remarkable hospitality. Their attention to detail and willingness to assist with local excursions contribute significantly to the positive experiences reported by guests.
Overall, despite some noted areas for improvement, Shimaya offers an enriching blend of cultural immersion, comfort, and convenience, making it a cherished destination for those exploring this captivating region of Japan.
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Guests warmly praise the hospitality of the hosts, with the owner frequently going above and beyond to enrich the visitor experience, such as providing complimentary rides to local attractions and thoughtful touches like lending rubber boots. The hotel's authenticity and cultural immersion make it a popular choice for travelers seeking a traditional experience.
The breakfast offered at Shimaya, while simple, is noted as satisfying and economical. Served in a charming setting augmented by unique touches like a vintage jukebox, the breakfast consists of basic yet nutritious items that guests find adequate to begin their day. Although there is no dinner served, the hotel’s location provides access to a wide variety of excellent local dining options, which are a highlight for many guests.
Accommodations at Shimaya combine traditional Japanese charm with modern comfort. Rooms are clean, spacious, and beautifully furnished with tatami mats and futons, offering a cozy environment complemented by breathtaking views. Although the building shows signs of age, it remains well-maintained and clean. Guests find the traditional setup comfortable and authentic, though some note the firmness of the futons and the mixed comfort of the pillows.
Cleanliness is a standout feature, with facilities consistently praised for their immaculate condition. Despite some minor signs of aging, guests appreciate the attentive efforts to maintain tidiness, especially in the shared spaces and the well-kept onsen experience.
The staff at Shimaya, led by the exceptionally warm and helpful Mr. Yumoto and his wife, create an environment of remarkable hospitality. Their attention to detail and willingness to assist with local excursions contribute significantly to the positive experiences reported by guests.
Overall, despite some noted areas for improvement, Shimaya offers an enriching blend of cultural immersion, comfort, and convenience, making it a cherished destination for those exploring this captivating region of Japan.
Small Ryokan
This family-run ryokan is known for its cleanliness and limited number of rooms, ensuring a private experience. Guests can easily book the private onsen, and the family provides helpful service, including transportation to the Snow Monkey Park.
3-Star Ryokan
Just 500 metres from Yudanaka Station, this traditional inn is a family-run accommodation featuring hot-spring baths and Japanese-style rooms with free Wi-Fi. It provides a memorable experience with outstanding cleanliness and attention to detail.
Ryokan with Free Wi-Fi
Guest Reviews
Shimaya boasts a prime location that makes it a standout choice for travelers visiting the charming town of Yudanaka. Nestled conveniently close to Yudanaka train station—only a short walk away—it offers easy access to the region’s main attractions, including the famed Snow Monkey Park and the stunning Shiga Kogen ski area. The surrounding area is rich with natural beauty, providing breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere that adds to the hotel’s appeal. Guests appreciate its proximity to various amenities, such as local restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and temples, making it easy to explore the town on foot.
The hotel's authenticity and traditional Japanese experience attract guests seeking cultural immersion, and many rave about the warmth and hospitality of the hosts. The owner often goes above and beyond, offering complimentary rides to the Snow Monkey Park and even providing rubber boots to visitors, which adds a personal touch to the stay. While some guests note that the building could use a little tender loving care, the combination of great location, welcoming hosts, and stunning surroundings make Shimaya a sought-after destination for those exploring this enchanting region of Japan.
Shimaya offers a breakfast experience that is simple yet satisfying, designed to provide a good start to the day. The breakfast, often described as basic or continental, consists of items like cornflakes, toast, yogurt, a bit of fruit, boiled eggs, juice, tea, and coffee, including the occasional feature of real espresso. Despite its simplicity, guests find the meal nutritious and well worth the modest price of 700 yen.
Guests appreciate the economical option, noting that while the breakfast is deliberately straightforward and western-style, it is both filling and tasty. The presence of unique touches like a player piano and vintage jukebox adds a memorable charm to the breakfast setting, contributing to an enjoyable experience that showcases the pride of the hotel owner. Although some guests found the breakfast lacking in options, the overall consensus highlights its adequacy for starting the day, with plentiful servings and an atmosphere that is both refreshing and authentic.
Staying at Shimaya is often accompanied by warm experiences such as enjoying traditional Japanese rooms, though it should be noted that there is no dinner option, which is helpful for planning meals elsewhere. Overall, guests express satisfaction with their stay, even if the breakfast is described as modest, and appreciate the opportunity to partake in this experience during their visit.
Despite the absence of dinner options at Shimaya during some stays, guests frequently highlight the abundance of great local dining experiences nearby. The friendly and accommodating hosts are eager to assist, recommending excellent local restaurants that cater to various tastes, including a notable sushi spot and a lovely eatery perfect for savoring vegetarian sushi. Guests appreciated the convenience of being able to use a downstairs room for meals purchased from nearby stores. While the traditional Kaiseki dinner was unavailable at times, when offered, it was described as fantastic. Shimaya's location offers access to a variety of delightful restaurants, which guests found to be a highlight of their visit to Japan. Additionally, the owners go above and beyond, including providing transportation to local attractions like the monkey park, enhancing the overall experience.
Shimaya offers travelers a delightful blend of traditional Japanese charm and modern comfort in its accommodations. The rooms are predominantly spacious, clean, and beautifully furnished with tatami mats and futons, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere that many guests appreciate. Several reviewers mention that the rooms exceed expectations, both in size and comfort, making them ideal for those who value space during their stay.
The views from the rooms are a significant highlight, with guests frequently mentioning breathtaking vistas over the town and surrounding mountains, particularly from rooms with balconies. This aspect alone seems to add a layer of serenity to the experience. The location is convenient as well, situated near Yudanaka station, enhancing accessibility for travelers.
While some note that the building is aging and could benefit from some updates, this does not detract significantly from the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the rooms. The warmth extended by the hosts further enriches the stay, with their friendly and helpful demeanor often cited as a positive part of the experience. Despite minor drawbacks, such as dated communal spaces and occasional issues with fixtures, the charm and traditional ambiance of Shimaya make it a memorable choice for visitors seeking a blend of cultural immersion and comfort.
The accommodation at Shimaya offers a traditional Japanese-style sleeping experience, as guests rest on futons laid atop tatami mats. For many, these futons are described as some of the most comfortable ever experienced, with warmth and softness that promise a restful slumber. They are often seen as supportive and beneficial for the body, akin to a firm mattress. While some guests highlighted the coziness and comfort of the bedding, a few noted that the futons can feel quite firm, and those unaccustomed might find it equivalent to sleeping on the floor. Pillows received mixed reviews, with mentions of them being relatively small or hard. Overall, the traditional setup provides a comfortable and authentic experience for those looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, even if it might not suit everyone's taste. Despite a few criticisms, the general sentiment leans towards comfort and satisfaction.
The Shimaya hotel has garnered praise for its exceptional cleanliness, maintaining an impressive standard throughout the property. Guests frequently highlight the immaculate condition of the traditional-style rooms, noting them as both comfortable and beautifully furnished. The cozy and warm bedding adds to the overall comfort, ensuring a pleasant stay. While the building shows signs of age, it does not detract from the overall cleanliness and functionality of the facilities. Onsen experiences are generally positive, with many mentioning the fabulous and well-maintained indoor options, although some outdoor onsens have room for improvement in cleanliness.
Shared bathrooms are remarked upon for their extra cleanliness, with even charming mosaic tiles receiving accolades for their spotless condition. Despite some dated communal spaces, the atmosphere is infused with character and charm. The attentive staff's diligent efforts to maintain tidiness and cleanliness across the hotel do not go unnoticed. While minor issues such as occasional mildew in some areas exist, they are overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the cleanliness and comfort of this traditional yet inviting accommodation.
Shimaya welcomes guests with a heartwarming embrace and remarkable hospitality. The establishment's staff, under the guidance of the exceptionally friendly and helpful Mr. Yumoto and his wife, collectively create a welcoming atmosphere that consistently enhances guests' experiences. Visitors frequently highlight the proprietors' willingness to go the extra mile, whether it's providing complimentary transport to local attractions like the Monkey Park or delivering exceptional service throughout their stay. Known for their charming and attentive manner, the hosts succeed in making guests feel like part of the family, ensuring every visitor enjoys their stay at this family-run hotel. Their graciousness is evident in their eagerness to assist, offering helpful advice on local excursions and ensuring smooth travel logistics. It's clear that the dedication and warmth of Shimaya's staff stand out as the hallmark of the establishment, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
Shimaya offers a truly authentic experience with its traditional charm and fantastically spacious accommodations. While it is quite evident that the hotel is a bit dated and could benefit from refurbishment, it maintains a clean and well-kept environment. The public onsen and rooms reflect the hotel's age, yet guests appreciate the traditional atmosphere. Despite minor inconveniences such as mold in the shower and feeling rushed during interactions with the owner, many guests find nothing major to dislike. A highlight of the stay is the breakfast, which is considered great value at 700 yen. Additionally, the service stands out with the thoughtful gesture of offering transportation to the nearby Snow Monkey Park, allowing guests the unique opportunity to explore local attractions.
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Location
The hotel's authenticity and traditional Japanese experience attract guests seeking cultural immersion, and many rave about the warmth and hospitality of the hosts. The owner often goes above and beyond, offering complimentary rides to the Snow Monkey Park and even providing rubber boots to visitors, which adds a personal touch to the stay. While some guests note that the building could use a little tender loving care, the combination of great location, welcoming hosts, and stunning surroundings make Shimaya a sought-after destination for those exploring this enchanting region of Japan.
Breakfast
Guests appreciate the economical option, noting that while the breakfast is deliberately straightforward and western-style, it is both filling and tasty. The presence of unique touches like a player piano and vintage jukebox adds a memorable charm to the breakfast setting, contributing to an enjoyable experience that showcases the pride of the hotel owner. Although some guests found the breakfast lacking in options, the overall consensus highlights its adequacy for starting the day, with plentiful servings and an atmosphere that is both refreshing and authentic.
Staying at Shimaya is often accompanied by warm experiences such as enjoying traditional Japanese rooms, though it should be noted that there is no dinner option, which is helpful for planning meals elsewhere. Overall, guests express satisfaction with their stay, even if the breakfast is described as modest, and appreciate the opportunity to partake in this experience during their visit.
Dinner
Rooms
The views from the rooms are a significant highlight, with guests frequently mentioning breathtaking vistas over the town and surrounding mountains, particularly from rooms with balconies. This aspect alone seems to add a layer of serenity to the experience. The location is convenient as well, situated near Yudanaka station, enhancing accessibility for travelers.
While some note that the building is aging and could benefit from some updates, this does not detract significantly from the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the rooms. The warmth extended by the hosts further enriches the stay, with their friendly and helpful demeanor often cited as a positive part of the experience. Despite minor drawbacks, such as dated communal spaces and occasional issues with fixtures, the charm and traditional ambiance of Shimaya make it a memorable choice for visitors seeking a blend of cultural immersion and comfort.
Beds
Cleanliness
Shared bathrooms are remarked upon for their extra cleanliness, with even charming mosaic tiles receiving accolades for their spotless condition. Despite some dated communal spaces, the atmosphere is infused with character and charm. The attentive staff's diligent efforts to maintain tidiness and cleanliness across the hotel do not go unnoticed. While minor issues such as occasional mildew in some areas exist, they are overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the cleanliness and comfort of this traditional yet inviting accommodation.
Staff
3 Star
No, Shimaya doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Shimaya.
No, Shimaya doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Shimaya.
No, Shimaya doesn't have a gym.
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