Aside from the lovely hosts, the best thing about this place is proximity to the Snow Money Park, which is INCREDIBLE! There are a few good places to eat within walking distance, Enza at the park entrance is fantastic, and we also loved Farmhouse brew pub.
As for the actual lodging, it's great. The hosts are the sweetest people in the world, very accommodating. I had the Japanese breakfast each morning and it was stellar. I also had the onsen to myself for an hour or so each night. Lovely facility. The rooms themselves are comfortable enough, small and tidy, very basic, but for the price, it really can't be beat. One of my favorite stays in Japan. Thank you!!!
Tip: get the Snow Monkey Pass for unlimited transport from the prefecture to Nagano. You can take either the bus directly to the reserve, or take a train and then a bus to the Minshuku, all included for the price of the pass, and as many times as you want. It's a rustic area so if you're staying more than a day or so, you may want to make a day trip into Nagano. The pass is good for two days for about 3600 yen, which is the same price as one round trip bus or train ride, and it includes park admission. Just be sure to ever the first date of use correctly when purchasing online. They will not honor it at the train station any other day. I put the day we were going to the park and not the first transport date and they would not exchange it.