Shosenkaku Kagetsu
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 223 reviews
Shosenkaku Kagetsu is a traditional ryokan in Echigo‑Yuzawa that combines classic Japanese architecture with contemporary comforts. Staff offer bilingual service and a personal welcome, and guest rooms range from spacious tatami-style suites to Japanese‑Western layouts; several rooms feature private open‑air baths for added seclusion. The inn is an easy base for mountain activities, a short walk from Echigo‑Yuzawa Station and close to local ski areas, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Yuzawa, Niigata.
The bathing facilities include indoor and outdoor thermal baths supplied by local hot springs, while select accommodations provide in‑room baths for private use. Public and private bathing areas are arranged to preserve quiet and privacy, with basic amenities such as yukata and toiletries provided for guests. These options allow visitors to tailor their stay between communal onsen experiences and solitary relaxation, positioning Kagetsu as a ryokan with onsen in Niigata Prefecture that accommodates both social and private bathing preferences.
Meals follow a multi-course Japanese format that emphasizes seasonal ingredients from the region and a curated selection of local sake. On‑site amenities include a tea‑ceremony space, a conversation lounge opening onto a traditional garden, a small gallery, evening bar service and light recreational touches like table tennis; banquet rooms and arrangements for ski school or equipment rental are also available. This combination of practical services, flexible dining and varied bathing facilities suits cultural visitors, families and winter sports travelers seeking a measured, authentic ryokan experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shosenkaku Kagetsu
Positive Reviews
Exceptional staff and service
Many guests praised the warm, attentive and helpful staff—described as welcoming, polite and going the extra mile, which made stays memorable.
Excellent onsen facilities
On-site hot springs are highly rated: clean, relaxing, with lovely outdoor/private baths and a sensational spa experience across seasons.
Very convenient location and shuttle
Property is a short walk from Echigo‑Yuzawa station and cable car, with a helpful shuttle for luggage—ideal for sightseeing and ski access.
Spacious, clean and comfortable rooms
Rooms (traditional Japanese style and deluxe) were repeatedly described as large, well maintained, clean and comfortable, with comfy futons and good tea/ dining setups.
Relaxing traditional atmosphere and extra touches
Guests enjoyed the ryokan’s traditional, cozy ambiance, lounge with complimentary drinks/sake, complimentary snacks, family‑oriented vibe and beautiful gardens and mountain views.
Negative Reviews
Meal booking and food issues
Several guests reported problems booking or arranging in‑house meals via the booking site and some found the kaiseki dinner or Japanese breakfasts had unfamiliar or unappealing flavors.
Additional onsen tax/extra charges
At least one guest noted an unexpected onsen tax (small fee) in addition to the room cost, which felt surprising compared with other hotels.
Pillows and bed firmness
A number of visitors mentioned uncomfortable pillows (very firm) or beds that were a little hard, which may not suit Western sleep preferences.
Wi‑Fi instability and limited power outlets
Some guests experienced slow or unstable internet in rooms and noted a lack of convenient power sockets for charging devices.
Room wear and minor comfort issues
A few comments pointed to dated carpet or visible stains, ill‑fitting slippers for wider feet, and that the indoor onsen could feel too hot or private onsen slots may need early booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from doubles to traditional Japanese-style rooms; some Japanese-style rooms can sleep up to four guests on futons, while deluxe double/twin rooms suit two adults.
The ryokan offers multiple hot-spring baths including indoor and outdoor onsen, with a variety of uniquely designed baths for communal use.
Some rooms feature private in‑room open‑air baths, and the property also offers the option to rent a private bath for exclusive use.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is a short 5‑minute walk from Echigo‑Yuzawa Station and staff can assist with luggage or arrange local transfers on request.
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo‑Yuzawa (about 90 minutes from Tokyo Station) and then walk roughly five minutes to the ryokan; airports require travel into Tokyo first or other local connections.
The ryokan has bilingual staff and provides English assistance at the front desk.
You can enjoy traditional multi‑course Japanese meals, a tea‑ceremony experience, local Niigata sake selections, and communal onsen culture along with onsen table‑tennis and a Japanese garden courtyard.
Yuzawa Kogen ski area and the Yuzawa Kogen ropeway are within a short walk (about 5–10 minutes), and the Echigo‑Yuzawa station area offers shops and restaurants for sightseeing and dining.
Standard check‑in is usually from 14:00 with late arrivals accepted until around midnight; check‑out is by 11:00. The ryokan is an easy 5‑minute walk from the shinkansen station, so bring luggage you can manage or request assistance in advance.
Pets are not permitted on the property, and convenience stores and small shops are located near Echigo‑Yuzawa Station within a few minutes' walk for basic supplies.