Kofukan
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 462 reviews
Kofukan is a traditional mountain inn set beneath Mount Myōkō, combining tatami-floored rooms, shoji screens and modern conveniences such as air conditioning, a small fridge and electric kettle. The property centres on natural hot-spring bathing: guests can use public indoor and outdoor baths and reserve a private onsen for couples or families, making it a practical choice when searching for a ryokan with private onsen in Myoko. Rooms range from classic Japanese layouts to mixed Japanese-Western arrangements, many offering framed views of the surrounding pines and mountains.
On-site dining focuses on multi-course Japanese dinners prepared from local ingredients, served in dining areas or banquet-style rooms; breakfast options follow traditional patterns. Practical amenities include free on-site parking, complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, ski storage and the sale of lift passes in winter. The ryokan runs a shuttle service to nearby ski areas and to JR Myoko-Kogen station, facilitating access for guests who plan to ski, hike or visit nearby villages without driving.
The overall atmosphere is understated and seasonally attuned: spring and summer bring forested walks and quiet garden views, while winter turns the locale into a gateway for alpine skiing and snow activities. Staff maintain a low-key, hospitable service style that supports family stays and small groups as well as couples seeking a quiet bathing retreat. For travellers prioritizing onsen access, Kofukan presents a straightforward ryokan with onsen in Niigata that emphasises traditional accommodation, thermal bathing and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kofukan
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen with indoor and outdoor baths
Multiple reviewers praised the onsen — both indoor and outdoor baths are large, relaxing and scenic (sunrise recommended). Guests appreciated that the onsen is well maintained and even tattoo-friendly.
Very friendly, helpful staff and hosts
Staff were repeatedly described as kind and professional, assisting with station pickups, shuttle/taxi arrangements, ski transfers, bookings and guest requests. Many noted good English and attentive service.
Delicious traditional meals
Guests enjoyed the kaiseki-style dinners and Japanese breakfasts using local, seasonal ingredients. Food quality and service were highlighted as a strong point.
Authentic traditional ryokan atmosphere and rooms
Reviewers liked the traditional features (tatami rooms, yukata), scenic room views (mountains, occasional wildlife), and the overall authentic experience and atmosphere.
Good location and value for ski trips
Many found the location convenient for accessing multiple ski resorts (shuttle and parking available), praised the free transfers/transport assistance, and felt the ryokan offered good value for money.
Negative Reviews
Older building and visible wear
Multiple guests noted the property is quite old; while generally well maintained, furniture and some fittings show signs of age and wear (worn tatami, dated corridors, etc.).
Thin walls and noise issues
Several reviewers reported thin walls where noise from neighbouring rooms (talking, doors, snoring) could be heard, which disturbed sleep for some guests.
Limited nearby dining options / remote location
The ryokan is in an older/quiet part of the village with few restaurants within walking distance; many recommend having a car to explore dining options.
Shared bathroom facilities and cold shared toilets
Some rooms rely on shared bathrooms rather than in-room showers; reviewers mentioned cold shared toilets in winter and a preference for private shower options.
Onsen and service practicalities
A few guests raised practical concerns: the onsen can be very hot (and humid in private baths), some prefer single-gender baths but found mixed arrangements, private onsen access sometimes incurred extra fees, and minor issues like in-room water quality for tea or breakfast timing/portion concerns were mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type; many rooms are arranged for two adults, family rooms are available, and some rooms can fit up to four guests on futons — check the selected room type for exact maximums.
Kofukan has indoor and outdoor public hot spring baths and offers private family baths that can be reserved in advance; private baths have limited availability and should be booked ahead of your stay.
The ryokan provides a free shuttle to/from JR Myoko Kogen Station and to nearby ski resorts, with weekday shuttles to Akakura and Ikenodaira that require advance reservation and have limited hours.
Most guests travel via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) and continue by train or seasonal airport shuttle; regional airports such as Niigata or Matsumoto are also options with onward buses or shuttle services — book transfers in advance.
Staff assist in Japanese and provide English support for common guest needs.
Kofukan offers a traditional ryokan stay with tatami rooms and shoji screens, multi-course Japanese dinners, yukata robes and a garden for relaxation.
The ryokan is close to Myoko Suginohara and other local ski areas, Akakura Onsen and Myoko Sunshine Land, and the area offers hiking, cycling and winter-sports opportunities.
Kofukan is about 1 km from JR Myoko Kogen Station (a short walk or shuttle ride) and provides free on-site parking for guests.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Pets are not permitted; the property has on-site dining serving multi-course Japanese meals and breakfast, while local shops and restaurants are within walking distance and larger supermarkets are located in nearby towns.