Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku

From the moment was picked up to the drop off at Yudanaka railway station, the hospitality of Senjukaku staff was amazing. They took the time to take to the room and explain features, what time would dinner and breakfast be preferred to serve, and hours of the onsen. Spent 2 nights here. I intended to go to Shibu Onsen for a few hours but ended up just staying at the hotel, and out once to go and see the monkeys. Just sitting looking at the snowy views from the lounge or room was enough for me. Entrance to the monkeys is just a short stroll away to the start of the track. Senjukaku is the closest hotel to monkey park. The public bath changing area could do with a refresh (ie, fresh coat of varnish in the washbasin area or a new vanity top) but this does not detract from the whole stay. Both breakfast and dinner for 2 nights was included. It was wonderful being in the outdoor onsen of an early morning just before sunrise, with snow falling. In true Japanese hospitality, was waved goodbye.

The most excellent experience I have ever had in a hotel before. Every single staff member was so friendly and kind, and there were plenty who spoke enough English to answer questions. The extra amenities were very affordable. The room was so clean and spacious. The food was impeccable - beautiful and delicious. They had western and Japanese style options. I love that the onsen was open throughout the night for people with jet lag. The private onsen was amazing and it wasn’t difficult to reserve. I also liked that the hotel was located right next to snow monkey park (the hotel had some cheap ice shoe spikes for rental - thank goodness because everyone was slipping all over the place). I would recommend this to everyone !!!!

We had a wonderful experience thanks to Watanabe Kazu-san. His Japanese hospitality was outstanding — patient, friendly, and genuinely warm. He took the time to explain each dish clearly, answered our questions with care, and made us feel very comfortable throughout the meal. His chatty yet respectful manner added to the enjoyment without ever feeling intrusive. We truly appreciated how accommodating and attentive he was. His service elevated the entire experience, and we left feeling well looked after. Thank you, Watanabe Kazu-san, for such memorable service.

We enjoyed our stay at the ryokan's biggest room, which came with an indoor onsen, outdor onsen, 2 beds, 2 toilets, a massage chair and a living room. The view from our room was not bad! At meal times, we were ushered to private VIP rooms at the restaurant. We were hoping to be served at our room but we were happy with the restaurant, service and food. During the multi-course dinner, the standout was the local beef. The breakfast came with their local apple juice, which was delicious. Every staff member was polite, helpful and friendly. Most spoke pretty good English. Atmosphere is peaceful and quiet, similar to what you get at the lobby, which surrounds a lovely outdoor garden. The hotel is located right by the monkey forwst and they provide free boots and umbrellas for your hike. Overall really nice stay at the hotel. We would stay here again in future trips.

Everything about our stay was perfect. The place was very clean and well maintained, and the location was ideal for visiting the Snow Monkey Park. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, always ready to help. The meals were delicious and thoughtfully prepared, and the onsen was relaxing and beautifully kept. It was a wonderful experience overall, and I would love to come back again.

Staying in a Japenese room with indoor Onsen = stunning! Staff are wonderful and amenities are tremendous. If I could give 10 Stars then this place would certainly deserve every one of them 😊

Loved my stay in this japanese style hotel: traditional room with a great view to the mountains, very stylish public spaces, enormous dinner and breakfast. You can walk right from the hotel to the monkey park.

Hotel Kanbayashi offers a wonderfully authentic Japanese experience. When you check in into your rooms, you receive a beautiful kimono (yukata) to wear during your stay , which really adds to the atmosphere. The rooms are also very traditional—when you arrive, you’ll find only a seating area with a low table for tea or coffee, and no beds in sight. While you’re out for dinner, the staff comes in to prepare your futons (three mattresses laid out neatly on the tatami floor), so when you return, everything is ready for a restful night. The traditional onsen baths are available both indoors and outdoors, with water around 43 degrees Celsius—perfectly hot for deep relaxation, though you’ll probably only stay in for 5–10 minutes because of the heat. We also enjoyed their traditional Japanese kaiseki dinner (about 16,000 yen per person). The meal includes many beautifully prepared local dishes, so if you’re not a fan of authentic Japanese food, you might want to skip it—but if you are, it’s an incredible culinary experience. In the morning, you can choose between a Western or Japanese breakfast, which is great if you prefer something more familiar. Overall, this is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Plus, it’s only about a 30-minute walk to see the famous snow monkeys. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a genuine, memorable stay in Japan.