The greatest host and meals during our trip through Japan. So helpful. Will visit again!

Stayed in March 2025

Best stay all the time not only in Japan but also all my vacations in last couple of years! Amazing foods, excellent services.

Stayed in March 2025

A truly unforgettable and heartwarming stay Staying at Yadoya Shiroganeya was one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Japan. Maki was the best host we’ve ever had – incredibly kind, thoughtful, and warm. She made us feel so welcome, like we were staying with family. And in an act of unbelievable generosity, she even drove us all the way back to Nagano, a 30-minute trip that would’ve taken over an hour by bus. We were honestly so touched. The ryokan is in a peaceful, rural mountain village, surrounded by nature and quiet beauty. There’s a shrine right next door, and just walking around the area felt calming and special. The onsen was amazing – private, serene, and the perfect way to relax after a day out. The whole place has such an authentic, traditional feel – you can tell it’s been lovingly cared for over many years. One of the most meaningful parts of the stay was being cooked for by Maki’s elderly mother. It was an honour to be served food prepared with such care and heart. Every meal was delicious, generous, and deeply comforting – it truly felt like home-style Japanese cooking, and we’ll never forget it. Also, we absolutely loved the friendly dog and cat – both were so cute and added an extra layer of warmth to the whole experience. If you’re looking for a stay that’s peaceful, authentic, and full of genuine connection, this is the place. We left feeling so grateful and already talking about coming back one day. Thank you, Maki, for everything!

Stayed in March 2025

Everything is excellent! 最高だ

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

Beautifully arranged inn with amazing hosts - including what could only be described as fine-dining level food with the generosity of a family home cooked meal. It was spacious, clean and very comfortable. Baths were great and bonus points for a very cute dog and cat duo!

Stayed in January 2025

It was quite difficult to find the property. Google map took us through small mountain roads instead of the main roads.

The inn was very quaint. It was cosy and there was a private onsen.

Stayed in December 2024

A great experience. Our host was super nice and friendly, our family had a utmost warm welcome and introduction of the house. Delighted to see a historical house so well taken care of and the cuisine was just exceptional. To keep it short, I just wish to have stay one more night!

Stayed in December 2024

We had the best experience, we are so pleased we booked to stay here, we are a family of 6 including 2 teenagers, 2 smaller children and we were made to feel very welcome. We were a little worried about food as there are no shops around but there was so much amazing quality food we didn’t need lunch. The area is very quiet but there is a great bus service that is easily accessible..The rooms are large and Maki and her family made us feel nothing was to much trouble, she taught us about Japanese traditions and the children loved dressing up in the beautiful yakuta for meals. We stayed over Christmas and it was so special.

Stayed in December 2024

Shiroganeya is a traditional Japanese minshuku. Our host Maki-san was truly exceptional. She made sure our family of 6 were well-fed, well-rested, and well-prepared for our little hike to the main Togakushi shrine, which is a 7-min drive away. The dinner prepared for us was superb as well - at least 7-courses! I liked that the house itself has a lot of history. Dinner is served with precious chinaware that are more than a century-old, but still in very good shape and colour. There is adequate heating throughout the house, especially important for a cold winter stay. Maki-san also had a stash of toy cars and trains that kept our boy occupied. There’s just so much to rave about this place. Hopefully we’ll be back for a second visit!

Stayed in December 2024

That we had to leave. Don’t miss this place if you are going to the snow monkey park.

Everything. The house itself is an attraction. The wonderful host and the dinner is additional.

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing

The staff made so much effort to give us the best experience and make us comfortable. It was a pleasure staying at this beautiful traditional house.

Stayed in October 2024

This is hands down the best Ryokan we have stayed at in Japan, and we have stayed in many awesome ones. Everything is superb from the traditional house, the Edo and Meiji period artwork, the hospitality by the owner, one of the best meals we have had, made with local food, etc. The hospitality really made our stay very special and one we will not forget. Reserve early and do not miss the chance to stay there, it’s a real treat.

Stayed in October 2024

We enjoyed everything and intend to recommend this establishment to all who wish to visit Nagano. We are very happy.

It was Maki and her mother who made our stay exceptional. Maki is an excellent host and very caring person. She was very accommodating during our stay. Moreover, the food was exceptional. We were really surprised at the breadth and quality of the food, and the time spent explaining what we ate. It was Japanese home cooking at its finest and I will say better than many of the pricier restaurants anywhere in Japan.

Stayed in October 2024

Unfortunately, we cannot see Mount Fuji from house by low visibility of cloudy sky.

This is a very nice and well maintenance house with quality facilities in detail. House owner is very kind and willing to explain everything letting you know Japanese living culture.

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing

This ryokan and the hospitality is something special! It was beyond amazing, and the best experience we had during our 21-day trip in Japan. We felt right at home from the beginning, even though Maki told us she was worried we would not be comfortable seeing its a traditional Japanese house. On the contrary; everything is well thought of and very stylish. You get to experience a real Japanese inn in a relaxed manner. We didn’t have any experience with traditional ryokans, and Maki kindly thought us the ways of putting on a yukata, enjoying a kaiseki meal and using an onsen. She and her mom are beyond kind and caring, and provide you with everything you need (i.e. they send us on our hike with drinks and a bear-bell). The food is truly amazing (and there is a lot!!!) and Maki takes time to explain the origin of the products/dishes and a lot of the food is seasonal and resourced locally. The room was beautiful, with a spectacular view and nice comfy places to sit. The futon beds were very comfortable and on top of that everything was very tidy and clean. We are so thankful we got this opportunity and feel blessed we met them and cute Fukumaki and Kenta and will keep the memories we made here forever in our hearts. WE WILL BE BACK!

Stayed in October 2024

We stayed in this Ryokan toward the end of our trip and it was honestly the best part of our three weeks in Japan. The inn is beautifully kept and every detail is special. The host Maki cared for us like we were a part of her family, I don't think you could experience such kindness and hospitality anywhere else. Maki and her mother prepared us an 8 course meal of traditional local Japanese food in their beautiful dining area and each element was prepared thoughtfully. The bath left us feeling so calm and relaxed. Maki walked us through the inn and explained she is the fourth generation proprietress of the inn after her late grandfather built it 85 years ago, the building feels historic and the beautiful smell of wood is relaxing. Thankyou to Maki and her family for creating a lasting and beautiful memory for our first ryokan stay.

Stayed in September 2024

Inn proprietress was so kind and everything was perfect👍

Stayed in September 2024

Nothing!

- Maki, the proprietor was such a lovely, kind host, and so responsive to all questions. She always went out of her way to help us and make sure everyone was having a wonderful stay - beautiful traditional family inn, the tatami rooms are spacious and airy, the futon bedding so comfortable, everything you could possibly need is provided - 2 private onsen baths to relax in - amazing breakfasts and dinners. Really the best food we had during our 2 weeks in Japan, SO MANY delicious dishes at each meal. All the ingredients are of the highest quality, especially the premium beef and fresh seafood - very accommodating of kids, Maki and her mom made sure our 9 year was happy and well fed!

Stayed in August 2024

We loved the hospitality of our hosts. Meals were amazing! Our hosts went out of their way to ensure our stay was incredible!

Stayed in July 2024

Nothing.

It was exactly what we were looking for and more. It had many rooms, futons, tatami, two excellent stone and wood ofuros (baths), and multiple bathrooms. It is close to the bus stop. We loved the service especially. The hostess went way beyond our expectations in helping us. We shared excellent experiences and culture, and she explained many things to us. She helped us with busses and transportation as well, which exceeded our expectations. The cook made wonderful elaborate Japanese Kaiseki meals. We had a wonderful relaxing time!

Stayed in July 2024

Beautiful and peaceful place

Stayed in June 2024

Everything was perfect from the rooms, the baths, facilities and food. Maki-san and her mother prepared delicious meals for us everyday There is beautiful views from the accommodation, and plenty of walks and sightseeing to do close by Maki-san very kindly drove us to the mirror lake so we can start our walk that day We felt very well-taken care of and I highly recommend this accommodation This is my favourite part of my Japan trip and I will return at a different season

Stayed in May 2024

Nothing could have been better

Everything during our stay was incredibly special. From Maki-san’s and her mum’s hospitality to the food and the building itself. Maki was extremely accommodating and kind giving us recommendations for hikes and even bringing us close to the starting point of the main togakushi shrines hike. Her English is great and communication was also easy. Her mum is the best chef ever, the food which is included in the price is out of this world. I felt like the whole experience was like taking part in a banquet with different courses and drinks every few minutes. This is both for dinner and breakfast. Additionally they have an Onsen in the property which is perfect after a day of hiking. The rooms are so gorgeous, lots of attention to detail everywhere. Loved sleeping on the futon on tatami. The kotatsu is also very comfortable and I guess during winter is a must. Maki took a lot of time explaining to us things about Japanese culture and traditions, it was very enriching. As with other reviews, staying here was the highlight of our 20 days in Japan. I hope we can come back one day.

Stayed in May 2024

Nothing, it was perfect

The host was incredibly kind and considerate, and her mom's cooking was amazing! This was our favourite place to stay while we were in Japan and something we remember forever :) Also Kenta and the kitty were both very cute 😸

Stayed in April 2024