Shimobe Hotel
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 58 reviews
Shimobe Hotel sits on the edge of a pine-forested valley in Minobu, blending traditional ryokan hospitality with resort-scale facilities. The property is organized around a Japanese garden and stream, and it is a short walk from the local rail stop, which makes it convenient for visitors exploring Mount Minobu and nearby attractions. As a ryokan with onsen in Yamanashi, the hotel highlights thermal springs that have served the Shimobe hot-spring village for centuries; public bathing areas and open-air baths are positioned to take advantage of the site's natural setting and mountain views.
Guest accommodation ranges from tatami-floored Japanese-style rooms to larger suites, each arranged for relaxed circulation and views over the grounds. Bathing facilities draw on two distinct spring sources and include an indoor sulphur-fed bath, alkaline-water pools, a cypress timber bath and rock open-air baths; the property also offers rentable private bathing options for more intimate use, making it a practical choice as a ryokan with private onsen in Yamanashi. On-site features include a café, a small art gallery, a lounge footbath and curated evening programs that highlight local culture.
Meals emphasize regional ingredients with seasonal set menus and buffet selections, and the hotel supports practical needs such as parking, shuttle access from nearby transport hubs and arrangements for excursions to local ropeways and temple trails. Staff typically assist with sightseeing suggestions and can facilitate light on-site activities such as seasonal performances or traditional mochi-making events when scheduled. The overall appeal is a restorative hot-spring stay aimed at guests seeking calm, accessible access to the Southern Alps foothills and the Shimobe hot-spring area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shimobe Hotel
Positive Reviews
Very friendly and helpful staff
Multiple reviews highlight exceptionally friendly, welcoming and accommodating staff, including good English support; guests repeatedly praised attentive service across front desk and dining areas.
Excellent onsen facilities, including private baths
Guests enjoyed a wide range of hot-spring options—large private onsens, outdoor stone baths, foot baths and spa-like experiences. The private onsen was noted as spacious and worth the booking fee.
Authentic traditional Japanese atmosphere and clean rooms
Reviewers appreciated the traditional-style rooms (yukata provided), scenic mountain/koi-pond setting and overall cleanliness, which contributed to a relaxing, authentic stay.
Plentiful activities and entertainment
The hotel offers many on-site activities that guests enjoyed—taiko (drum) shows, mochi-making demonstrations, fishing, table tennis, fireworks and other family-friendly events.
Good food options and extras
Many guests praised the food—buffet offerings, live-cooked items (steak/omelet), special dinner add-ons (sukiyaki, sashimi) and complimentary touches like ice cream and drinks. On-site massage services were also appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Buffet quality and menu variety
Several guests found the buffet menus limited or repetitive (same offerings across nights) and noted instances where quality declined after switching to buffet service; some suggested more local specialties and fresher hot items.
Aging building and maintenance issues
A number of reviews mentioned visible wear or aging in parts of the property (worn wood, dated fixtures) and a need for improved upkeep in some areas to maintain a fresh appearance.
Limited or weak coffee availability
Guests reported lobby coffee not available until mid-afternoon, and in-room DIY drip coffee was confusing to prepare and resulted in weak coffee for some.
Foot bath temperature and small amenities
The foot bath was reported as very hot for some guests, and there were requests for additional slipper sizes (smaller adult sizes) to improve comfort.
WiFi and small operational inconveniences
A few guests noted weak WiFi connectivity. Other minor operational issues mentioned included shop closing times that can be early and the need to order special dinner add-ons in advance (day before), which some guests missed for their first night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are mostly Japanese-style with futon bedding and typically accommodate 2–4 guests; multiple-room options for families and groups are available.
The hotel uses multiple natural spring sources and features a variety of indoor and outdoor baths, a foot bath in the lounge, and a large selection of communal tubs for guests to enjoy.
Some suites include private open-air baths, and the hotel can advise about private-bath options or reservation plans—please request this when booking.
Public bathing may restrict visible tattoos; guests with tattoos are advised to check the policy in advance or use private bathing options if needed.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the hotel is best reached by train, highway bus or car, though private transfers may be arranged by contacting the hotel directly.
Shimobe Hotel is a short walk from JR Shimobe Onsen Station (about 1 minute); there is also a direct highway bus from Shinjuku and regional train connections from major cities.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; if you expect to arrive late, inform the hotel ahead of time so they can note your arrival.
The hotel provides English information online and the front desk can assist in English to a limited degree; for special requests or detailed explanations it is best to contact them before arrival.
Dinner typically features Japanese-style meals (buffet and kaiseki options using local ingredients) and breakfasts are served in an Asian style; dietary requirements should be requested in advance.
The hotel is close to local attractions such as Fujikawa Craft Park (short drive) and Lake Motosu (around a 30–40 minute drive), and there are convenience stores and local shops near Shimobe Onsen Station—the front desk can advise on supermarkets and local sightseeing.