Yuzawa Grand Hotel
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 515 reviews
Yuzawa Grand Hotel sits a short walk from Echigo-Yuzawa station and blends ryokan traditions with hotel-scale facilities. The property offers 87 rooms across Japanese-style tatami layouts, Japanese‑Western combinations, designer modern rooms and VIP suites; a small number of guestrooms include private open‑air hot spring baths while several rooms provide semi open‑air baths (the semi open‑air room baths are not supplied with hot spring water). With large shared bathing areas and flexible room configurations, it functions as a ryokan with onsen in Yuzawa, Niigata.
Bath facilities comprise multiple gender‑separated public baths—spacious indoor marble baths and outdoor baths that open to seasonal mountain views—and dedicated private baths available by reservation for families or small groups seeking exclusive use. The hotel operates separate cleaning schedules and bathing times for its big baths and offers private‑bath booking through reception. Onsite wellness amenities extend to a relaxation and massage service, a relaxation room, coin lockers and upgraded fittings such as salon‑style hair dryers and shower heads in the private bath areas.
Dining is centred on a main restaurant with live‑kitchen buffet service and, on selected nights, multi‑course kaiseki meals; there is also a casual lounge and a small entertainment corner. For winter visitors the hotel runs an attached ski rental and arranges shuttle transfers to nearby resorts, and staff can coordinate station pick‑ups. Practical conveniences include free Wi‑Fi throughout, free parking and a 24‑hour front desk that manages reservations and local information, making the property a practical base as a ryokan with private onsen in Niigata for both ski and sightseeing itineraries.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
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Review summary for: Yuzawa Grand Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple reviewers praised the onsen: several indoor and outdoor baths (including private options), well maintained and very clean, beautifully landscaped outdoor pools, high-quality toiletries provided, and generally never crowded during stays.
Prime location near station and ski areas
Guests reported a very convenient location directly across from Echigo-Yuzawa JR station (visible from the west exit), short walks to ski resorts or easy shuttle access, and proximity to restaurants and local attractions — great for skiers.
Outstanding breakfast and dinner buffet
Breakfast and dinner were repeatedly described as wonderful and varied, with both Japanese and Western options, live stations (sushi, shabu‑shabu, fondue) and generous spreads that exceeded expectations.
Friendly, helpful and attentive staff
Staff received consistent praise for being polite, welcoming and proactive — remembering requests, assisting with ski rental/locker needs, offering station pickups, and going above and beyond to help guests.
Comfortable traditional rooms with good views
Many guests enjoyed the Japanese‑style rooms and tatami/futon setups or comfy beds, noting clean, spacious rooms with pleasant mountain views and small extras like indoor balconies.
Negative Reviews
Steep uphill approach and winter accessibility
Multiple reviewers warned the hotel sits up a slope from the station; hauling luggage uphill can be difficult and the incline can become slippery when icy or snowy (hotel pickup is available and recommended).
Some rooms and furnishings feel dated
Several guests mentioned the building and room furnishings are older, though generally well maintained; the decor may appear dated to some travellers.
Occasional plumbing/drain issues
A few reviews noted problems with bathroom drains backing up at times and producing an unpleasant odour on certain days.
Limited in‑room power outlets and small amenities issues
Groups reported sparse outlets in parts of the room and would have appreciated USB outlets or power strips; isolated mentions also noted issues like hairdryer availability or related small in‑room amenity inconveniences.
Tattoos not allowed in public onsen
As is common in many Japanese onsen, guests with tattoos are not permitted in the public baths, which some travellers flagged as a limitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are Japanese‑style with futons and can accommodate groups from 2 up to about 6–8 people depending on the room type; some Western/designer rooms suit couples or up to four guests. Please request futon setup in advance if needed.
The hotel operates multiple public baths (indoor and outdoor); general hours include early morning through late night with routine cleaning breaks—bathing is for staying guests only. Please check with reception on arrival for the current daily schedule.
Yes — the property offers reservable private bath slots suitable for small groups or families with fixed 45‑minute time slots; reservations must be made by calling the hotel reception.
Yes — a shuttle between the hotel and Echigo‑Yuzawa station and shuttle buses to nearby ski resorts run, but they require advance reservation or a call on arrival; shuttle pickup/drop is typically at the rental shop/carpark area.
Echigo‑Yuzawa is about a 2‑minute walk from Echigo‑Yuzawa station; Niigata Airport is roughly a 40‑minute drive, and the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station reaches Echigo‑Yuzawa in around 80 minutes. Travel times vary by connection, so plan according to your chosen route.
Staff provide English assistance to a useful degree and the on‑site ski school offers lessons in English (and Chinese) with certified instructors. For specific language needs, notify the hotel in advance.
Breakfast is usually a buffet and dinner is served either as a buffet or a Japanese kaiseki menu depending on the day; meal content may be fixed on certain dates and arriving before 19:00 is recommended if you plan to dine at the hotel.
Pets are not permitted; service animals should be discussed with the hotel in advance. Guests with visible tattoos are asked to refrain from using the large public baths, and private baths are recommended as an alternative.
There are restaurants, convenience stores and small shops around Echigo‑Yuzawa station within a short walk; the hotel is steps from Ipponsugi ski area and close to the local sake museum and Hakkaisan ropeway for day trips. The hotel also has an on‑site ski rental shop.
Standard check‑in starts at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00. If you expect a late arrival or need shuttle pickup, call the hotel ahead so staff can note your arrival and arrange assistance.