Shiga Palace Hotel
6,2/10 Good - Based on 12 reviews
Shiga Palace Hotel sits in the Shiga Kogen highlands within the Kumanoyu Hotaru Onsen area, presented as a mid‑size mountain ryokan that combines tatami‑style and Western rooms and public bathing. The property markets its onsen facilities under the Hotaru name and positions itself as a practical base for both winter skiing and summer hiking, noting its highland setting and proximity to lift access that serves the surrounding slopes. This description reflects the hotel’s own positioning and regional listings.
Guest accommodation ranges from family‑oriented tatami rooms to Japanese‑style layouts with private bathrooms; common amenities reported across listings include free Wi‑Fi, on‑site dining with buffet breakfast, a café, a convenience outlet inside the building, and accessible parking. The hotel maintains shared hot‑spring baths and wellness facilities rather than primarily private onsens, and it advertises ski‑to‑door access plus equipment rental and shuttle options for bus connections, making it a functional choice for groups and families preparing for slope days.
The immediate area offers direct access to Kumanoyu and Yokoteyama ski areas—both within a short walk from the property—and seasonal attractions such as high‑altitude ridge walking and winter snow formations on higher lifts; the well‑known Jigokudani Monkey Park and regional cultural sites are reachable by road in under an hour, so day excursions are straightforward. For travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Shiga Kogen and a base for outdoor activity in Nagano, the hotel provides practical services, clear access notes and a buffet dining option to support multi‑day stays.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shiga Palace Hotel
Positive Reviews
Very close to the ski slopes
Multiple reviewers noted the ryokan is located just next to the ski area, making it very convenient for skiing activities and transfers to the lifts.
Helpful and attentive staff
Guests praised staff for being helpful, mentioning useful services such as being called when meals were ready and generally good assistance during the stay.
Cozy common areas
The lobby with a fireplace and comfortable seating was highlighted as a pleasant, relaxing space to spend time after skiing.
Rooms with private facilities
Several guests appreciated that rooms included private toilets, washbasins and beds, and some rooms were described as spacious, which improved comfort for families and groups.
Building well maintained and value extras
Although the building is older, at least one reviewer found it clean and noted on-site extras (for example inexpensive beer) as a positive value-added feature.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent cleanliness
Some guests reported cleanliness issues or felt the property’s cleanliness was subpar, indicating inconsistency between rooms or stays.
Small elevators and long waits
Multiple reviews complained that the elevator is very small and that boarding it can take too long, causing inconvenience especially with luggage or group travel.
Missing or limited in-room amenities
Problems included no hairdryer in the room, no spare toilet paper provided in rooms, and insufficient duvets for two people — requiring guests to request items at the front desk.
Poor food quality for some guests
At least one reviewer specifically reported that the meals were not good, indicating the dining experience may not meet all guests’ expectations.
Accessibility with ski gear and tight toilets
Guests noted difficulties moving around in ski boots (especially to upper floors) and that some toilets were uncomfortably small, reducing convenience for skiers and larger groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single/double types to family-style Japanese rooms; some rooms sleep up to six guests using futons. Please state the exact number of guests and ages of any children when booking so the hotel can prepare appropriate bedding.
Yes — the hotel has natural hot-spring baths (Hotaru Onsen) with communal baths, and some room types offer private baths. Bathing facilities are a key part of the property’s amenities.
The property offers shuttle services, including airport shuttle options; schedules must be arranged with the hotel in advance. Regular local buses and taxis also serve the area.
From Yudanaka Station take the Nagano Dentetsu bus toward Kumanoyu and get off at Suzurigawa (around 40–50 minutes) or use a taxi for a shorter transfer. By car the hotel is reachable from Shinshu‑Nakano IC in roughly 40 minutes.
Japanese is the primary language, but the front desk can assist in English for common guest needs. For detailed requests, advance contact by email or phone is recommended.
The hotel blends traditional tatami/futon rooms with Western‑style beds and modern comforts; expect a regional highland atmosphere with ski access in winter and hiking opportunities in summer. Facilities include onsen baths, a restaurant, and an onsite convenience store.
Ski slopes (Yokoteyama, Kumanoyu) are within a short walk from the hotel, while Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is reachable by car in roughly 30–50 minutes depending on traffic. The area also offers summer lifts and mountain trails for hiking.
Local transport includes scheduled buses to nearby stations, taxis, and free on‑site parking if you travel by car; some seasons feature a lift directly by the hotel for summer treks. The hotel also provides ski lockers and rental services in winter.
Check‑in begins at 15:00 and guests are asked to inform the hotel of their expected arrival time; check‑in may require arrival before the stated desk closing (please confirm). Check‑out is typically by 10:00.
Pets are not permitted at the property; some room types include private baths while public onsen facilities are available to guests. The hotel operates a buffet restaurant for meals and has an onsite convenience store for basic supplies.