Sakaeya
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 363 reviews
Sakaeya, operating under the name Shunran no Yado Sakaeya, is a traditional Japanese inn in the Shibu Onsen area of Yamanouchi that centers on thermal bathing and attentive, family-style hospitality. The property presents tatami-floored guest rooms with futon bedding and modest modern comforts, communal lounges and a small gift shop, and provides colourful yukata for guests to wear around the premises. Compact by design, the ryokan combines wood-and-paper interiors with air conditioning and public-area Wi‑Fi to balance authenticity and convenience for overnight stays.
The spa facilities draw on two local springs, including waters associated with Jigokudani, producing a mildly acidic, skin-friendly soak the inn highlights; bathing options include covered indoor baths, an outdoor bath and a rentable private onsen and sauna for sole use, positioning the property as a ryokan with private onsen in Nagano. The inn lies within easy reach of the area’s main attractions—about a ten-minute drive to the Jigokudani Monkey Park—and is served by local rail and bus connections that make day trips and seasonal excursions straightforward.
Dinner is offered as a traditional multi-course meal showcasing regional ingredients, with a Japanese-style breakfast served the following morning; some menus and room-service options can be adjusted for dietary needs when requested. Staff provide multilingual assistance, practical services such as luggage storage and postal items, and small celebration packages for anniversaries or special occasions, while the house also notes available accessibility aids. For travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Yamanouchi, Nagano, Sakaeya presents a straightforward, service-focused option centered on reliable bathing facilities and local culinary hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sakaeya
Positive Reviews
Outstanding, attentive staff
Guests repeatedly praised the polite, friendly and very helpful staff; many called the service exceptional and highlighted personal attention that made the stay memorable.
Excellent, creative cuisine
Multiple reviews mention superb kaiseki-style dinners and breakfasts, beautifully presented and very tasty — private dining rooms and chef-prepared meals were especially appreciated.
High-quality onsen facilities, including private onsen
Reviewers loved the ryokan's baths and onsen experience; private in-room onsen options and rentable private onsen/sauna were described as memorable and well worth the price.
Prime location for Shibu Onsen and Snow Monkey access
The ryokan sits in the heart of Shibu Onsen near the nine public bathhouses and within easy walking or short drive access to the Snow Monkey park, which guests found very convenient.
Beautiful traditional rooms and atmosphere
Guests enjoyed the traditional Japanese experience: tatami areas, tasteful decor, comfortable spacious rooms (some with mountain views), and the overall authentic ryokan atmosphere.
Negative Reviews
Pricey for some guests
Several reviewers noted the ryokan is expensive; while many felt it was worth the cost, a few mentioned the price could deter some travellers.
Some found futon bedding too thin or firm
At least one guest reported the futons were extremely thin and hard, making sleep uncomfortable compared with expectations for bedding.
Limited shuttle/timing options
A reviewer suggested offering more or more flexible free shuttle times to better match guest needs given the nightly rates.
Occasional dated bathroom in some rooms
One guest noted the en-suite bathroom in their room felt very old (described as from the 1950s), indicating some rooms may have older fittings.
Minor room layout issue (TV viewing)
A small complaint mentioned the TV could not be turned to be viewed from the bed, a minor inconvenience for some guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin and double layouts to Japanese-style family rooms that sleep up to five using futons; check the specific room type and maximum occupancy when booking.
The ryokan has indoor and outdoor public hot-spring baths and provides yukata for guests; rooms include private toilets and some room types have private bathrooms.
Sakaeya provides shuttle pick-up from Yudanaka Station on request and can arrange transport to nearby attractions such as Jigokudani (Snow Monkey) Park; contact the ryokan to confirm and schedule transfers.
Take the Shinkansen to Nagano, transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) line to Yudanaka Station, then use the ryokan shuttle, a short taxi, or local bus to Shibu Onsen where Sakaeya is located.
Yes, staff members are multilingual and can assist in English for check-in, directions and basic requests.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course dinners (kaiseki) and a Japanese-style breakfast; guests can enjoy tatami rooms, futon bedding and walking the historic Shibu Onsen streets in yukata.
Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkeys) is a short drive away, Shiga Kogen ski areas are within driving distance, and local sights include Heiwa Kannon and the historic Shibu Onsen district.
Shibu Onsen is compact and walkable; local buses and taxis connect Yudanaka Station and surrounding attractions, and many guests use the ryokan shuttle for short trips.
Pets are not permitted at the property; while the ryokan’s main onsen facilities are public (indoor/outdoor), some room types have private bathrooms—ask the ryokan in advance about private-bath options.
Shibu Onsen village has cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and public bathhouses within walking distance; larger supermarkets and more services are available in nearby Yudanaka or other local towns.