一水荘
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 15 reviews
一水荘 is a compact, family-run ryokan tucked into the hill side of Sakihana Onsen in Gosen, Niigata, offering fourteen rooms and a deliberately quiet atmosphere along the Agano River. The property presents a traditional Japanese inn experience with tatami rooms and a small garden outlook, where stays are paced around onsen time and seasonal meals rather than sprawling resort facilities. Practical amenities include complimentary parking, in-house Wi‑Fi and non-smoking accommodation, all arranged to support a relaxed, region‑focused stay at a ryokan with onsen in Niigata.
The bathing facilities are a defining feature: the inn uses the famed emerald‑green Sakihana spring in a mix of public and outdoor baths, and it operates a reservable private open‑air bath (貸切露天風呂) that is typically offered complimentary for a short session with many plans. Bathing hours cover late morning into the evening and a morning window, allowing guests to choose quieter times for bathing; the water is presented as a source‑fed, gently mineralized onsen prized locally for its skin‑softening feel. The layout keeps bathing areas intimate, so privacy and unhurried soaking are easy to achieve.
Meals follow a careful, homemade approach using local Niigata produce and seafood: courses highlight Koshihikari rice, seasonal vegetables and house specialties such as a cream‑tofu dish and a local taro preparation presented in refined kaiseki style. Room types range from classic eight‑to‑ten tatami suites to recently refreshed rooms with semi‑open baths, and staff focus on attentive, helpful service that accommodates language differences when needed. For travelers seeking a modest, well‑cared‑for ryokan with private onsen in Niigata, the property offers a straightforward blend of regional food, small‑scale hospitality and easy access to nearby countryside and rail connections.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 一水荘
Positive Reviews
Delicious, well-prepared meals
Multiple guests praised the food as very tasty with carefully prepared dishes; specific items (e.g. simmered fish) and the overall meal experience received high marks.
High-quality onsen and bathing options
Reviewers enjoyed the hot springs, noting a variety of baths (stronger hot green water and milder cloudy water) and relaxing private/open-air bath options that were soothing and well-liked.
Attentive and helpful staff
Staff were described as polite, courteous and prompt; they assisted guests kindly, used translation tools when needed, and handled issues like forgotten items quickly and professionally.
Clean, comfortable traditional atmosphere
Guests appreciated the nostalgic ryokan ambiance combined with a strong sense of cleanliness and overall comfort during their stay.
Clear meal explanations and thoughtful service details
Reviewers noted that meal courses were explained clearly, breakfast included varied tea service, and small service touches contributed positively to the dining experience.
Negative Reviews
Aged facilities
Some guests found parts of the property to be old or showing their age, suggesting certain areas could benefit from updates or maintenance.
Privacy concerns at the baths
At least one reviewer mentioned that the bathing area could be visible from the surroundings, raising privacy concerns—particularly for female guests.
Poor TV placement in rooms
A room's television was reported to be positioned poorly, making it difficult to watch comfortably from the seating/sleeping area.
Inconsistent serving etiquette
One guest felt uncomfortable when staff brought multiple bowls by hand instead of using a tray, noting this as a lapse in otherwise generally polite service.
Perceived lack of value for money
A guest commented they did not feel the stay represented good value and said they might look for alternatives in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
The nearest airport is Niigata Airport (about 35 km). Travel by train toward Niigata and transfer to the Ban'etsu West Line to Sakihana Station, or take a taxi/rental car from the airport.
There is no regular airport shuttle; Sakihana Station is a short 3–4 minute walk from the ryokan, making the train the most convenient public option.
Check‑in starts at 15:00 (latest arrival usually 18:00) and check‑out is by 10:00.
Room types include Japanese‑style rooms with up to five futons and twin rooms with two single beds; there are no extra beds or cribs available, and children are welcome (guests over 13 are treated as adults).
The ryokan offers emerald‑green, source‑flowing sulfur spring baths with indoor and outdoor facilities; a reservable private open‑air (rotenburo) is available and some plans include a complimentary 45‑minute private session, while certain rooms feature semi‑open‑air baths.
Pets are not allowed at the property; private hire of the public baths is offered (private bath reservations are possible), but the ryokan does not advertise full‑property privatization.
Meals are seasonal multi‑course kaiseki prepared with local Niigata ingredients and breakfast is served in a set style; please notify the ryokan in advance about allergies or dietary restrictions so they can advise on options.
Japanese is the primary language, but staff are helpful with basic English and commonly use translation tools to assist non‑Japanese speakers.
There are local bakeries, small shops and convenience‑style outlets near Sakihana Station; larger supermarkets and more services are found in Gosen city a short drive or train ride away.
Sakihana Onsen and the Agano River area are immediate highlights; the ryokan is also convenient for seasonal attractions such as local tulip fields, Suntopia World (roughly 8 km), and day trips to Niigata city by train in about an hour.