Hotel Omodaka

“Wonderful warm and comfy hotel”

The room was spacious and warm. I even had to turn the heater off before going to sleep because it made the room so toasty. I never felt cold inside. Everyday we had an amazing and healthy breakfast feast to fuel up before driving out to the ski slopes. And of course coming back to the onsen after … more

The room was spacious and warm. I even had to turn the heater off before going to sleep because it made the room so toasty. I never felt cold inside. Everyday we had an amazing and healthy breakfast feast to fuel up before driving out to the ski slopes. And of course coming back to the onsen after a day of skiing is the best way to wrap up the day and help those tired muscles recover. A thing to note is that my room (and most accommodations in Yudanaka) don't have showers attached, so one would have to go to the onsen (located within the same building) to take a shower. There is an ensuite toilet. Initially I felt that the shower thing wasn't something I'd like but it is actually ok - I went to the onsen everyday after skiing anyway, and for hygiene purposes one would shower before getting into the onsen. It is never crowded in the onsen, male and female are separate, nudity is completely normal and no biggie, everybody just minds their own business. I highly recommend the onsen experience, it is quite something different and a Japanese tradition. Everything that one needs is provided in the onsen and shower area. There are also hairdryers, face/body moisturisers. My stay included one dinner in the hotel and it was the best dinner I've had in years! It must have been 8 courses with some side dishes, all meticulously prepared and delicious! The staff spoke some very basic English and were all lovely and helpful.

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“Fabulous stay, Highly recommend!!!”

Hotel Omodaka was fantastic! We've been up to Yamanouchi a few years ago and stayed at a much more expensive ryokan, but this trip we were trying to find something that was traditional but a bit more reasonable. I'm SO glad we ended up here! First, the owners were an adorable couple who were so fr… more

Hotel Omodaka was fantastic! We've been up to Yamanouchi a few years ago and stayed at a much more expensive ryokan, but this trip we were trying to find something that was traditional but a bit more reasonable. I'm SO glad we ended up here! First, the owners were an adorable couple who were so friendly, helpful and accommodating. It was like staying with family. As per our booking, we called ahead the day before to confirm our reservation and book the free shuttle to the hotel from the station. We arrived a bit early at the station so the lady at the station called the hotel and they were there in minutes. What service! Our room was large, clean, and had the traditional futons and tea service set out when we arrived. We had the private bathroom in our room as well. We discussed what time would work for us for dinner. Note - for the full traditional Japanese experience, DEFINITELY book the dinner and breakfast with your room. It's so unique and high end, and they always use the freshest local ingredients. We donned our yukatas (casual kimono robes provided) and went to our private dinner just down the hall. Trust me, it's a very cool meal full of foods you're not used to eating, but there's so much variety and it's all so well prepared that you will not go hungry. (and please remember that it's rude not to eat your meal, so do your best to ingest as much as is polite). We then headed to the hot springs (men and women are separate). After you change out of your clothes and put them in the bins, the first room you enter is the bath, where you can either sit in the hot pool or use the shower heads around the room (shampoos, soaps and facial cleaners included). We found the pool way too hot, so we used some peel cream on our faces and just sat under the shower heads. Then we realized there were stairs outside that led to the outdoor hot tub! The temperature was much more tolerable out here because of the chilly air, and you get a great view of the town if you stand by the wall. Our room had its own heater and a window that opened and overlooked the river and town. We slept comfortably and soundly. We had arranged for our breakfast at 8am, and they called for us when it was time. We once again donned the yukatas and had breakfast on the main floor with other guests. The breakfast is very traditional Japanese, so if you're hoping for toast and eggs you will be disappointed. But it's all about the experience, and I loved to try what a fancy Japanese breakfast would be like! We then were given a ride in the shuttle to the snow monkey park and made arrangements for a pickup time as well, while they held our luggage at the front desk. After being picked up at the park, we drove back to the hotel, got the luggage and said our goodbyes and then we were taken to the train station. They make it all so easy for you, and their English was pretty good so communication wasn't really an issue (But I recommend Google Translate App for the trip either way). We were treated like royalty and had an amazing trip up to Yamanouchi thanks to the wonderful owners and staff here at Hotel Omodaka! Arigato gozaimasu!

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“Great value, comfortable and convenient to nearby Shiga Kogen”

I stayed as part of a group ski tour of the area. Travelling solo, so had a large and well appointed Japanese style room to myself. Comfortable futon, private toilet and small bathroom. Very good heater, and views to the back of the hotel. In house banquet meals were outstanding. Great selection of… more

I stayed as part of a group ski tour of the area. Travelling solo, so had a large and well appointed Japanese style room to myself. Comfortable futon, private toilet and small bathroom. Very good heater, and views to the back of the hotel. In house banquet meals were outstanding. Great selection of Japanese cuisine. The groundfloor cafe does excellent burgers, and there is a small bar offering beers, spirits etc. Vending machines a-plenty for when the bar is not staffed. Best of all, Omodaka has both indoor and outdoor onsen. A must after a long day's skiing. Arigatou!

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“Great traditional Japanese hotel”

What an absolutely gorgeous traditional Japanese hotel. Like most people we stayed because we were in town to visit the Snow Monkey Park, and we couldn’t fault this for a close place to stay nearby. The hotel is older, but has all the necessary amenities. We had a Japanese room, which meant matt… more

What an absolutely gorgeous traditional Japanese hotel. Like most people we stayed because we were in town to visit the Snow Monkey Park, and we couldn’t fault this for a close place to stay nearby. The hotel is older, but has all the necessary amenities. We had a Japanese room, which meant mattresses on the tatami floor. The mattresses were fine to sleep on, but I will admit I wasn’t a fan of the pillow. The dinner was incredible, so many different foods to try, they were all scrumptious and the service was lovely. Food was served in private rooms on the lower floors, which was nice and allowed for privacy with my partner while we ate. Breakfast was also great, buffet style with lots of different choices. Would definitely stay again if we were in the area.

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