My husband and I stayed here for one night during our visit to Shibu Onsen. We booked through Jalan.net and didn't have any issues with the process.
The ryokan itself is very traditional and we were told it was built ~140 years ago. Our room was spacious and traditional, with a toilet and sink attached. The room was warm and the futons comfy. You're also provided with socks, yukata, and geta (sandals) to go onsen hopping. We didn't find the lack of a shower/bath an issue at all as we went onsen hopping and you wash yourself there before getting into the onsen. The ryokan also had its own onsen and we loved the private open air onsen as my husband and I could bathe there together privately (reserve when you get there). We also had breakfast and dinner provided by the ryokan, which were both gastronomical, multi course feasts - would highly recommend.
The manager was lovely and greeted us on arrival and explained everything to us. The hotel staff didn't speak too much english but knew enough that we had no problems communicating during our stay. The staff were also very helpful in answering our questions about how to get to monkey park and train station. They were even kind enough to drop us off at the local train station at the end of our stay.
Yumoto ryokan was an amazing first ryokan experience and I would highly recommend it!
Our first visit to the area of Shibu Onsen we stayed at Yumoto Ryokan. The General Manager was amazing. She was friendly generous and attentive to all needs. This Ryokan is 400 years old and offers a traditional experience. On arrival we were greeted by the General manager wearing a kimono. We were a bit early but she allowed us to check in. Best to arrive on time however. A gentleman took our bags and we proceeded to our room. We were told through laughter that their English was not very good. They are light hearted about it and welcomed our use of Google Assistant’s translate mode. We were guided through a series of common questions as we sat under a warming table. Tea was provided to warm us from our travels. Gifts are a common thing in the culture. We were gifted a kabuki figurine. The hotel provides yukata, traditional robes to go to the onsen, natural hot bath. Our western ideals were put to the test as we donned robes with nothing beneath. Onsen is taken completely naked in gender specific bathing areas. Yumoto offers gender specific onsens as well as an onsen for reservation. The reserved onsen is outdoors and can be for mixed gender. Ryokan also provide breakfast and Dinner for a bit extra. We can be a bit picky with our palettes so opted to dine in the town. The area does have some great restaurant options. We were directed to try a traditional Japanese restaurant. Unfortunately we went with our own plan and found a Soba Noodle place, Tamagawa. The meal was fine but they are barely tolerant of foreigners. We appreciated the photographs of manners in the menu. Lesson learned, follow the advice of the Ryoken or eat in house. The next morning we endeavored to check out the snow monkeys before our train back to Tokyo. Our general manager and her assistant provided us instructions to catch the bus and let us leave our luggage. We had grabbed a snow money pass in Nagano which made the bus and park easy to access. The travel to the Snow Monkey Park was very easy. It had just snowed the night before and our footing would have been better with boots. We could have rented at the park but chose to chance it. The General manager of Yumoto Ryoken went above and beyond for us on our return from the park. We aimed to call a taxi but there were none to be found. The General manager without hesitation said she would take us. She disappeared and returned in a large passenger van. We piled in and were quickly shuttled to the station. We offered to pay and we’re firmly told no. Hugs were offered from the staff for our farewell. We highly recommend this place for it’s location and the amazing staff. The local bus also goes to the slopes. A trip to ski and see the Snow Monkeys and later soak in a hot spring tub is a wonderful vacation.
