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Reviews of Koishiya Ryokan

2.5 out of 5
Koishiya Ryokan
2277, Hirao, Shiga-kogen/Yudanaka, Yamanouchi, Nagano-ken

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 122 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 122 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 122 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 122 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 122 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

marni, ottawa

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were amazing and very accommodating with bags. They actually have a pick up service depending on your arrival and departure times. This was a bonus since it worked out when we were leaving. Our room was very spacious and comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heath

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exceptional staff and hospitality willing to accommodate any requests. Very informative and great exposure to traditional ryokan/ onsens. Highly recommended - thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very friendly and helpful making this a relaxed and comfortable stay. It is an old building but well kept. Not as fancy as some places down the road but extra charming. The public onsens were fun to try. Their shuttles are well organized and we had no trouble booking the times to private onsen and monkey park that we wanted. Excellent service and stay and would return and recommend to others.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

martha

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel and this city was the best part of my Japan trip. I loved staying in a traditional old Japanese ryokan, and I absolutely loved hoping around to all the onsens! Note, they are extremely hot! The staff was wonderful and very accomodating. They offer free shuttle rides to the monkey park or to the train station, so that is wonderful. Ate once there for breakfast, and it was delicious!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cassius

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Just amazing
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from D on Apr 17, 2023
Thank you very much for your feedback!We are looking forward to seeing you again!

10/10 Excellent

Misa

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Authentic yet casual ryokan experience. Staff are so accommodating - picked us up at Yudanaka Station outside of normal pickup hours, advised us to stay in the waiting room (freezing cold in February). Following day, drove us to Snow Monkey Park, first stop to drop our luggage, then to the entrance. I accidentally left my Snow Monkey Pass in my luggage, and she drove me back to the first spot to retrieve it!! Thank you for your generous heart ;)))
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Sungho

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022
Response from KOISHIYA RYOKAN on Jan 2, 2023
Thanks for choosing our Koishiya for your stay.We look forward to seeing you again next time.

10/10 Excellent

Jannai

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a great place to get to relax and enjoy nature.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Response from koishiya on Jan 3, 2022
Thank you very much for staying with us in koishiya ryokan! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay in Yamanouchi! We are looking forward to seeing you next time:-)

6/10 Okay

Doug

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
The staff was really nice and the food (dinner and breakfast) was pretty good, but the room was a bit disappointing, I spent about US$160 for one night there for two and found 21 stinkbugs (kamemushi) in the bedroom.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Daisuke on Feb 11, 2020
Thank you for providing your feedback and letting us know about this issue. We are sorry you found some bugs in your room. We will check rooms more carefully while cleaning. Thank you again for choosing KOISHIYA RYOKAN for your stay and we hope to see you again.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
really old ryokan but exceptional services
First of all, it’s an old ryokan and not much has been done to upgrade. Reviews are high in some travel services but do know that rooms do not come with a private bath; the place does not have its own onsen; and you may see some beetles in your room. If you want to experience what people used to travel to a hot spring resort 50 years ago, then this is your place. Staff are extremely helpful and nice and I wish I can give them more stars.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from KOISHIYA RYOKAN on Feb 1, 2020
Thank you very much for the review of your recent stay at our ryokan. We appreciate your comments about the aspects of our over 90 years old building, and please accept our sincere apologies for your disappointment. It is our goal to maintain the traditional old ryokan style as much as possible while our main priority is to be able to offer comfortable atmosphere for our guests. We do not have private baths in all the guest rooms, but we try our best to keep the shared bathrooms nice and clean, and we also offer driving our guests to another ryokan to try their famous hot spring as well as the private outdoor hot spring if the guests would like to try other than the famous 9 public hot springs here in Shibu Onsen since we do not have our own hot spring onsite. Due to the rather mild winter we are experiencing this year, some bugs are perhaps still active and we are sorry you found some in your room. We will check rooms more carefully while cleaning. Thank you for choosing KOISHIYA RYOKAN and we hope to see you again !

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ksenia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect
Great dinner, big room and perfect service. Also we had the chance to use a private onsen close to the hotel. We recommend this place very much
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Koishiya Ryokan on Dec 20, 2019
Thank you for staying with us here at Koishiya Ryokan. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the private onsen. Please come visit us again in the near future if you get a chance, and we look forward very much to welcoming you again !

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Undiscovered treasure. Despite a shared bathroom
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing cafe food during dinner! Would recommend the Curry and the Miso Meat Spaghetti
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are very nice and helpful. The rooms are maintained well. They offer free shuttle to the SnowMonkey Park and the Yudanaka Station in the morning at certain times.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Meng

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are very nice and helpful. The rooms are maintained well. They offer free shuttle to the SnowMonkey Park and the Yudanaka Station in the morning at certain times.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great and friendly staff with warm conversations. Amenities are clean and food options were plenty. Great over all stay.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

vl

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was perfect, the room and sheets a little old, but confortable. The restaurant of the hotel was good, small plate but not too expensive. The only negative point was when we arrived, the reception was close and the personn who open us the door looks like not soo happy to reveive travelers...But the rest of the staff was really nice, offer free shuttle to the train station, onsen,.....We recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was pleased to stay in this style of lodging. Appreciated the Yukata that was available to the guests. Location was great with regards to the amenities around. Staff was great and supportive.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Grear place to stay inYamanouchi
This place was amazing, all the employees bent over backwards to make sure we were happy and informed on all activities. Highly recommend this hotel!!!! Hotel was super clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff at this place were very warm and welcoming. They went out of their way to make sure my stay there was comfortable as possible. Love this place will definitely stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent hostel. The staff were so nice and friendly. Great location with complimentary shuttle bus to the monkey park. Nice little cafe inside also. I thoroughly recommend. Thank you staff 😁
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Gavin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Perfect couple of days
Great staff, great little café. Forget the day trip, stay a night. Enjoyed our stay Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Response from KOISHIYA RYOKAN on Nov 22, 2018
Thank you very much for staying.

10/10 Excellent

kok keong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

John, nottingham england

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We booked this hotel because of its closeness to the snow monkey park.The staff are all young really nice eager to please and generally couldnt do enough for you.They all speak good english as well. There is a bus stop just around the corner to get to the park you could walk but its steeply up hill all the way.Bear in mind its a 30 minute up hill walk once you get off the bus. The hotel is a traditional japanese inn so its mats on the floor shoes off in the lobby no ensuite its nice if you buy into the whole experience.The staff give give you a free lift back to the train station after check out as well.
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from KOISHIYA on Jul 3, 2018
Thank you very much for your stay!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very helpful staff, clean and comfortable room
The staff were very welcoming and were incredibly helpful. The ryokan has access to a number of nearby onsen and there is also a free drop-off for the snow monkey park. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Stephen, South Africa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An overnight trip to see the snow monkeys!
Had an awesome time with some great hosts! The onsen was great and a truly unique experience.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018

6/10 Okay

Melissa

Liked: Staff & service
Great staff, poor facilities.
The effort of the staff was fantastic and the amenities they give for free are great. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. But unfortunately the facilities are sub par to the efforts of the staff. Everything in the rooms and the washrooms was very worn to the point of gross. The bedding was so worn it looked dirty and the futon mats looked really bad. The restaurant is trying far too hard to be cute with their menu instead of making simple good food it comes across as inexperienced self indulgence. Other then breakfast the cafe isn't open when mosts guests could really use it when everyone else in town is closed and they only open when all the other and better establishments are open. They do have access to some fantastic onsens that can be used for free and we used them every night we stayed, but again it would have nice to have the bar open when we returned at 10pm for some drinks. Again the people are wonderful but I suspect that for the prices they are charging that there isn't better options in town
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice ryokan
This ryokan is excellent, staff is super friendly and you can really feel a traditional japanese atmosphere by entering the room. They have free shuttle for the station and for the snow monkey park, as well they have different options for Onsen around Yudanaka. Definitely recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017
Response from Daisuke on Dec 26, 2017
Thank you very much for your stay at KOISHIYA and warm comments. We are looking forward to seeing you next time.

8/10 Good

Robert, Scotland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great way to experience ryokan with kids
We're travelling through Japan with 2 kids, 9 & 11, and didn't want the full-blown "all meals included top-end ryokan package" as that would've been wasted on the boys. We did want to experience staying in a ryokan, bathe in an onsen and hopefully see the snow monkeys, so chose the Koiishiya and don't regret the decision. Not only did we manage all our aims in less than 24-hours, when the monkeys only appeared just as we were leaving to walk back to Shiba Onsen I booked a taxi so we could stay an extra 25 mins ( having seen none for the first 90 mins), however it didn't work out and we ended up missing the train we'd planned to get back to Yudanaka ( a problem as we'd already booked seats on the two other trains to get us to Kyoto!). No problem to the staff though - they immediately offered to drive us, not to the local station, but one 20 mins away which allowed us to get back on our plan, with no expectation of payment - truly fantastic service. We really enjoyed our visit to beautiful Shibu Onsen and the Koishiya experience was a big part of that. It's a great way to experience staying in a ryokan without breaking the bank, whilst having a coffee shop and restaurant within your hotel and access to a couple of lovely onsen - we'd definitely recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Response from sachiko on Nov 22, 2017
Thank you for staying with us in Koishiya Ryokan. We are very happy if you had a great time with your family in Shibu onsen! The monkeys don't show up some times in autumn, so it was a shame that you couldn't meet many monkeys here. But we are glad that you enjoyed staying in our Ryokan and bathing in an great onsen! Also it seems like you could catch the train which you'd already booked, it's great to hear! Thank you for choosing us to stay, we are looking forward to welcoming you again!

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A real taste of hospitality!
Really enjoyed my stay. Mizuki, Itsuya sp? were delightful. Patient, kind n helpful. Not a real ryokan, but the complimentary onsen offsite was real nice n the restaurant food was surprisingly good. Nice setting as well which is probably why non-guests were there too. Their dorm only had 3 beds and was very roomy unlike most places. I just liked everything about this place. It had a good vibe all around.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Thank you for staying with us in Koishiya Ryokan. We are glad of that you enjoyed your stay in here and liked our place very much.As you mentioned , we are not a real Ryokan like others, but we take our guest to a great complimentary onsen and also private outside onsen. Also we serve local food with western style, we are happy that you liked it! Thank you again, and hope to see you in the future!

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten, Lennox Head, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One of our favourite stays in Japan
As a family of 4 we enjoyed the comfort of our quiet traditional Japanese room looking out into the "bush". Everything was spotless and comfortable and the staff very helpful and friendly. Best of all the onsen next door is stunning and so we used it 3 times a day. Food is good -particularly the breakfast is also value for money - not so sure with the dinner.
Response from KOISHIYA RYOKAN on Apr 30, 2017
Thank you for staying with us and your kind comment on this board. We are glad of that you enjoyed Onsen very much. Looking forward to seeing you again soon,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Japanese hospitality at its best
This simple, cosy hotel had the best service we experienced in Japan, which is saying a lot since we only experienced excellent service. It doesn't have its own bath but has access to others. The food is good and an interesting take on western-Japanese fusion. The shared toilets are clean and convenient. Highly recommended!
Response from KOISHIYA RYOKAN on Apr 30, 2017
Thank you for staying with us. We are glad of that you enjoyed our town very much and are looking forward to welcoming you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay, Anchorage Alaska

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great traditional Ryokan!
We really enjoyed our stay here at this lovely Ryokan. The staff was great, the Ryokan was very cozy and close to everything! It is a traditional Ryokan with futons on the floor for beds and buckwheat pillows but we loved it! While there is no onsen here, there is access to some of the public onsen and even a few private ones for 500 yen a person. Also, the free shuttle to the monkey park and train station was great. Thanks so much for a wonderful stay!
Response from KOISHIYA RYOKAN on May 4, 2017
Thank you for staying with us and your kind comment on this board. We are glad of that you enjoyed your stay very much. Looking forward to welcoming you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place!
Shuttle service from train station, to area onsens, the Jigokundani Monkey Park and back to the train station. Stayed in traditional tatami mat room, was very comfortable. The walls are thin and others can be loud, nothing some ear plugs couldn't fix. Overall, the staff was very friendly and helpful. Food from the restaurant was delicious. I will definitely go back!
Thank you for your kind comment on this board. We are glad of that you enjoyed communication with our staff and foods. We are looking forward to welcoming you again soon.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
A basic crash pad
Room was clean but the place had very basic amenities... hot water only available at shared shower area but not at the 2 shared washrooms.
Thank you for staying with us and your feedback. We are looking forward to welcoming you again next winter.

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A favorite in Japan
This is the second time staying at Koishiya, and every time, we have been so impressed by the high level of hospitality, and friendliness of the staff. The rooms are charming - traditional Japanese tatami... we recommend the mountain room for its views! It is so close to the snow monkey park, and they offer rides to onsens. Daisuke even so kindly offered to drive us to a restaurant in the next town. This place is very special and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique off the beaten path experience. Thank you! Merci!
Thank you for staying with us and your kind comments on this board. We are glad of that you enjoyed your stay with us very much and looking forward to seeing you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Japanese comfort
Cultural experience - sleep on futons you set up on the floor. The bathrooms are on 3 for guys, 2 for girls and 1 for both. Showers are on 1. The steps are steep so take care when walking. The attached restaurant is great! It's not typical Japanese food but the way they cook Japanese spaghetti was wonderful! The staff was very helpful and we were welcomed at 4pm... strict check in time. I loved our stay and would stay again if in the area.
Thank you very much for staying with us and your kind comments. We are glad of that you were satisfied with our restaurant. Looking forward to welcoming you again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bugs
Place was great. Cafe down stairs was delicious. Only problem was the bus. I know bugs come in for summer but it was winter during my visit
Thank you for staying with us and your feedback on this board. To ensure your comfortable experience here next time, we will improve our service as soon as possible. Looking forward to

6/10 Okay

gaijin, dallas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly, traditional Ryokan near Jigokudani
Friendly stafff. Facilities are not fancy (shared bathrooms, common showers on first floor, etc). Location is fine, it was about a 45 minute walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park, ...although it was dumping snow. Would consider stayin there again, but would also investigate alternatives.
Room.
Front of Ryokan hotel
Response from KOISHIYARYOKAN on May 16, 2017
Thank yoou for staying with us. We are glad of that you enjoyed communicaton with our staff and Monkey Park. Looking forward to welcoming again soon.

8/10 Good

Adelene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean and good services ryokan:)
I had an enjoyable stay. The staff are very helpful. They are able to speak English. They provided free shuttle pick up to and fro from the station. The toilets are clean and well maintained. Even though the room is a bit small and old, it is kept clean. The downside is there is no elevator, therefore carrying a heavy luggage to the 3rd floor is a task.
Thank you for staying with us and your kind review. We are glad of that your stay was enjoyable one. Looking forward to welcoming you again soon.

8/10 Good

MerryJoy, Los Angeles, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Friendly and helpful staffs
I have not experienced such hospitality in any hotel before this one. The owner and staff(s)(notice the plural) were so helpful and considerate that with this one point, it is worth staying there. The breakfast was great too. All you can drink coffee, tea, juice etc. They brought us a thermos of hot water.
Response from KOISHIYA RYOKAN on May 22, 2017
Thank you for staying with us and sharing your review on this board. We are glad of that you enjoyed Onsen and our restaurant very much. We are looking forward to seeing you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Convenient with friendly staff
Fantastic authentic japanese experience.
Thank you for styaing with and your kind comments. We are looking forward to welcoming you again soon.