We loved staying at Shimaya. The family run ryokan is clean and has only a few rooms. This meant that it was easy to book the private hotel onsen as a family and, later, my daughter and I had the larger women's hotel onsen to ourselves. The family was very helpful and kind, even driving our family to Snow Monkey Park, offering to drive us back, and suggesting a walking route back for exploring Shibu Onsen. They also provided various sized boots that allowed me, my husband, and our 10 year old daughter to have sturdy boots for the walk along the snowy and muddy path up to Snow Monkey Park. Our room was a perfect size for our family of three, including an enclosed balcony with a nice view of the mountains. It was also located a short walk from the train. While the ryokan only offered breakfast (which was great), there were many restaurants in Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka within walking distance. We had a wonderful time and will definitely return if we are able.