Accommodation Options & Meals
These packages are based in the township of
Yudanaka located near the Shiga Kogen ski areas. It is also close to various other Nagano ski areas.
The area is well known for its onsens (hot springs) and it is said that over 1300 years ago a monk who visited the area discovered the healing quality of the water and the popularity of the region grew so much that the Samurai would come to repair their bodies in the rejuvenating waters.
The other attraction to the area is the world renowned
snow monkeys who have learnt to keep themselves warm in the natural onsen water. Although the town is visited by foreigners to visit the snow monkeys you will find the town relatively free of westerners when you eat out in the evenings as many just come on day journeys. There is a wide array of traditional eating houses in Yudanaka which serve fresh local and regional produce. In the past few years the restaurant scene has expanded to include a number of new eateries which have a mix of Japanese and Western food to suit every palette. A walk through historic
Shibu town is also a must with its quaint shops, temples, shrines, foot onsens and authentic architecture.
There are 2 accommodation options;
Ryokan Biyu no Yado (deluxe) and
Lodge Aibiya (which is an up-market hostel/lodge).
Deluxe Option - Ryokan Biyo no Yado
The Ryokan Biyu no Yada in the township of Yudanaka is a 3.5 star Japanese style hotel. Rooms all come with
private ensuite/bathroom and are either
Western twin (with a tatami sitting area) or
Japanese-style (twin, triple & quad) woven tatami floors with futon beds. All rooms have a flat screen TV, small fridge & kettle.
The hotel has an indoor Japanese bathhous
e (onsen) and outdoor hot spring (rotenburo) and there is also a private onsen available for rent for an additional fee.
Outdoor onsen
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Indoor onsen
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Japanese rooms
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Night-time meals (included in the package) are traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine served in the hotel dining area plus options to eat at other restaurants in town. Breakfast (also included) is a Japanese/Western-style buffet.
For the remaining night-time meals you have the choice of many authentic Japanese restaurants in down-town Yudanaka or Nakano or you can buy additional meals at the Ryokan.
There are massage services available, free wifi in the common lounge area, a bar and common seating area, drinks vending machines, Japanese drum shows, karaoke and a souvenir shop.
Ryokan Biyu.. |
...deluxe Japanese-style rooms... |
.....Yudanaka |
Budget Option - Lodge Aibiya
Lodge Aibiya is located in Yudanaka township the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes. Yoshi and his family provide a high level of Japanese service backed up with western insights gained by working overseas. English speaking with a wealth of knowledge of the Nagano area, Yoshi will look after all your needs.
The lodge has an option of quad share single western bed rooms and twin share rooms with shared bathroom and there is the option to upgrade to the twin/triple deluxe rooms with private bathrooms.
There is a well equipped kitchen for those who would like to cook themselves or you can enjoy the many traditional Japanese restaurants only a short walk away. There are two different types of lounge rooms and a separate cinema room. There are separate male and female shared shower rooms.
A free continental breakfast is provided each day with breads, cereal, fruits, yoghurt, coffee, tea and fruit juices.
Free WI-FI is available throughout the lodge. A gift shop with crafts made locally and beverages, local Shiga Kogen beer and snacks are available for sale. Experience the tradition at a local ryokan onsens for a small fee.
The lodge is only a 3 minute walk from the train station with local convenience stores nearby.
Lodge Aibiya.. |
...quad dorm rooms... |
.....communal kitchen |