Hotel Yunojin
7,5/10 Very good - Based on 169 reviews
Hotel Yunojin is a mid‑size mountain ryokan located in Minakami, Gunma, set where wooded slopes and river valleys meet. The property offers a range of Japanese and Japanese‑Western rooms, including spacious tatami suites suited to families and groups; many rooms are traditional in layout and some do not include private bathrooms, directing guests to the public bathing facilities. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, onsite parking for a large number of vehicles, a 24‑hour front desk and luggage storage, making it straightforward for travellers planning outdoor activities in the area. As a ryokan with onsen in Minakami, it blends traditional bathing culture with hotel‑scale convenience.
The hot spring facilities are a central feature: the hotel operates a large indoor bath, an open‑air rotenburo and a sauna, with morning and evening gender‑separate rotations to accommodate all guests. Bathing hours run in the afternoon through late evening and reopen for early morning soaks, and the water supply is described as plentiful, reflecting the local onsen source. Dining is offered in a buffet format with a wide selection—reported to exceed fifty items—and evening service commonly includes alcoholic drinks as part of the buffet offering. Public leisure options on site include karaoke, a game corner and seasonal outdoor pool, presenting indoor alternatives for mixed weather stays; this ryokan with onsen Gumma appeals to both active visitors and those seeking relaxation.
For planning purposes, standard arrival is from mid‑afternoon and departure by late morning, and the hotel notes regular shuttle or bus connections from the nearest station plus convenient road access for drivers. The setting places guests within reach of Tanigawa’s hiking routes, local rafting and summer water activities, and nearby ski areas in winter, so the property functions as a practical base for year‑round outdoor programmes. With straightforward services, communal thermal baths and varied room types, the hotel suits families, groups and solo travellers seeking an accessible onsen experience in the Minakami area of Gunma.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Yunojin
Positive Reviews
Relaxing, well-maintained onsen spa
Multiple guests praised the large, clean and peaceful onsen facilities (including two onsens in some stays), noting it as a highlight for relaxation and sleep quality.
Good value for money
Several reviewers described the ryokan as great value — reasonably priced rooms with generous buffet meals (often including alcohol) and comfortable, well‑appointed Japanese‑style rooms.
Enjoyable buffet meals
Many guests enjoyed the dinner and breakfast buffets, calling the buffet dinner and breakfast good or wonderful and appreciating included drink options like beer during dinner.
Helpful, friendly staff and comfortable rooms
Reviews mention helpful staff, clean and spacious traditional Japanese bedrooms, comfortable beds and overall cleanliness that made stays pleasant.
Convenient, peaceful location
Guests liked the quiet, scenic setting and proximity to local attractions (for example Tanigawa mountain and ski/bus access), finding the location convenient for sightseeing and skiing.
Negative Reviews
Some rooms lack private showers/bathrooms
A few guests noted rooms had only a toilet and no shower/bath, requiring use of the public onsen for washing, which may be inconvenient for some.
Aging facilities and occasional cleanliness/pest issues
Several comments mention the property feeling a bit run‑down in places; one review noted an occurrence of pests and another noted the room wasn’t thoroughly clean.
Food quality, queues and breakfast menu concerns
Although many liked the buffet, some found the food only average for the price, reported long queues at busy events (e.g. festival days) and suggested the breakfast menu could be improved.
Limited parking and meal time scheduling
Guests reported the small car park fills quickly (though further parking exists) and some disliked fixed, two‑seat buffet time slots assigned at check‑in that reduced flexibility.
Missing ski/sport amenities for some travelers
Skiers noted there was no partnership for discounted lift tickets and no dedicated dry room/storage for snowboards and wet gear, which is inconvenient for winter sports guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include Japanese-style and mixed rooms; family rooms sleep up to six guests (futons) so larger groups are accommodated—please select the correct guest count when booking.
Yes, the property offers natural hot spring baths including a large indoor bath and an open-air rotenburo, with regular gender-swapped bathing hours.
The official information lists public baths and an open-air bath but does not advertise private (kashikiri) onsen; guests should inquire with the hotel if a private-use option is needed.
The hotel does not list a regular airport shuttle; local buses and taxis connect the property with nearby stations (Yubiso/Minakami), and many guests arrive by train plus bus or taxi.
Booking lists Niigata Airport as the closest major airport (about 177 km); most visitors reach the area by train (Joetsu Line to Yubiso or services to Minakami) followed by a local bus or taxi, or by car.
English-language information is available on public booking pages; the hotel provides basic English support for international guests, while Japanese is the primary working language.
The hotel offers buffet-style dinner and breakfast—dinner service is typically timed (about 90 minutes) and the official description notes evening buffets include alcoholic and soft-drink options.
Pets are not permitted at the property; privatization of public facilities is not listed in official materials, so private use should be confirmed with the hotel in advance.
The Minakami area offers outdoor activities (rafting, hiking, skiing), scenic Mt. Tanigawa views, and local craft experiences; many sights and adventure options are within a 15–30 minute drive.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (Booking notes check-in through early evening) and check-out is by 11:00; a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage are available.