Kamei no Yu

The snow made the place feel magical, almost like an anime setting. I loved soaking in the two private hot springs, which I actually liked better than the others in town. The food was tasty too, and I looked forward to breakfast and dinner every day. Even when I couldn't speak the language, the staff worked hard to help us and make the stay wonderful. Their hospitality was out of this world. There's fast fiber internet as well. If you're visiting the Snow Monkeys, definitely stay here. I'd give it more than five stars if I could.

Staying at a ryokan in Shibu Onsen is a lovely way to experience the town's old-fashioned bathing culture. Yukata, sometimes worn with a haori and wooden geta, are part of the experience, and guests are encouraged to wear them around the inn and through the streets. Rooms have tatami mats, with their light straw scent, and futons laid out on the floor in the evening instead of Western beds. Tabi socks are often provided for walking on the mats. One of the town's main attractions is the Kyu-to Meguri, or Nine-Bath Tour. Guests at ryokans belonging to the Inn Association receive a key for the nine public bathhouses. Each has different mineral water and claimed healing properties. Walking between them in yukata and geta, carrying a towel and toiletries, is a memorable part of Shibu Onsen. Some baths are indoors and some are open-air Rotenburo, where you can soak under the sky. The whole ritual has a peaceful, communal feel. The public baths are usually separated by gender and require bathing nude. Couples and families who want to bathe together can look for a Kashikiri Onsen, a private bath that many ryokans let guests reserve for a limited time, often around an hour. Some higher-end inns also have rooms with an attached private hot spring bath, sometimes outdoors, so you can soak together whenever you like without booking a time slot. A private onsen offers a chance to unplug and relax together in mineral-rich water, with privacy.

One of the best parts of our Japan trip. The two onsen spots were fantastic, and everything felt cozy, well cared for, and considerate.

Dinner at Yoruduya was sublime, and breakfast on-site was amazing too. The staff are wonderful, though they don't speak much English and use a translator app. There are two small baths here, which you can reserve privately for 30 minutes or use during public hours. You also have access to the larger, more picturesque baths at Yoruduya, where photography isn't allowed. Highly recommend.