Hotel Hoho “A hotel overlooking the Echigo Plain and the Yahiko mountain range” formerly Hotel Oohashi Yakata-no-Yu
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 240 reviews
Hotel Hoho, formerly Hotel Oohashi Yakata-no-Yu, perches in the Iwamuro Onsen area of Niigata and is sited to capture broad views across the Echigo Plain toward the Yahiko mountain range. The property combines a long local history with contemporary guest rooms—around fifty suites and standard rooms arranged over multiple floors—framing the landscaped Japanese garden and a rooftop terrace. Public areas include a garden-facing café and a modest on-site gallery; room types range from traditional tatami layouts to larger family suites equipped with modern conveniences and climate control.
Bathing facilities are a defining feature: the hotel operates a mineral onsen complex with indoor baths and an open-air rotenguro, a bedrock (ganbanyoku) area, and several reservable private options including an indoor private onsen. Additional wellness and leisure offerings noted by guests include a tent sauna, bonfire area and casual evening entertainment in a small nightclub/karaoke space. Practical amenities cover free in-room Wi‑Fi, on-site parking, a convenience outlet and multilingual reception, and the property presents services in a straightforward, family-friendly manner suited to multi-generational stays.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Hoho “A hotel over…
Positive Reviews
Beautiful, well‑maintained grounds and atmosphere
Multiple guests praised the property's garden, scenic setting and ambience — described as picturesque and relaxing, with photo spots, koi in the lobby/garden and even small sheep that families enjoyed.
Excellent hot spring facilities
Reviewers highlighted the onsen experience repeatedly: relaxing outdoor baths, very good public baths, private onsens in rooms (some rooms), and special features like a hot‑rock/stone sauna.
High‑quality Japanese meals
Breakfasts and kaiseki dinners were frequently described as delicious and immaculately prepared (guests mentioned a variety of rice choices and memorable Japanese breakfast/dinner experiences).
Clean, spacious and comfortable rooms
Many comments praised roomy accommodations, cleanliness and comfortable futons — rooms were noted as a great size for couples and families and well suited for relaxing stays.
Friendly, attentive staff and family‑friendly service
Staff hospitality was noted as excellent multiple times: accommodating toward children, helpful services, live piano at check‑in/out on some days, and overall warm, traditional ryokan service that guests appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport challenges
Several guests warned that the ryokan is not close to major stations — the nearest station is a few miles away and taxis from Niigata can be expensive; local buses run only a couple times a day, so guests advised planning transfers in advance or renting a car.
Additional charges and perceived high cost
Visitors noted that some amenities (hot stone onsen, sauna, certain games) incur extra fees and that meals or overall pricing felt expensive to a few guests given expectations.
Limited onsite conveniences and small appliances
Complaints included the shop closing early (e.g. 11:00), lack of an ice machine on site, and room refrigerators that are small (unable to fit 2‑liter bottles), which reduced convenience for some guests.
Some facility maintenance/cleanliness issues
A few reviewers mentioned run‑down or untidy areas such as the coin laundry and requested improvements to these shared facilities.
Communication, service lapses and Wi‑Fi issues
Problems reported included poor English support or lack of translation help, slow Wi‑Fi that hindered messaging, and at least one case of booking/communication failure where a meal request was not handled — resulting in a very negative experience for that guest.
Frequently Asked Questions
The property is Hotel Hoho (formerly Hotel Oohashi Yakata-no-Yu), located in Iwamuro Onsen, Nishikan-ku, Niigata Prefecture, with views over the Echigo Plain and the Yahiko mountain range.
Check-in begins at 14:00 and guests should arrive by 18:00 to receive dinner; check-out is by 11:00.
The hotel offers a mix of tatami and family-style rooms suitable for couples and families; additional bedding is available on request—confirm exact occupancy when booking.
Facilities include large indoor and outdoor public baths, a steam-stone spa called Arashi-no-Yu, and a reservable source-flowing private black onsen for guests.
Visible tattoos are not permitted in the public bathing areas; guests with tattoos can use the private reservable bath instead.
The hotel does not run a regular shuttle service; the nearest JR stations are Iwamuro and Yahiko (taxi rides of about 10–15 minutes), and free parking is provided for guests arriving by car.
The hotel is roughly 40–45 km from Niigata Airport and about 30–35 km from Niigata Station; taxis or rental cars are the most direct ways to reach the ryokan.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese-style dinner and breakfast on site, with private or small-group dining rooms available by prior arrangement; note that dinner cannot be served for guests who check in after 18:00.
The property is family-friendly and welcomes children, but pets are not accepted; contact the hotel in advance for any special requests.
Yahiko Shrine and the Yahiko mountain area are close by and the hotel overlooks the Echigo Plain; the property includes an on-site souvenir shop and garden, and local shops and conveniences are available in the Iwamuro Onsen area.