たから温泉民宿 Gem Onsen Stay
7,3/10 Very good - Based on 127 reviews
Gem Onsen Stay presents itself as a compact, family-run minshuku-style ryokan on the rural edge of Asahi in Sakaimura, Toyama Prefecture. Facilities centre on a thermal bathing area that includes a public indoor onsen, an outdoor open-air bath, and a small hot tub for soaking after mountain or coast excursions. The property markets itself as a ryokan with onsen in Toyama, combining simple, traditionally styled guest rooms with the practicalities travellers expect, such as free Wi‑Fi and onsite parking.
Guest accommodation ranges from compact Japanese-style rooms set up with tatami and futon bedding to larger family layouts; some room types use shared bathing facilities while others provide private bathrooms, so travellers should check room descriptions when booking. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen television and a kettle for hot water, and linens and basic toiletries are supplied. The communal spaces are modest and functional, with a reception area and a simple dining arrangement where breakfast and dinner can be arranged on request.
Positioned within reach of mountain trails and coastal viewpoints, the property serves as a practical base for exploring Kurobe Gorge, Kurobe-Unazukionsen and local fishing ports; rail connections and a regional airport are accessible within an hour-plus drive, making onward travel straightforward. Staff communicate in multiple languages including simplified Chinese, and the location includes complimentary parking for guests who arrive by car. As a compact ryokan with onsen Toyama, Gem Onsen Stay emphasises relaxed, unpretentious bathing and straightforward hospitality suited to couples and families seeking a quieter onsen experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: たから温泉民宿 Gem Onsen Stay
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen/spa
Many guests praise the onsen: hot water, clean baths, and a relaxing spa experience including an outdoor bath that visitors enjoyed.
Friendly, attentive staff/hosts
Multiple reviews highlight welcoming, helpful hosts and staff—offering assistance such as late check-in flexibility and even rides to the station; polite, responsive service was repeatedly noted.
Good value for budget travellers and cyclists
Several guests said the property is ideal for budget travellers and cycle tourists, mentioning affordable rates and convenient parking for bicycles.
Cleanliness of facilities
Reviewers often mentioned that the facility and communal areas were kept clean and well maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay.
Proximity to the sea/beach and scenic views
Guests appreciated that the sea and beach are very close (across the street), making it a convenient spot for coastal access and sunrise views.
Negative Reviews
Noise from road and railway
Many guests reported noise issues due to the property's proximity to a busy road/highway (Route 8) and nearby railroad, recommending quieter rooms away from the road.
No en-suite bathrooms / limited shared facilities
Several reviewers noted rooms lack private bathrooms; shared toilets are few and some guests experienced issues such as missing soap or low water at sinks.
Maintenance and aging equipment problems
There are reports of broken or aging equipment—examples include a malfunctioning air conditioner, problematic faucets at sinks, and general need for some facility updates.
Limited nearby dining and convenience options
Guests mentioned there are few restaurants around and convenience store options are limited, which can be inconvenient, especially for longer stays.
Bath hours, temperature variability and insects
A few reviews mentioned the onsen has early closing/draining times (e.g., around 20:00–20:30), inconsistent temperatures (either too hot or cooler than expected), and occasional issues with insects outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room configurations vary: family rooms offer three to four futons (suitable for up to four guests) and a larger Japanese‑style room can sleep up to six on futons; check the specific room description when booking.
The property offers shared hot spring facilities including an indoor public onsen and an open‑air bath (rotenburo); private or reserved baths are not listed, so request availability directly with the ryokan if you need a private booking.
No airport shuttle is listed for the property; most guests arrive by regional train or car, and transfers should be arranged privately in advance if required.
The nearest major airport is Toyama Airport, approximately 60–65 km (around 38 miles) from the ryokan, with travel by car or bus plus local train service.
Staff are primarily Japanese; property listings note support for Simplified Chinese, while English may be limited—contact the ryokan ahead if you need specific language assistance.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 until 20:00, and check‑out is by 10:00.
A full on‑site restaurant is not listed as a standard amenity; guests can use nearby restaurants or ask the ryokan for local dining recommendations or meal arrangements when booking.
Children of all ages are welcome (the property notes that guests aged 13 and over are treated as adults for booking purposes); pets are not permitted.
Free on‑site parking is available; local attractions such as Kurobe Gorge, Kurobe‑Unazukionsen and Itoigawa are roughly 20–30 km away and are most easily reached by car or regional train.
There are small shops and convenience‑store options near the local station area, while larger supermarkets require a short drive, so bring essentials if you arrive late.