Kamei no Yu
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 72 reviews
Kamei no Yu is a small, family-run ryokan set in a quiet corner of Yamanouchi that emphasizes intimate, attentive service across just six guest rooms. Interiors blend tatami-floored rooms with restrained modern comforts, and room types are named for local flora with layouts that range from compact traditional rooms to slightly larger garden-view accommodations. The inn promotes a relaxed pacing for stays, offering tailored plans such as a solo-traveler package and hands-on activities including a lamp-making experience, while an affiliated property nearby maintains a historic communal bath that guests may access as part of certain arrangements.
The property operates multiple hot-spring facilities including stone-clad and newer open-air baths; two outdoor tubs are highlighted for private reservations and some plans explicitly include access to a reserved open-air bath. Guests should note common local policies that may restrict access to communal bathing facilities for those with visible tattoos, and the ryokan can coordinate private-bath bookings on the day to ensure privacy. As a compact ryokan with onsen in Yamanouchi, the emphasis is on quiet, restorative bathing experiences framed by seasonal landscapes rather than large-scale spa amenities.
Meals follow a seasonal kaiseki approach centered on regional ingredients, with options that showcase Shinshu flavors and local meats; dinner service may be arranged in conjunction with a nearby sister inn depending on the plan. Practicalities such as shuttle support, parking and multilingual assistance are available on request, and the ryokan’s understated hospitality makes it suited to guests seeking a measured, traditional onsen stay. For travelers prioritizing private bathing, this is a considered ryokan with private onsen in Nagano that balances hands-on local culture with simple, well-maintained facilities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kamei no Yu
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff
Multiple reviewers highlight exceptionally friendly, helpful and accommodating staff who go out of their way to assist guests, explain amenities, and provide personalised service.
Exceptional food (kaiseki)
Many guests praise the breakfast and multi-course dinners—described as delicious, beautifully presented, varied and a highlight of the stay.
Private, high-quality onsen experience
Reviewers value the private bookable onsens and overall onsen facilities as relaxing, rejuvenating and preferable to public baths.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Guests enjoyed the traditional elements (yukata, Japanese-style rooms, cultural hospitality) and felt the stay offered a genuine, intimate ryokan atmosphere.
Convenient location for snow monkeys and transport
Several reviews note the ryokan is a short walk from Yudanaka Station and within walking distance of the Snow Monkey Park, making access to local attractions and transport easy.
Negative Reviews
No shuttle service to Snow Monkey Park
At least one guest wished the property offered a shuttle to the Snow Monkey Park given the room rates, noting limited transport options provided by the hotel.
Dinner or facilities located at sister hotel
Some guests reported that dinner or certain facilities are provided at a sister property, requiring a short walk that some found inconvenient, especially in cold weather.
Room size and cold temperatures
A number of reviews mention that rooms can be on the small side and may become cold, so guests should be prepared for lower room temperatures.
Public onsen restrictions for tattooed guests
Guests with tattoos could not use the public onsen and therefore relied on the private, reservable open-air baths; this limits access for tattooed visitors unless they reserve private baths.
Some onsens felt too hot
A few guests noted particular onsen pools were very hot, which could be uncomfortable for some visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kamei no Yu is a small ryokan with six rooms; room capacities vary by room type, so check the specific room listing for the exact maximum occupancy.
The property has indoor hot spring baths and open-air baths, and it offers reservable private outdoor baths that can be booked for specific time slots.
The ryokan is about a 5–7 minute walk from Yudanaka Station and can arrange station pickups on request with advance notice; airport access requires a train or bus transfer to Yudanaka followed by the short walk or arranged pickup.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; guests are asked to inform the ryokan of their expected arrival time, especially if arriving after 21:00.
Staff are primarily Japanese and some English is available; if you need English support, inform the ryokan in advance so they can prepare assistance where possible.
Kaiseki-style seasonal dinners and Japanese breakfasts feature local Shinshu ingredients; the ryokan can accommodate common dietary requests if notified before arrival.
Guests with tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing areas; reservable private baths are offered to ensure tattooed guests can still enjoy an onsen experience.
Yes—Jigokudani Monkey Park is roughly 4 km away (about a 15-minute drive), and Yudanaka Onsen town plus Shiga Kogen ski areas are within short walking or driving distance, making the ryokan a convenient base.
Pets are not permitted at the property; Yudanaka town has restaurants, small shops and convenience stores within a short walk for basic supplies.
Expect a traditional ryokan atmosphere with tatami rooms, yukata, garden views, seasonal kaiseki meals, public and open-air onsen, and optional cultural activities such as the ryokan's lamp-making experience.