Akakura Hotel
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 20 reviews
Akakura Hotel sits in the heart of the Akakura Onsen village in Myoko, Niigata, offering a blend of traditional and Western-style accommodation within easy walking distance of the local ski lifts and shops. The property traces its roots to a long local history and presents a compact resort layout with both a main building and an annex; public areas include a restaurant serving seasonal menus that draw on nearby mountain and Sea of Japan produce and a communal lounge. Practical services for winter visitors include on-site ski equipment rental, a free shuttle to the nearest train station on request, free parking and 24-hour reception, making the hotel a straightforward base for exploring the Myoko highlands.
The bathing facilities are a focal point: multiple natural hot spring baths run on free-flowing water from the north side of Mount Myoko, with an expansive indoor main onsen plus outdoor baths that are notably open in winter when snow offers extra privacy. Guests can choose from shared public baths equipped with sauna and jacuzzi or reserve family-use private baths for exclusive use, so the property functions as a ryokan with onsen in the Chūbu region for those seeking traditional hot-spring experiences. Mineral-rich spring water means some pools carry a sulphurous scent and visible mineral particulates typical of natural hot springs.
Guest rooms range from tatami-style Japanese rooms with futons to Western and mixed-layout rooms, many configured for families and groups and all supplied with basic in-room amenities. Breakfast is offered buffet-style alongside simple lunch and dinner options in the dining room; the hotel emphasises hearty local fare suited to skiers and hikers. Private onsen bookings are available and public-bath access follows customary Japanese rules, including possible restrictions for guests with visible tattoos, so visitors commonly arrange private-bath slots in advance. Overall, the Akakura Hotel presents a practical, service-oriented ryokan with private onsen in Niigata prefecture for seasonal mountain stays.
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Review summary for: Akakura Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple reviewers praised the hot springs as a highlight—large, numerous baths including private options; many described bathing under falling snow or cherry trees as magical and said the onsen justified the stay.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff and front desk received frequent compliments for professionalism and helpfulness; specific staff were noted as going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction.
Convenient location for skiing and transfers
Hotel is very handy to the ski lifts and village, with a free shuttle from the door; guests reported being able to ski back close to the hotel and appreciated easy access to the ski area and restaurants.
Great Japanese breakfast
While some warned that Western-style breakfast options were disappointing, reviewers consistently praised the Japanese breakfast offerings as high quality and very satisfying.
Comfortable rooms and useful amenities
Rooms were described as clean and comfortable with good tatami space and separate bedroom/bathroom layouts in some units; additional on-site amenities like private onsen access and recreational options (ping-pong) were enjoyed.
Negative Reviews
Weak Wi‑Fi and connectivity
Multiple guests—especially those in annex/cheaper rooms—reported very weak or unreliable Wi‑Fi signal, making effective connectivity difficult.
Ageing facilities needing upgrades
Several reviewers noted that parts of the property looked tired or in need of renovation (including suggestions to resurface onsen areas), so while the historic character is appreciated, maintenance was seen as necessary.
Hot water, heating and odour issues
Problems reported included no hot water in some ensuite annex rooms (broken boiler), boiler noise in the mornings and occasional kerosene heater smells—these affected comfort for some stays.
Inconsistent cleanliness and room issues
A few guests experienced cleanliness lapses (bathroom not cleaned before arrival) and room malfunctions (toilet nozzle not working) that required staff intervention.
Pricing and booking concerns
At least one guest felt the rate booked via a reservation site was significantly higher than on a previous stay and stated a preference to book directly next time; some also cautioned that Western breakfast choices were poor.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers Western, Japanese and combination (semi-Japanese) rooms; family rooms and suites typically accommodate up to four guests, with twin and smaller options for couples or singles, and no extra rollaway/baby beds available.
Akakura Hotel uses natural hot spring water with indoor and outdoor baths, a sauna and bookable private baths; guests with visible tattoos may be refused entry to public baths and some outdoor baths operate seasonally.
Yes — the hotel provides a free shuttle to and from JR Myoko Kogen Station if you request it in advance and give your arrival time.
Most visitors take the Shinkansen or express trains toward Joetsu‑Myoko or Nagano, transfer to local services to Myoko Kogen Station, then use the hotel shuttle, a local bus or a taxi for the short final transfer.
Staff speak Japanese and the hotel provides English support for many guest services, though proficiency can vary by shift.
Standard check-out is 10:00; check-in is generally from 14:00 at the main hotel (annex often from 15:00); luggage storage is available and early check-in can be requested in advance and may incur a fee.
There is an on-site restaurant serving buffet/American breakfasts and seasonal multi-course Japanese dinners; please notify the hotel in advance about dietary restrictions or special meal requests.
Private/family onsen options are available by reservation subject to availability; contact the hotel when booking or at check-in to arrange.
No, pets are not permitted on the property.
The hotel sits in Akakura Onsen village within a short walk of chair lifts, ski runs, restaurants and bars; nearby seasonal activities include skiing, hiking and gondola rides to scenic viewpoints.