Shibu Onsen KOKUYA

“Relaxation and excitement”

This was a fabulous experience. We arrived and were greeted by a host who issued us our robes and explained how to wear them, reserve baths, and scheduled our breakfast and dinners. The rooms were very spacious and comfortable. The baths are divine, especially the open air ones. And the meals were … more

This was a fabulous experience. We arrived and were greeted by a host who issued us our robes and explained how to wear them, reserve baths, and scheduled our breakfast and dinners. The rooms were very spacious and comfortable. The baths are divine, especially the open air ones. And the meals were locally-sourced and delicious. The monkey park is also nearby and a fantastic visit.

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“Delightful Ryokan with warm hospitality”

Very welcoming hosts greeted us on arrival and their hospitality was warm and natural. The in-room open air private onsen was great as were the other ones reserved to enjoy privately. Multi-course Japanese tasting dinner in private rooms was beautifully presented delighting fans of Japanese cuisine… more

Very welcoming hosts greeted us on arrival and their hospitality was warm and natural. The in-room open air private onsen was great as were the other ones reserved to enjoy privately. Multi-course Japanese tasting dinner in private rooms was beautifully presented delighting fans of Japanese cuisine. Stay in this delightful small Ryokan is thoroughly recommended.

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“Japanese Traditional Inn with Onsen”

Great Japanese Experience on Holiday. We spent a night here and from check in to departure, 5*. We had a private Onsen room with traditional Japanese Dinner and Breakfast. The food was amazing with local delicacies. The staff were accommodating and helpful. Traditional clothing is provided as well … more

Great Japanese Experience on Holiday. We spent a night here and from check in to departure, 5*. We had a private Onsen room with traditional Japanese Dinner and Breakfast. The food was amazing with local delicacies. The staff were accommodating and helpful. Traditional clothing is provided as well as access to Onsen's within the Inn and the Public Bathhouses.

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“An experience not to be missed.”

f you haven’t stayed at an onsen - you haven’t ‘done Japan’. We chose Shibu Onsen (the town) as it is close to the Snow Monkey park - and Kokuya because it has several onsen within the hotel and offered a private onsen on the balcony for some rooms. Kokuya, like many local hotels, will pick you up… more

f you haven’t stayed at an onsen - you haven’t ‘done Japan’. We chose Shibu Onsen (the town) as it is close to the Snow Monkey park - and Kokuya because it has several onsen within the hotel and offered a private onsen on the balcony for some rooms. Kokuya, like many local hotels, will pick you up from Yamanouchi station and they kept in touch to make sure they knew when we were arriving. Kokuya is a small hotel in the centre of town and on a street that has several ‘public onsen’ that you can use. On arrival, it was shoes off and up to the room where our luggage had already been taken. Rooms are tatami mat style. Not huge so if you have lots of luggage - it’s a squeeze. You sleep on futons which staff will put out for you whilst you are at dinner. Our room had a fridge, small dressing area with basin and a private onsen outside on the balcony (like a small hot tub). No bath btw so it’s an outdoor shower to freshen up in the morning. Most people change into the yukatas provided whenever in the hotel and during our visit, everyone wore yukatas at dinner. Dinner is included each night. It’s a fixed Japanese multi course meal which you take in the dining room (same for breakfast). Although you share the dining room, you get your own private booth with a privacy screen. The other onsen in the hotel (bigger) are ‘shared’ but you do book them and have exclusive use for that time. Worth a try. They’re all different. If you go to see the snow monkeys, the hotel will give you a lift up to the park. You make your own way back - bus, taxi or it’s walkable. On departure, you get a lift back to the station too. Staff were very courteous and the hotel was very welcoming. It’s a real experience in every sense. Don’t miss it!

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