津川温泉 清川高原保養センター
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 33 reviews
Tucked into the highland outskirts of Aga, this compact, community-run ryokan with onsen in Niigata presents a quietly rural base for soaking and short stays. Accommodation is simple and traditionally styled, with futon-laid tatami rooms and shared bathroom arrangements that reflect the property’s modest scale; public areas include a lounge, terrace and basic guest amenities. The setting emphasizes nature and tranquility rather than luxury, making it a straightforward option for travelers seeking an authentic hot-spring stop in the region.
The property’s bathing facilities are the focal point: a generously supplied communal hot-spring bath fed by local source water and open for both day-use and overnight guests, with daytime operating hours and a weekend cafe service on-site. Private eight-tatami rooms for daytime use are offered for short periods, and practical facilities such as on-site parking and public Wi‑Fi support both day trippers and staying visitors. Rooms tend to be few in number, so the overall footprint remains small and the communal areas feel intimate.
Guest feedback highlights the friendly, family-style reception and the onsen’s soft, slippery water quality, and many reviewers note that after day visitors depart the public bath can feel almost like a private soak—an attractive point for overnight guests who prize quiet. The centre works well as a single-night stopover or a relaxed day-bathing destination when exploring Aga’s countryside and nearby outdoor sights, offering a straightforward, service-minded ryokan with onsen in Niigata for travelers seeking a low-key hot-spring experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 津川温泉 清川高原保養センター
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen quality
Many guests praised the hot spring water—described as clean, silky/natural and leaving skin feeling soft, with a distinctive pleasant texture that guests loved.
Clean, comfortable rooms and facilities
Multiple reviewers noted the ryokan is well maintained and clean; futons and shared spaces were comfortable and tidy.
Friendly, welcoming staff and owner
Guests reported warm hospitality from the owner and staff; the owner in particular was noted as helpful and able to communicate in English.
Quiet, scenic location and near-private onsen experience
Visitors enjoyed the peaceful mountain setting, good views and the small size of the property (few rooms) which allows guests to use the onsen privately after day visitors leave and in the early morning.
Good value and convenient local options
Reviewers highlighted competitive pricing, comfortable stay for the price, and useful nearby amenities (cafés/bakery). Some also praised breakfast when used.
Negative Reviews
Seasonal insect problems (stink bugs)
Several guests reported a significant presence of insects (notably stink bugs) in and around rooms during certain seasons, which made the stay uncomfortable for those sensitive to insects.
No en-suite bathrooms / shared toilets
Some reviewers mentioned rooms lack private water facilities or en‑suite toilets, relying on clean but shared bathrooms instead, which may be inconvenient for some guests.
Remote location may require a car
The ryokan is situated far from busy towns; while that contributes to tranquility, multiple guests noted you generally need a car to reach the property and explore the area.
Occasional lack of amenities like yukata
At least one guest experienced not having a yukata available in their room, which affected their comfort—this may be a one-off but worth noting.
Limited English from general staff
While the owner was reported to speak good English, some reviewers said general staff had limited English ability, which could make communication harder for non-Japanese speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The facility uses a natural alkaline simple hot spring known for a soft, silky feel; baths are kept at a comfortable temperature and are prized locally for their texture.
The main baths are public gender‑separated baths; because the property is small, the baths often feel very private outside day‑use hours and the staff can advise about quieter times.
Rooms are traditional tatami with futon bedding; booking options include rooms listed for up to 4 futons and family-style rooms that can take larger groups (up to 8 futons), so group layouts vary by room type.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the nearest airport is Niigata (about 54 km) so most guests arrive by rental car or taxi from the station or airport.
JR Tsugawa Station is the closest; the ryokan is about a 5‑minute drive (roughly a 1,000 JPY taxi) or a 20–30 minute walk, and the property provides free on‑site parking if you drive.
Check‑in is scheduled from 15:00 to 19:00 and the property asks guests to indicate their arrival time in advance; check‑out is in the morning—please confirm the exact time on your booking confirmation or with the property.
English is limited but staff are reported as very helpful and welcoming; send any special requests in advance and have a translation app ready for smoother communication.
The ryokan hosts a small on‑site café serving seasonal dishes and coffee, and there are nearby cafés and a bakery within a short drive; full-course dinners are not guaranteed for every stay, so check options when booking.
Private use options should be requested in advance—private rooms for day use are available—while the property’s pet policy is not explicitly listed, so contact them to confirm; there is no supermarket on‑site but shops in Tsugawa town are a short drive away.
The ryokan sits on a pleasant highland above the Agano River with scenic views, a neighboring book café/co‑working space, and easy drives to local sights such as regional museums and family‑friendly attractions about 20–40 km away for day trips.