Hotel Yudanaka
7,4/10 Very good - Based on 172 reviews
Hotel Yudanaka is a traditional lodging that blends straightforward service with a classic Japanese atmosphere, located a short walk from Yudanaka Station and positioned for easy access to local attractions such as the snow monkey reserve and nearby ski areas. Rooms combine tatami flooring and futon bedding with modern conveniences; many guest rooms measure comfortably above basic ryokan standards and some offer private bathrooms. The property markets itself as a ryokan with onsen in Nagano, presenting an uncomplicated base for travelers who want convenient access to both town amenities and mountain recreation.
Bathing facilities form the core of the guest experience: the property operates a large, continuously fed public bath known locally as Yoshino-yu, alongside a sauna and a hot-tub style bathing area. The site also offers options for private bathing for guests who prefer reserved time in a secluded tub, and the public bath is made available for day-use visitors on designated schedules. Water is supplied directly from local sources and the layout separates larger communal pools from smaller private or reservable units, allowing for both sociable and solitary onsen experiences.
On-site dining is focused on regional dishes served in a casual restaurant and bar area where local ingredients are featured in set meals and à la carte choices; a light breakfast is provided for guests. Practical amenities include free on-site parking with capacity for larger vehicles and easy pedestrian access to the station (approximately three minutes on foot). The combination of simple, roomy guest quarters, multiple bathing options and an on-site eatery makes this a pragmatic choice for visitors to Yamanouchi and Nagano Prefecture seeking a straightforward ryokan stay with thermal baths.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Yudanaka
Positive Reviews
Large, well‑used onsen and spa facilities
Many guests praised the hotel's onsen and spa — described as large, varied (different baths and a sauna) and a highlight after skiing or visiting the snow monkeys. Reviewers repeatedly noted the onsen made the stay more relaxing and enjoyable.
Excellent central location and transport access
The property is centrally located and very close to Yudanaka station, making it convenient for visiting Nagano, the Snow Monkey Park and nearby ski areas. Several guests mentioned the location as a key benefit.
Spacious rooms and authentic Japanese style
Guests appreciated roomy accommodations — large family/quad rooms and traditional tatami/futon rooms. The yukata and Japanese styling, plus seating areas with tables and chairs, were frequently mentioned as positive touches.
Friendly, helpful staff and useful on‑site services
Multiple reviews highlighted friendly, accommodating staff and good service. Guests also liked on‑site conveniences such as a restaurant adjacent to the lobby and a pleasant public working space.
Practical extra facilities
Visitors valued practical in‑room features (fridge, kettle, kitchenette in some rooms), free onsen use, and additional amenities like a sauna and an on‑site restaurant that made short stays convenient.
Negative Reviews
Breakfast often considered poor or insufficient
Many reviewers found the breakfast minimal or disappointing — typically a small bread offering, limited items and diluted juice/coffee. Several guests said the breakfast felt inadequate for the price and timing did not always suit early skibus departures.
Rooms and public areas feel dated and worn
Numerous comments noted tired, older decor and furnishings (stained carpets, old bathrooms, worn floors). Several guests felt rooms and common areas need refurbishment and modernization.
Cleanliness and onsen water concerns
A number of guests reported cleanliness issues — some felt rooms were not spotless by Japanese standards. Several reviewers mentioned white particles or unknown substances in the onsen water and occasional grubbiness in bathing areas.
Heating, insulation and bathroom problems
Guests reported poor heating/insulation (cold corridors and rooms), non‑working heaters in rooms or bathrooms, and problems such as no shower curtains causing bathrooms to get soaked — making stays uncomfortable in cold weather.
Accessibility and maintenance issues
Some reviewers warned about slippery, icy walkways and little effort to clear paths, creating safety concerns, especially for older or less mobile guests. Others mentioned limited or poorly maintained facilities (broken equipment, no drinking water/lotion at onsen).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are traditional 10‑tatami Japanese rooms that comfortably accommodate 1–5 guests; family rooms are available for larger groups. All rooms use futons rather than Western-style twin beds.
Yes — the hotel operates a large natural hot‑spring public bath (Yoshinoyu) with sauna and related bathing facilities, and day‑use of the large bath is available.
Private or reservable onsen use is not listed as a standard feature; some rooms have private bathrooms, so contact the hotel directly in advance to ask about any private‑bath options or special reservations.
The hotel houses an izakaya-style restaurant (Kiraku) serving Japanese dinner and drinks, typically open in the evening (around 17:00–21:30, last order about 20:30). If you wish to dine at the restaurant, the hotel asks that you check in early (see next Q).
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the property requests that you inform them of your expected arrival time. To use the hotel dinner service you should arrive/check in by around 18:00.
There is no regular hotel shuttle listed; Hotel Yudanaka is a very short walk — about 3 minutes — from Yudanaka Station. From major airports travel typically involves shinkansen to Nagano then the Nagano Dentetsu local train to Yudanaka Station.
From Tokyo take the shinkansen to Nagano then transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yudanaka (total travel commonly around 2.5–3 hours); the hotel is approximately a 3‑minute walk from Yudanaka Station.
Staff are generally rated helpful, but Japanese is the primary language used; English assistance may be limited, so bringing a translation app or a few Japanese phrases is recommended.
You’ll stay in tatami rooms with futons, use communal hot‑spring baths and a sauna, and can enjoy the on‑site izakaya atmosphere with local sake and karaoke for a local evening experience.
Pets are not permitted at the property. A convenience store is within a short walk (about 5 minutes) and a coin‑laundry is nearby (around 10 minutes), making basic supplies and services easy to reach.