Aburaya Tousen

This is a very traditional Japanese Ryokan – our first experience of Japanese Ryokan culture including sleeping on futons. Our room was super-clean and beautiful, a tatami floor and three carefully laid out futons. We had a large picture window with views of the river below and a stunning beautiful range of mountains all around us. The colours in Autumn all around us were breath-taking. In terms of location, it’s a short walk from the hotel, across the bridge to Yudanaka where we found a handful of restaurants. The village was very quiet but maybe we were there out of season. The snow monkey park is a short easy drive away from the hotel. Disappointingly, we hadn’t booked in for dinner at Aburaya Tousen and it was booked up for both the evenings we were there. Totally our fault - next time we definitely will do this and I’d highly recommend it. We visited the hotel’s brewery close by and had a drink there – the evening we visited there was no food being served there. The breakfast buffet is mainly Japanese traditional food, with extensive choices. We visited the hotel’s rooftop Onsen every evening – this was a beautiful experience out in the fresh clean open air. The Onsen is separate females/males. The hotel also offers private Onsen options. Overall, we were delighted with our stay at Aburaya Tousen – a very traditional, clean and comfortable hotel and a wonderful experience. Very friendly, super helpful team of staff too. We would definitely recommend this hotel.

Beautiful area and lovely onsen. The village has great eating options and the brewery was lovely too. Easy trip to the Snow Monkey Park. Staff were helpful though not always available. However the owner was present and actively involved in sorting any issues. We enjoyed the fabulous breakfasts and loved our rooms with private hot baths on the verandah (great given one of our group is extensively tattooed). We booked a private dining kaiseki experience which was truly wonderful with great food, setting & service.

The breakfast were very good, lots of variety. Location was remote and very relaxing. The view from our Riyokan/onsen was gorgeous overlooking the rivers. The room was very spacious.Very small town, but good food close by. It was a short distance to the snow monkey park and excellent walks through the forest. It is a very relaxing spa and they take very good care of us. Rooftop baths, both communal and private for a couple on request.Free pick up and delivery to the train station, we lacked nothing.

Aburaya Tousen has excellent facilities and professional staff who communicated very well. I especially loved the cleanliness of the room and onsen baths. We also really enjoyed the breakfast spread! There are a few restaurants nearby, including a craft brewery literally next door. I chose this ryokan for its proximity to the Yudanaka station, where you can take a short 15 minute bus ride to the Snow Monkey Park. Aburaya Tousen provided shuttle service by request and it was a breeze to schedule with them

The wonderful staff and excellent service, the kaiseiki dinner is a must, the location (easy walk from station and ideal for a visit too snow monkey park) and mountain views. Our room was well equipped and the private outdoor onsen was a highlight. We took breakfast in the buffet instead of a private room with different menu and it had a range of Japanese and western options. The lovely wonder has run the hotel since she was a young bride. You can see how passionate and proud she is. Very visible leadership and care for her staff and patrons. Did I mention catching the Sakura at the end of the season? So pretty. This is apple, apricot, wine and Sakura country. We loved every minute.