Minshuku Miyama
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 591 reviews
Minshuku Miyama is a small, family-run minshuku tucked into the foothills near the Snow Monkey Park and the Shiga Highlands. The property centers on its on-site open-air hot spring, “Wakuwaku no Yu,” which uses a private source named Miyama Onsen; the spring is described as sulfur-rich with sodium–calcium and chloride components and issues at high temperature from the source. The baths are outdoor and gender-separated rather than indoor or entirely private, and bathing is scheduled to allow evening and early-morning use; day‑visitor access and a broad parking area are available for those not staying overnight. The setting emphasizes mountain views and close walking access to the trailhead for the snow monkeys, making the location convenient for seasonal hiking and winter skiing in the nearby highlands.
Guest accommodation is traditional Japanese: a compact set of tatami rooms with futons, modest furnishings and shared-bath arrangements in some plans, alongside basic modern comforts such as Wi‑Fi and climate control. Meals focus on local Shinshu ingredients — rice from the region, seasonal vegetables and locally sourced meat — served in a communal dining space that reflects homemade style cooking rather than formal kaiseki presentation. Hosts commonly assist with local transit details and can arrange simple transport to the nearby onsen town and bus stops, which helps independent travelers and small groups plan visits to the monkey park, Shibu Onsen and the ski areas without complex logistics.
The overall experience is practical and unpretentious: straightforward rooms, hands‑on hospitality and a distinctive outdoor thermal bath drawn directly from the property’s own source. The minshuku operates on a non-smoking policy, offers parking for guests, and welcomes both short stays and longer, relaxed visits for guests seeking an authentic countryside stay. For travellers searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen Yamanouchi or looking to sample a ryokan with onsen Nagano, this property provides direct access to a natural, locally sourced rotenburo and a pragmatic base for exploring the surrounding highland attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Minshuku Miyama
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience
Many guests praise the outdoor onsen (stone bath) fed by sulfur thermal water — relaxing, scenic and often available late so visitors can enjoy it in peace.
Warm, attentive hosts and staff
Numerous reviews highlight very welcoming, kind and helpful proprietors; staff arranged transport and were consistently described as caring and attentive.
Traditional, delicious meals
Dinners and breakfasts are frequently described as excellent, plentiful and authentic Japanese cuisine with good variety.
Comfortable traditional rooms
The Japanese-style rooms are reported as spacious, clean and comfortable, with good bedding and an authentic atmosphere.
Quiet, convenient location near Snow Monkey Park
Guests liked the peaceful setting and proximity to the Snow Monkey Park (short walk or quick transfer), making the ryokan a convenient base for visits.
Negative Reviews
Challenging transport/logistics
Several guests mention transport can be tricky using public transport (bus timing and connections); some needed the hotel's shuttle for drop-off or pick-up.
Few nearby shops or amenities
A number of reviews note there are very few shops around the hotel, so conveniences are limited locally.
View slightly spoiled by overhead wires
At least one guest commented that visible electrical wires detract somewhat from the view.
Limited room privacy features
One review mentioned the lack of opaque shutters/blackout coverings in the room, which could affect privacy or light control for some guests.
Occasional criticism of meals
Though most praise the food, a small number of guests indicated issues with the meals, suggesting minor inconsistencies in satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese style with futons; standard room types accommodate 2 or 3 guests and no extra beds or baby cots are available.
Yes — the property has an outdoor hot spring (onsen) available to guests; baths are public and gender‑separated, and bathing suits are not permitted.
Private use is not generally offered, pets are not allowed, and you’ll find small shops and restaurants in nearby Shibu Onsen with a supermarket a short drive away in Yudanaka.
There is no regular airport shuttle, but the owners can often arrange pick‑up or drop‑off from Yudanaka Station on request; a local bus stop stands in front of the ryokan.
Most guests travel via Nagano (or Matsumoto) and then take trains to Yudanaka Station; from Yudanaka it’s a short taxi or local bus ride to the ryokan.
Staff and owners speak limited English but are very helpful; they typically manage basic communication and assist with directions and local arrangements.
Check‑in is from 14:00 (please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time) and check‑out is by 10:00.
The ryokan serves an Asian‑style breakfast and offers dinner when reserved in advance; guests without a meal plan should request meals at least one day before arrival.
Jigokudani Monkey Park is about 3 km away and Shibu Onsen village is within a short walk; Ryuoo Ski Park and the Shiga Kogen ski area are reachable by short drive.
There is a bus stop in front of the property with services to the station and attractions, taxis operate from Yudanaka Station, and free on‑site parking is available for guests with cars.