Yamanouchi

Photo of Yamanouchi
Credit: By Steven Diaz stevendiazphoto - https://unsplash.com/photos/Shuj-9LqHwkarchive copyImage, CC0
Photo of Yamanouchi
Credit: Flickr user David McKelvey
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About Yamanouchi

A small town in Japan's Nagano Prefecture, Yamanouchi is famous for two things: its proximity to Japan’s largest ski area, and its impressive monkey park. The town's accommodation options range from simple lodges to charming traditional hotels, fit for a host of tastes and budgets. Book a room at one of the best places to stay in Yamanouchi for a winter or summer holiday to remember!

Keen skiers or snowboarders will be thrilled to discover the snow-clad slopes of Shiga Kogen in winter. The site of the some of the events of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Yamanouchi has long been popular with Japanese visitors, who appreciate its proximity to Tokyo. Japan’s biggest ski resort, this is a fantastic spot for thrill-seekers of all ages, with stunning mountain views and a range of pistes for beginners as well as seasoned experts. The Joshinetsu Kogen National Park is brilliant for hiking and mountain biking in the summer months, whilst Shibu Onsen has an old-fashioned feel and plenty of hot spring baths for unwinding.

The Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese Macaques — often dubbed ’Snow Monkeys’ — bathe in a natural hot spring is not to be missed. It’s most striking in January or February; also a great time for skiing. The best places to stay in Yamanouchi fill up fast during this season, do plan your trip well in advance.

The Best Places to Stay in Yamanouchi

For traditional charm

  • Aburaya Tousen is a small boutique property with rooms for couples, friends and families. Interiors are classic in appearance, with futon bedding, low wooden tables and an earthy colour palette. Some rooms have Western beds. Hot spring baths are brilliant for long soaks after days of hiking or skiing. Lovely and low-key.
  • Senjukaku is a charming traditional hotel with Japanese-style rooms featuring tatami matting and low tables. Unwind in soothing onsens, admire tranquil forest views, and enjoy flavoursome local cuisine in the restaurant. A rejuvenating hotel for quiet travellers and romantic couples.

For an apartment or holiday lodge

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Tokyo's Haneda International Airport or to Narita International Airport and travel to Yamanouchi by train via Nagano Station. The journey should take three hours by rail.
  • The Nagano region is wonderful to explore by road! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Summers are warm, with temperatures hovering between 20 and 25°C, and great for hiking and mountain biking. If you're looking to hit the slopes, travel between November and early March, when you can expect the best snow. For a quieter trip and great hotel deals, we'd recommend visiting in early autumn.

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The best hotels in Yamanouchi

Aburaya Tousen
Aburaya Tousen

Yamanouchi (Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun)

A small boutique luxury property boasting spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Choose from traditional Japanese or chic contemporary rooms. Find a whole floor dedicated to various kinds of hot spring baths for the ultimate relaxation experience. A spoiling stay.

  • Total relaxation - Complete with onsens and a spa, this is the perfect place to unwind in the mountains
  • Wildlife Area - Learn about Japan's iconic snow monkeys at the nearby Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park
  • Groups - Larger rooms with multiple beds make this a top spot for a family or group trip
  • Sights nearby - Make a trip to the vast Buddhist temple of Zenko-ji, just an hour's drive away
from AU$623 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Senjukaku
Senjukaku

Yamanouchi (Yamanouchi)

This charming hotel neighbours Snow Monkey Park in Senjukaku. The elegant, Japanese-style rooms have traditional tatami flooring and a low table with seating cushions. Soak in the hotel's natural hot spring baths after a day tracking the macaques on the park trails.

  • Museums - Visit the Hokusai Museum in the historic town of Obuse, featuring paintings and wood-block prints by famed ukiyo-e artists
  • Romantic Break - With traditional suites offering private hot spring baths,this is a romantic spot for a quiet couples' hideaway
  • Wildlife Area - Take the forest trail from the hotel to the Snow Monkey Park and spend the day spotting native macaques
  • Back to Nature - Surrounded by mountains, this hot springs retreat is a charming back-to-nature experience
from AU$523 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Jinpyokaku
Jinpyokaku

Yamanouchi

A gorgeous, authentic ryokan nestled underneath Mt Yakebitai. Six individually designed rooms exude understated Japanese style and all feature tatami mats, futon beds and a lovely garden view. There are both indoor and outdoor onsen and seasonal Shinshu Kaiseki cuisine. Utter bliss.

  • Back to Nature - The stunning natural beauty surrounding the ryokan make this property the perfect rural escape
  • Restaurant - Beautifully conceived menu prepared by the owner's wife, including Shinshu-gyu beef
  • Spa - Both indoor and outdoor baths fed by the soothing waters of a local hot spring
  • Traditional - The property offers a totally authentic traditional Japanese experience
from AU$966 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees