Yudanaka Yumoto
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 80 reviews
Set in a quiet part of Yamanouchi, Yudanaka Yumoto is a compact, family-run ryokan that preserves Edo-period character while offering modern comfort. The inn presents a mix of tatami rooms with futons and Western-style beds, each arranged to emphasise simple traditional finishes and garden views. For travellers seeking thermal bathing, this small-scale ryokan with onsen Nagano provides both indoor and open-air baths set beside a Japanese garden, delivering an intimate onsen experience without the scale of larger hotels. Staff describe the house as attentive and locally rooted.
Bath facilities include separate male and female baths and an outdoor onsen noted by guests for its setting; private reserved bathing may be arranged on request where available. Meals follow a Japanese ryokan format with set dinners and an a la carte or Western-optional breakfast choice prepared by the house, with many reviews noting carefully presented seasonal ingredients. Practical guest services include free parking, complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, station pickup if timed in advance and an offered shuttle to nearby attractions including the snow monkey park.
With only a handful of rooms the property aims for quiet, personalised service and is frequently recommended for couples or travellers wanting an authentic stay close to nature. Its location places it within easy reach of local ski facilities and the region’s key sights while keeping a short connection to the local train terminus; the owners manage logistics such as transfers and excursion guidance. The ryokan with onsen strikes a balance between traditional atmosphere and straightforward, service‑focused hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yudanaka Yumoto
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive hospitality
Multiple reviews praise the hosts and staff for being extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. Guests note personalised service such as being collected from / returned to the station, driven to the Snow Monkey Park entrance, and flexible support (e.g. extending stays).
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Guests repeatedly highlight the historic, old‑style atmosphere and traditional Japanese rooms (tatami, robes) that transport visitors to an authentic setting—described as calming, nostalgic and a highlight for Western guests.
Very good onsen facilities
Reviewers praise the hot spring baths (indoor and outdoor) as relaxing and excellent, with peaceful garden views. The outdoor onsen in particular is noted as a memorable, calming feature.
High-quality meals and breakfasts
Many guests recommend booking dinner; kaiseki‑style meals and breakfasts cooked to order are repeatedly called delicious, varied and among the best on their Japan trips.
Convenient location and good value
The ryokan is commended for being close to the train station, bus line and the Snow Monkey Park, making it convenient for visitors. Several guests also mention good value for money and spacious rooms with pleasant garden outlooks.
Negative Reviews
Basic/minimal amenities
Some guests note the property offers only minimum amenities and fewer modern conveniences compared with higher‑end hotels—appealing for authenticity but a drawback for those wanting more facilities.
Aging property / maintenance needed
A few reviews mention the ryokan is older and could use some maintenance or refurbishment in places; while this contributes to authenticity for many, others pointed out areas that feel tired and in need of care.
Onsen temperature issues for some guests
At least one reviewer found the onsen water too hot to use, meaning temperature may not suit every visitor and could limit enjoyment for those sensitive to higher temperatures.
Bedding comfort and linen concerns
A small number of guests reported futons being a little uncomfortable or that bedlinen/coverings could be renewed, suggesting mixed comfort levels for sleeping arrangements.
Limited nearby dining / quiet town at night
Several reviewers observed the surrounding town can be quiet with limited restaurant options after early evening; visitors recommend checking opening hours or arranging meals in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan is very small (around five traditional rooms) and suits couples, families and small groups; confirm exact room occupancy when booking.
There are gender-separated hot spring baths with both indoor and a small outdoor onsen that overlooks the garden.
The baths are primarily gender-separated public onsens; private rental is not listed—ask the ryokan in advance or on arrival to see if a private time can be arranged.
The owner offers pickup from Yudanaka Station if you inform them of your arrival time; there is no regular airport shuttle, but staff can advise on transfers.
From Tokyo, take the shinkansen to Nagano then the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka; the property is about a 10-minute walk from Yudanaka Station or reachable by the ryokan pickup if arranged.
Staff speak Japanese and English.
Check-in is from 14:00 to 22:00 and check-out is between 06:00 and 10:00; you must inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course Japanese dinners and offers breakfasts (Japanese or Western options); meals are prepared on site and are typically requested at booking.
Pets are not allowed at the property.
Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkey Park) is nearby and the owner can drive guests there; the area also provides access to Yudanaka Onsen town and the Shiga Kogen ski and hiking areas.