Accommodation Options & Meals
This tour is based in the township of
Yudanaka located near the Shiga Kogen ski areas and sits at 600 metres above sea level. Due to its proximity it is ideally located for visiting many of Nagano's great ski areas.
The area is well known for its
onsen (hot springs) and it is said that over 1300 years ago a monk who visited the area discovered the healing quality of the water and the popularity of the region grew so much that the Samurai would come to repair their bodies in the rejuvenating waters.
The other attraction to the area is the world renowned
snow monkeys who have learnt to keep themselves warm in the natural onsen water. Although the town is visited by foreigners to visit the snow monkeys you will find the town
relatively free of westerners when you eat out in the evenings as many just come on day journeys. There is a wide array of traditional eating houses in Yudanaka which serve fresh local and regional produce. In the past few years the restaurant scene has expanded to include a number of new eateries which have a mix of Japanese and Western food to suit every palette. A walk through historic
Shibu town is also a must with its quaint shops, temples, shrines, foot onsens and authentic architecture.
Ryokan Yumoto (Deluxe)
Ryokan Yumoto is one of the oldest Ryokans in the area at over 300 years and it has just passed down to the 13th generation of family ownership. Dating back to the Edo period, the area of Yudanaka has a history of over 1300 years and is where the Samurai came to bathe after their battles and the pilgrims, artists and priests would visit on their way to Nagano.
All the guests fall in love with Yasuyo your host instantly, and her lovely presence puts that icing on the cake for your tour.
The property oozes charm and although not luxuriously built using precious woods, the pure Japanese-style guest rooms are spacious, and from the windows you can see the garden next to the hot springs.
Yumoto has a total of 5 rooms. The Japanese-Western rooms have 2 beds plus 8 tatami mats. The Japanese rooms have 4.5 tatami plus 10 tatami. The larger family Japanese room has 6 tatami plus 12 tatami. Each room has a toilet and bathing is done in the traditional onsen house. All rooms have a flat screen TV, small fridge & kettle, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Your room will have the traditional yukata, which is not mandatory to wear at this Ryokan, although it is definitely comfortable attire after a day on the slopes.
Night-time meals are traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine served by your own private waiter in the ryokan dining area.
Breakfasts (also included) are another highlight of your experience at Yumoto and need to be experienced as words are hard to describe.
Ryokan Yumoto is close to a wide array of quality restaurants in Yudanaka and a short distance from the local Lawsons convenience store and the train station.
Yumoto has a complimentary pickup and drop-off to and from the train station and they offer a free drop off at the snow monkey park 20 minutes earlier than the other accommodation in town so that you get the luxury of arriving at the park early.
Hotel Omodaka (Premium)
Hotel Omodaka in Yudanaka Onsen, sits adjacent to the Yomase River, and the onsen and many of the guest rooms enjoy lovely views of the surrounding mountains. The open-air onsen baths overlook the Five Mountains of Hokushin.
Omodaka is owned and operated by an amazing family who make your time there a true authentic Japanese experience.
Rooms
Most of the rooms at Omodaka Hotel are washitsu ie Japanese style rooms with tatami flooring. All twin/triple/quad share rooms have a toilet and handbasin and a shower, or you can bathe in the onsen. The single supplement rooms have a toilet and wash basin, with bathing in the onsen.
Beds are futons, and if you like a soft bed, there are extra futons to double up.
Rooms are larger than most in Yudanaka and all rooms have a flat screen TV, small fridge & kettle. Your room also has a traditional yukata (cotton kimono), which is not mandatory to wear at this hotel, although it is definitely comfortable attire after a day on the slopes.
You can upgrade to the deluxe western room which is double the size of the Japanese style rooms and sleeps a maximum of 4 people. It has 2 oversized twin beds plus a large tatami seating area for 2 futons. This room has a large bathroom, with a bath and rain shower.
Facilities
The hotel has an onsen, with gender segregated baths on an elevated floor, and the balcony of the rotenburo (outdoor bath) offers views across towards Mt Myoko and other mountains. In addition to the outdoor onsen, there are indoor baths and a sauna which is rare in Yudanaka.
Other amenities:
- Small lounge in lobby
- Gift shop that also sells some sundries
- Free wifi throughout the hotel
- Bar and River Cafe that serves up great burgers and toasties in case you're hankering for a non-Japanese meal
- Massage services available
- Drinks vending machines
- Table tennis room
- The hotel does not have clothes washing facilities however there is a public laundry a short walk away.
Dining
The breakfast dining room has traditional Japanese décor such as shoji screens and tatami flooring, along with comfort of western-style tables and chairs. Breakfast (included) is served buffet style and includes some classic Japanese breakfast fare such as miso soup, rice, salad, dumplings, pickles, mini sausages, and omelette rectangles, as well as a few western staples. Coffee and juice are also provided.
Evening meals are multi-course Japanese cuisine served in a traditional dining room by your personal waiter. Dinner is a great opportunity to sample lots of Japanese fare.
Location
The hotel is located adjacent to the river and it is 1.1km southeast of the Yudanaka train station, and arrival and departure shuttles are provided by the hotel. The main hub of Yudanaka restaurants and the bar district are about 1km from the hotel, and you have the option of getting the one-way shuttle to get to restaurants in the evening.
Omodaka has a free drop off service to the snow monkey park 20 minutes earlier than the other accommodation in town so that you get the luxury of arriving at the park early, so you have the place to yourself for a length of time (it is a tourist attraction so gets busy).
Snow Monkey Guest House (Economy)
Coming soon is the new economy property called Snow Monkey Guest House which will cater for more economy focussed guests.
It is set in the heart of Yudanaka and after renovation it is due to be open mid November 2024. Bookings for this property will open up later in the year once we are certain of the opening date.