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Shibu Onsen Sakaeya

Property class: 3

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Photo gallery for Shibu Onsen Sakaeya

A traditional Japanese onsen with wooden interiors and a view of bamboo trees at sunset. - Shibu Onsen Sakaeya (Yamanouchi)
A modern outdoor area with a glass-enclosed room, a seating area with a table and chairs, and a textured wall. - Shibu Onsen Sakaeya (Yamanouchi)
A modern hotel room with two beds, a TV, a small table, and a seating area. - Shibu Onsen Sakaeya (Yamanouchi)
A traditional Japanese building with a well-lit entrance, large windows, and potted plants. - Shibu Onsen Sakaeya (Yamanouchi)
A hallway with wooden flooring, traditional sliding doors, and a central light fixture. - Shibu Onsen Sakaeya (Yamanouchi)
Near Shibu, Shibu Onsen Sakaeya provides an indoor mineral hot spring (onsen), a coffee shop/cafe, and a bar. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 24-hour public bath. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services
  • Bar

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Semi Western-style Room Non-smoking

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

Semi Western-style Room Non-smoking

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Semi Western-style Room

A room with a large window, a bathtub, and a view of a landscape.

Semi Western-style Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Semi Western-style Room

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a TV, a painting on the wall, and a traditional Japanese sliding door.

Semi Western-style Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Executive Twin Room, Accessible, Non Smoking

A hotel room with two beds, a chair, a small table, and a large window with blinds.

Executive Twin Room, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Quadruple Room, Accessible

A modern living room with a dining table, chairs, a sofa, and a television.

Superior Quadruple Room, Accessible

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

View all photos for Executive Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom

A traditional Japanese room with tatami flooring, a low table, cushions, a television, and sliding doors.

Executive Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom

  • Mountain view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Premium Twin Room, 2 Bedrooms, Bathtub

An outdoor lounge area with a pool, seating, and a view of the sunset.

Premium Twin Room, 2 Bedrooms, Bathtub

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 57 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for Design Room, 2 Twin Beds, Accessible, Non Smoking

A modern living room with a TV, a dining table, and a large window with a sunset view.

Design Room, 2 Twin Beds, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Japanese Style Standard Family Room, Non Smoking

A traditional Japanese room with tatami flooring, a low table, and two chairs.

Japanese Style Standard Family Room, Non Smoking

  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Twin Futons

About the neighborhood

Hirao, a neighborhood in Yamanouchi, is home to Shibu Onsen Sakaeya. Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular area attraction and if an activity is on the agenda, Shibu and Shiga Kogen Ski Area are worth checking out. Biande Shinshu Nakano and Taikan Bonsai Museum are also worth visiting. Visit our Yamanouchi travel guide
Map
Shibu Onsen, Shimotakai gun, Yamanouchi, Nagano-ken, 381-0401

What's nearby

  • A snow-covered landscape with a flowing waterfall, a bridge, and traditional buildings.
    Shibu
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • A snowy outdoor scene with a pond and rocks.
    Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park
    3 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Shibuyu Bridge
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Sake Storehouse and Museum
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Yudanaka Hot Spring
    18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Yudanaka Station
    6 min drive
  • Shinshu - Matsumoto Airport (MMJ)
    86 min drive

Restaurants

  • 味処 みかさ
    2 min drive
  • 羅臼庵
    2 min drive
  • HAKKO BEER STAND
    2 min drive
  • 福十拉
    19 min walk
  • YUDANAKA BREWERY COMPLEX “U”
    2 min drive

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Shibu Onsen KOKUYA
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  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 130 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free train station pick-up and drop-off shuttle from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Train station shuttle at scheduled times, on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily Japanese breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: JPY 2,200 for adults and JPY 1,100 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Things to do

  • Hot springs

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • Computer station
  • Meeting room

Spa

  • 24-hour public bath
  • Hot springs
  • Public indoor mineral hot springs (onsen)
  • Public outdoor mineral hot springs (onsen)
  • Separate men/women areas in public bath
  • Yukata (Japanese robes)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1"on-site accessible parking spaces 1", on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Accessible train station shuttle
  • Elevator (31 inch wide door)
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 26-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9 AM - 9 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests driving to the property should contact this property in advance (e.g., directions)
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 100–10,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • A tax is imposed by the city: JPY 150.00 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 12 years of age.
  • A bathing tax, collected at the property, may be charged. The bathing tax applies to properties with hot springs and ranges from JPY 150-500 per person, per night based on local regulations. Please note that further exemptions may apply.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for Japanese breakfast: approximately JPY 2200 for adults and JPY 1100 for children

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve access to the public bathing facility
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file
Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the onsite public bathing facilities

Frequently asked questions

Is Shibu Onsen Sakaeya pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Shibu Onsen Sakaeya?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Shibu Onsen Sakaeya?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is Shibu Onsen Sakaeya located?

Located in Hirao, this ryokan is steps from Shibu and Shibuyu Bridge. Onsen-ji Temple and Sake Storehouse and Museum are also within 10 minutes. Yudanaka Station is 22 minutes by foot.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Shibu Onsen Sakaeya Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 61 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an absolutely wonderful stay! The room, the dinner, the breakfast - everything just fantastic!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So nice! Staff were helpful with everything and so polite. Beautiful place, beautiful room and dinner presentation was exquisite. Free ride to Snow monkey park. Saw lots of Snow monkeys and a serow antelope, the national treasure of Japan. We had a private bath and Onsen tub.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great! The staff, accommodations, service and staff were exemplary.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes, the room was spotless
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This traditional ryotan was wonderful. It was a blend of traditional Japanese with modern updates. We booked a suite that had western beds and a private onsen. Our sons shared a smaller room with tatami mats. We selected the traditional dinner and breakfast which were wonderful experiences. If you do not like traditional Japanese food you may not like the meal option. The service was great and staff helpful, despite some language limitations. It was very conveniently located near the train station and monkey park. They provided shuttles services which we found helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the best experiences of our life. The staff and service really made it wonderful. I will absolutely be coming back.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our first time staying at a ryokan and it was a fantastic experience. The staff were so welcoming, the rooms clean & tidy and the food deserved at least 1 Michelin star! Would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice property. Staff very friendly abd helpful. Very clean. Traditional baths are very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is my 3rd time in Nagano and this is the best place I’ve stayed! Staff are super friendly and really accommodating. The monkey park is so close and you can take a shuttle from the hotel to the park, if reservations are full they even call you a taxi. 10/10 stay
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our first ryokan experience and we couldn’t have been more impressed. The staff were fantastic, the kaiseki dinner and breakfast were incredible and our room, with a private Onsen, was stunning. The area around the hotel is so picturesque. We had a great time exploring the streets, in our provided yukata, trying all the public onsen. We will certainly be back to Shibu Onsen
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at this Ryokan with an amazing hot spring bath for guest use. It was a traditional Japanese inn with all of the special touches to experience the local Japanese customs. The room was very nice and comfortable, and the staff were super friendly and helpful. This was a great place to stay to visit the snow monkey park nearby and can be reached easily by train and then a short bus ride. We highly recommend this Ryokan for your stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We came here last year and came back with our son this year. The area offers several fun things such as Monkey mountain and street public bathing. Sakaeya's service is very nice. It offers you nice yukata, sandals and basket to walk and hop in many unique baths. The dinner and breakfast are also amazing and we enjoyed out stay very much. Hope to come back again here.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Onsen trip

Very close to shibu onsen bus stop, very clean. The staff is all very nice. We were served by Suzuki-san, her English is very good, she explain all about the hotel and Shibu onsen nicely. Room is very spacious. It has indoor and outdoor onsen. Dinner and breakfast courses were fantastic and delicious. I will highly recommend to stay here when visiting Shibu Onsen
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Watch how you book via Expedia. There is a basic rate - then everything you do adds more to the basic rate. It was clean. The hotel restaurant was fully booked every night! Before we even arrived we couldn’t obtain a reservation.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely ryokan, excellent baths

Excellent ryokan, women's public bath was never more than 2 people but the private bath with sauna is worth booking..book ASAP as spots fill up. Meals are amazing, though the first night menu was preferred by far. The staff is very kind, but their support is limited so make sure to do your research if you're looking to visit snow monkeys or venture outside of the town. They aren't as up to date local bus schedules, etc.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our first time in a Ryokan! And we loved it!! We enjoyed wearing the Kimonos provided and having a multi course dinner! They were also able to provide vegetarian options for dinner as well. The onsen at the hotel was much larger and nicer than the free ones outside the hotel. There is a toilet in the room but no shower, so you have to use the public bath to shower.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Shibu Onsen Sakaeya is an unforgettable gem nestled in the heart of Japan's charming onsen town. From the moment I arrived, I was embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the staff, who made my stay exceptional. The ryokan's traditional atmosphere, with its beautifully preserved wooden interiors and serene ambiance, immediately put me at ease. However, what truly set Sakaeya apart was the personal touch of the staff, especially Runa, whose kindness and grace left a lasting impression on me. Her attentive service, warm smile, and genuine desire to make my stay comfortable made me feel like an honored guest. Whether it was offering local insights, ensuring I enjoyed the full onsen experience, or simply sharing kind words, Runa’s presence elevated my time there. She embodied the spirit of Japanese hospitality, making each interaction a memorable one. The onsen itself was a peaceful retreat, with soothing waters and a relaxing environment that perfectly complemented the traditional ryokan experience. I left Shibu Onsen Sakaeya not only refreshed but deeply moved by the kindness of its people, particularly Runa. If you're seeking a place that marries beauty, tranquility, and heartfelt service, Sakaeya is the perfect destination.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best food on our trip!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good stay at the hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredible experience at a wonderful location, unbelievable food, and great staff. One of our most memorable experiences, ever!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Authentic , great snow monkeys
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room was in good condition and staff was courteous. However, if you’re booking on Expedia, there is no transparency in your ability to book dinner at the ryokan which is 65% of the reason why you’d need to stay at a ryokan. You will then go in a wild goose chase to find a seat at any restaurant nearby which will be nearly impossible until after dinner hours. Makes a supposedly relaxing trip very relaxing
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

N/A
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The area around the property was absolutely beautiful and charming - but maybe because of the time of year we visited (1/06-1/08), very few places were open, despite their signs claiming what their hours of operation were. Even when we found a restaurant that was open at 6pm for dinner, multiple restaurants turned us away because we have a six year old daughter and they didn't accept kids. It was pretty upsetting to my daughter, but the area was absolutely beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
すべて良かった 特に料理最高でした、また行きたいです！
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026