Kintarou Onsen Hotel
6,8/10 Good - Based on 12 reviews
Kintarou Onsen Hotel sits at the edge of Uozu and pairs traditional ryokan hospitality with modern comforts. The property’s focal point is its natural hot spring, delivered 100% from the source and notable for a rare combination of salt and sulfur minerals; communal facilities include a large outdoor garden bath, an indoor public bath with a mural and a sauna, all fed by free‑flowing springs. Refurbishments in recent years have refreshed bathing areas and public spaces to offer both expansive communal bathing and quieter corners for relaxation, making it a logical choice for a ryokan with onsen in Toyama.
Guest accommodation ranges from renovated Japanese tatami rooms to hybrid Japanese‑Western suites, some with balconies or mountain views; rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, climate control and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Dining highlights seasonal ingredients presented as multi‑course kaiseki dinners alongside a substantial breakfast buffet served in distinct dining rooms that include a conceptual Western‑style venue and a tranquil Japanese dining space. Onsite amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, free parking, non‑smoking public areas and a small rental bicycle service that supports short local excursions.
Convenient transport links and a shuttle service to nearby stations place the hotel about ten minutes by car from the local shinkansen stop, making it a practical base for day trips to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Gorge and nearby coastal attractions; major regional centers are accessible by high‑speed rail. The hotel’s combination of sizeable communal baths, renovated guest rooms and direct access to regional sightseeing positions it as a functional ryokan with onsen in Toyama Prefecture for travelers seeking hot‑spring bathing and easy regional mobility.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kintarou Onsen Hotel
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen (hot springs)
Multiple guests praised the onsen's water and restorative effects — many found the spring quality excellent for skin and relaxation.
Attentive, helpful staff
Several reviews note good service and responsive staff, including smooth communication with the hotel and polite hotel staff interactions.
Clean, comfortable rooms and beds
Guests reported renovated and tidy rooms, comfortable beds (helpful for older visitors) and the ability to relax in the room after activities.
Good food (especially breakfast)
Some reviewers highlighted the meals as high-standard for a ryokan, with breakfast singled out as particularly excellent.
Quiet, relaxing location and pleasant grounds
Many appreciated the peaceful setting away from town, well-maintained outdoor planting, and an overall calm atmosphere conducive to rest.
Negative Reviews
Onsen facilities access and cleanliness issues for some
At least one guest reported that the main onsen facilities were far from the accommodation, required substantial walking or taxi/shuttle use, and that attached bathing areas lacked open-air baths and felt less clean or crowded with day visitors.
Poor coordination during dining and billing discomfort
A guest experienced long waits for meal seating and suggested a notification system; another complained about awkward, slow check-out handling and how charges (e.g., bathing tax) were presented despite prepayment.
Remote location with limited transport options
Several comments noted that restaurants near the station are not within walking distance and that shuttle service is infrequent, often making a taxi necessary.
Noise and thin room partitions
One reviewer mentioned thin walls and doors, reporting audible noise from people walking in corridors that affected their comfort.
Lack of privacy screening at rooms
A reviewer observed insufficient exterior screening (no sheer curtains or adequate foliage), so opening curtains allowed visibility into the room from outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type: singles and twins for 1–2 guests, and larger Japanese-style or suite rooms can accommodate up to six people.
The property uses 100% natural spring water combining salt and sulfur; guests can use large public indoor and outdoor baths, and some rooms include private outdoor tubs (those in-room tubs are not fed by the hot spring).
Yes, the hotel operates a free shuttle between Kurobe‑Unazukionsen Station and Uozu Station with set pick-up and drop-off times; contact the hotel if your arrival falls outside the shuttle schedule.
Toyama Airport is the closest airport and is about a 40‑minute drive to the ryokan; major cities connect via flights to Toyama followed by car or train transfer.
The hotel provides information in English on its website and offers basic English assistance at reception; please contact the hotel in advance for complex requests or detailed arrangements.
Dinner is mainly kaiseki (multi-course) featuring Toyama ingredients and breakfast is a buffet with over 50 dishes; meal service often requires advance reservation.
The ryokan is a convenient base for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Gorge, local mirage viewing points and Kanazawa by shinkansen, with drive or train times generally between 15 and 70 minutes.
The property is about a 10‑minute drive from Kurobe‑Unazukionsen Station, offers a free shuttle service and free on-site parking with ample spaces for standard cars.
Check-in begins at 15:00 (usually until around 19:00) and check-out is by 10:00; guests should observe quiet hours and note limited access during roughly 00:00–06:00.
Pets are not permitted at the property; some rooms have private outdoor tubs (not spring-fed) and private/reservable bath options are not clearly listed—please contact the hotel to inquire; convenience stores and supermarkets are available in Uozu near the station.