Hotel Taiko
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 476 reviews
Hotel Taiko sits in Akakura Onsen at the base of Mt. Myoko, offering traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and mountain views that orient the experience toward the surrounding ski and hiking terrain. Rooms are air‑conditioned and typically include en‑suite facilities, a television and basic amenities; the property operates family and non‑smoking room types and provides free Wi‑Fi in public areas. Located within easy walking distance of the Akakura ski area and with a ski rental shop on site, Taiko functions as a practical ryokan with onsen base for winter sports and seasonal outdoor activities.
The bathing facilities comprise public indoor and outdoor hot‑spring baths fed from the local Akakura source, alongside a sauna and optional massage services; an outdoor rotenburo provides direct views of the Myoko plateau when open. Meals follow local practice, with a seasonal kaiseki dinner and a mixed buffet breakfast on offer, and public day‑use bathing is available subject to the hotel’s schedule. The hotel also hosts an on‑site bar and an English‑friendly ski service counter, making it convenient for international guests traveling to Niigata or visiting nearby Nagano destinations as a ryokan with onsen Nagano option for multi‑area itineraries.
Practical services include a shuttle to Myoko Kogen station by prior arrangement, on‑site parking and winter guidance for vehicles, plus storage and drying facilities for ski equipment. The setting near sights such as Imori Pond and Naena Falls and its proximity to multiple Myoko ski fields make the property suitable for both day‑trip explorers and multi‑night stays; its combination of communal hot springs, traditional rooms and slope‑side access targets travellers seeking a straightforward, service‑oriented stay in the Myoko area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Taiko
Positive Reviews
Friendly and attentive staff
Multiple guests praised staff for being friendly, helpful and polite, noting attentive service at reception, assistance with luggage, ski hire and shuttle information.
Excellent breakfast selection
Many reviewers highlighted a generous buffet with a mix of Japanese and Western dishes; breakfast was described as excellent and varied (though some noted repetition over long stays).
Spacious, authentic Japanese rooms
Guests appreciated the large tatami-style rooms and comfortable futons, modern bathroom fixtures (shower controller and vanity), and overall room size and layout.
Relaxing onsen facilities
The indoor and outdoor onsens were repeatedly praised for being relaxing, well maintained and offering varied temperatures, with the outdoor onsen and views frequently mentioned as a major highlight.
Great location and onsite amenities
Reviewers valued the hotel’s convenient walking distance to attractions and restaurants, shuttle to the train station, on-site ski hire, cozy lobby/bar with live music, and overall good value for money.
Negative Reviews
Breakfast/repeat food issues for longer stays
A number of guests said the breakfast, while good, became repetitive over multiple days; some also wished for more daily variety during extended stays.
Limited or closed hotel restaurant options
At least one guest was disappointed to find hotel restaurants closed during their stay and would have liked clearer information or availability for dining on-site.
Dated decor and some worn areas
Several reviewers noted that the decor and furniture felt dated in places, with comments suggesting updates would improve the overall look and feel.
Onsen size/age concerns for some
While many loved the onsen, a few guests found certain baths slightly small or showing signs of age compared with expectations.
Room connectivity and temperature issues
A few mentions of practical issues included weak in-room Wi‑Fi (lobby Wi‑Fi was better), thin windows causing drafts during storms, and cold hallways in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are mainly Japanese-style with futons; standard rooms sleep up to 4–5 guests depending on room type, and there are a limited number of twin Western-style rooms for two. Family and deluxe rooms are available for larger groups.
The hotel has public indoor and outdoor onsen baths with mountain views, plus sauna and massage services; private/reservable baths are not listed as standard, so contact the hotel if you need a private booking. Baths are popular after skiing and are separated by gender.
A free shuttle is offered from JR Myoko Kogen Station by prior reservation (daytime hours), and the hotel is reachable by regional trains and buses from major rail hubs; airport transfers are not listed, so plan onward rail or bus transport. Check arrival times with the hotel in advance for station pickup.
The easiest rail access is via Myoko Kogen Station; many guests travel from Tokyo to Nagano or Joetsu Myoko and continue by local train or bus. For wider planning, use train connections from major airports and notify the hotel of arrival at Myoko Kogen for shuttle pickup.
Staff are primarily Japanese but the reception provides basic English support and many guests report helpful English-speaking staff. The hotel can assist with local transport, ski rental, and activity information.
Yes — rooms feature tatami flooring and guests receive yukata; traditional seasonal kaiseki dinners are offered and communal onsen bathing is central to the stay. The setting and food focus on local Myōkō culture and produce.
Akakura Onsen ski area is a short walk away, and the hotel sells lift-ticket packages; nearby sights include Imori Pond, Naena Falls and mountain trails such as Sasagamine. The Myōkō area offers skiing, hiking and local cultural sites within a short drive.
The hotel is served by public buses from Myoko Kogen Station and local taxis; on-site free parking is available for guests arriving by car. Ski equipment rental and a rental shop are located at the hotel for slope access.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you expect to arrive outside normal hours, notify the hotel in advance to confirm late arrival procedures.
Pets are not permitted at the property; small local shops and convenience stores are available in the Akakura Onsen area, and the hotel has an in-house pub-style restaurant and serves kaiseki dinners (some dinner types require pre-booking).