Star Hotel Akakura
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 66 reviews
Star Hotel Akakura sits at the heart of Akakura Onsen village in Myōkō, Niigata, a compact, family-run lodging that blends simple modern comforts with traditional Japanese room types. Rooms range from tatami-mat Japanese rooms to twin Western-style and larger multi-room layouts, several offering ensuite facilities while others share bath facilities; the property lists around ten guest rooms in total. Its central location places guests a short walk from the Akakura ski slopes and the village’s restaurants and shops, making the hotel a practical base for winter sports and year‑round mountain activities as a ryokan with onsen in Myoko, Niigata.
The onsen is a core feature: guests have access to gender-separated public baths, maintained as a continuously flowing natural spring, and the property also operates a dedicated pet onsen and a pet-only private bath for guests travelling with animals. Public bathing areas are complemented by communal spaces — a fourth‑floor reception and lounge, a games area with table tennis, and basic guest services such as free parking and on-site laundry. The combination of a working hot spring and straightforward guest facilities positions the hotel as a modest, practical ryokan with onsen within easy reach of Nagano for day trips into the neighboring prefecture.
Meals emphasize homemade, seasonal cooking using local ingredients and the region’s rice, served in a relaxed dining room where guests often note the hospitable, English-capable staff and family atmosphere. Practical details such as free Wi‑Fi, winter-aware covered parking, and pet-friendly room options (with some floors designated for guests with dogs) make the property particularly suited to small groups, families, and visitors bringing pets. For travellers seeking an unpretentious, well-located onsen stay near Myōkō’s slopes and within reasonable distance of Nagano’s attractions, the hotel offers straightforward amenities and hands-on local service.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Star Hotel Akakura
Positive Reviews
Excellent central location
Multiple reviewers praised the hotel's position: right on the main street, a short walk (about 5 minutes) to the Akakura Onsen ski lifts, close to restaurants, shops and shuttle stops — very convenient for skiing and evening meals.
Friendly, helpful family-run staff
Guests repeatedly mentioned attentive, accommodating service from the owners and staff — English-speaking when needed, helped with reservations, transport (lift to station), early breakfast requests and generally made guests feel welcome.
Relaxing onsen (hot spring)
The communal onsen was described as hot, authentic and enjoyable after skiing. Several guests highlighted it as a major plus and good for relaxing.
Good breakfast and home-cooked food
Breakfast and dinner (on occasions) received positive comments — described as great, generous and home-cooked, with the staff accommodating children's tastes and arranging early breakfasts when required.
Traditional, comfortable rooms and practical facilities
Many guests enjoyed the traditional tatami/futon experience, found rooms comfortable and appreciated practical features such as gas heaters, kotatsu, ski storage and overall good value for a centrally located, family-run ryokan.
Negative Reviews
Facilities feel dated and in need of upgrade
Several reviews noted the hotel, hallways and games room looked old or run-down and could benefit from refurbishment or modernization.
Cold corridors and limited heated communal space
Multiple guests reported cold hallways and corridors and a lack of warm communal areas, making transfers between room and onsen uncomfortable in winter.
Shared bathrooms / onsen location can be inconvenient
Many rooms have communal or downstairs bathrooms/onsen, forcing guests to walk outside or down to bathe or use the toilet at night — this was inconvenient and uncomfortable in cold weather for some.
Limited drying facilities and occasional onsen cleanliness issues
A few guests mentioned there was no drying room for wet snow gear and that the onsen could be cleaner, which made drying and equipment care more difficult.
Some room-amenity and service limitations
Isolated comments noted small/limited pillows, hard futon sleep for some, occasional restrictive room cleaning schedules, and at least one guest unable to securely leave bags while waiting to check in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single and twin layouts to family rooms; some rooms sleep up to five people using futons. Extra beds or cots are not available, so check room type capacity when booking.
The property has guest onsen facilities with gender-separated communal baths. Private or reservable private baths are not listed as standard amenities, so request details directly if you need exclusive use.
There is no published regular airport shuttle; staff have been known to give guests lifts to Myoko-Kogen Station on request. Public buses run between Myoko-Kogen Station and Akakura Onsen as a regular option.
The closest local airport referenced is Matsumoto (about 100+ km), while many guests arrive from Tokyo or Nagano by shinkansen and local trains, then use the Myoko-Kogen Station bus or a taxi to Akakura Onsen. Allow additional transfer time for buses or taxis from the station.
Staff are family-run and speak some English; they commonly assist with reservations, directions and local arrangements. Guests report helpful English communication for basic needs.
Yes — rooms include tatami-style options and the ryokan offers home-cooked Japanese breakfasts and occasional dinners for a traditional stay. The family-run service and local meals contribute to an authentic experience.
The ryokan sits in Akakura Onsen village within a short walk of the Akakura Onsen ski area, local restaurants and shops. Regional attractions such as Myoko-Kogen and Jigokudani (Snow Monkey Park) are reachable by car or public transport.
Free private parking is available on site for guests with cars; public buses serve the Akakura Onsen area and taxis operate from Myoko-Kogen Station. The hotel also offers ski storage and sells ski passes in season.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Luggage storage is available before check-in and after check-out.
Local listings indicate pet-friendly rooms and even a seasonal pet onsen at some properties, but policies appear to vary, so confirm pet availability when booking; private onsen use is not clearly advertised. There are restaurants within minutes’ walk and a convenience store very close by for basic supplies.