Yamaichiya — Local services in Yamanouchi

This is a traditional onsen ryokan that is in the midst of the Shibu Onsen. From here, you can walk to the different onsens (hot springs) that surround the hotel, including the Monkey onsen that is just a mile away. They will give you a traditional yukata (kimono) to wear and wooden sandals (geta) to walk around to the different onsens outside the hotel. There are also hot baths in the hotel. The toilet in our room was broken, which we were told about pretty late in the day. Luckily we hadn't used it. The rooms are spartan and have none of the amenities you would expect in a western hotel. The floors are tatami (rice mat) and you sleep on futons (blankets); pretty no frills stuff. It's not fancy but you won't be spending most of the time in your room; you'll be at the onsens or walking around the town. The food was delicious, especially the dinner. There were all kinds of traditional Japanese food, including stews, skewered fish, roasted corn, sashimi, steak, beer, and wine. The owner was nice; he apologized for the broken toilet and gave us a box of candy as a way of apologising as we were leaving. All in all, it was a decent place but the onsens are...

So lovely! Highly recommended ryokan- great location and wonderfully helpful and accommodating hosts. Beautiful family friendly room and rooftop onsen great for young ones. Lovely food and a great experience. They helped us book tickets, drive us to and from station and helped us get to the monkey park bus in the snow. Definitely would come back and stay here, a lovely experience all round. Just make sure you bring cash as they don't accept...

We were wandering around the town (January) feeling a bit lost, couldn't find any Onsens to visit without being a Ryoken guest. We stepped in to Yamaichiya and were greeted very warmly and friendly. The proprietor was very enthusiastic and happy to have us visit his beautiful Onsen. The bath was very nice, great temperature. Very private.

The host also gave us a gift. If you are looking for an Onsen to visit here or even to stay,...