Matsunoi
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 46 reviews
Matsunoi sits on the Tonegawa headwaters in Minakami, Gumma, set against the Tanigawa mountain range and surrounded by an expansive Japanese garden. The property presents a traditional ryokan atmosphere blended with contemporary comforts, framing views of garden paths and river scenery from many rooms. Guests will find a range of accommodations—traditional tatami rooms with futons and Western-style rooms with beds—designed for couples, families and groups, all equipped with private bathroom facilities, climate control and in-room kettles for tea. The property markets itself as a ryokan with onsen in Minakami, Gumma, and emphasizes easy access from regional rail and Tokyo connections.
Food at Matsunoi focuses on seasonal local produce and regional specialties, served in on-site dining venues that include buffet-style options alongside more curated set meals; sushi and locally sourced Joshu beef feature regularly on menus. Public areas include an esthetic and massage room, a sauna and a seasonal outdoor pool, plus lounges and meeting spaces that cater to both leisure stays and larger groups. Service notes on-site transportation options for station transfers and advise guests to confirm arrival details in advance; multilingual staff support is commonly available for international visitors.
The onsen offering is central to the experience: the ryokan operates multiple public baths and several reservable private baths, drawing from four on-site springs and using 100% free-flowing hot spring water in its main bathhouses while some outdoor tubs use a mixed circulation system. Guests can book private open-air baths at check-in for a dedicated soak, and seasonal features such as a moonlight outdoor bath and a garden-side “firefly” bath add discreetly lit evening ambience. With both communal and private options, the property functions as a ryokan with private onsen choices suitable for couples and families seeking a restorative hot-spring stay in Gumma.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Matsunoi
Positive Reviews
Extensive, authentic onsen experience
Many guests praised the variety and quality of the onsen facilities — multiple baths, attractive open-air baths and private‑bath options — calling the onsen a highlight and an authentic Japanese experience.
Very good food, especially dinner buffets
Several reviews mentioned tasty meals with a wide selection at the dinner and breakfast buffets; many guests described the food as excellent and a major plus of the stay.
Friendly, helpful staff
Staff were frequently described as kind and attentive, often going out of their way to help guests despite language limits, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Relaxing location and pleasant facilities
Visitors enjoyed the peaceful, remote setting, scenic river/bridge walks and additional facilities such as a swimming pool and comfortable lobby areas — overall conducive to relaxing stays.
Family‑friendly features and spacious superior rooms
Families appreciated larger superior rooms, a child play corner in the lobby and generally roomy family accommodations when booked, making it suitable for groups and children.
Negative Reviews
Small or dated guest rooms and bathrooms
Multiple guests reported that standard rooms — especially bathrooms — are very small or cramped; some furniture and fittings felt worn and not roomy for taller/Western guests.
Property appears aging; some cleanliness and odor issues
Several reviews noted the hotel shows its age (exterior and interior), occasional musty or unpleasant room odors, and spotty cleaning in some back areas (e.g. higher ledges, garden/露天 areas with leaves, signs of mould/spider webs).
Buffet management problems and limited variety at times
Complaints included crowds and long lines at buffet service, early closing time windows for meals, repetitive or limited dish rotation, and occasional cold food — impacting dining comfort and perceived value.
Service and facilities hiccups
Some guests experienced operational issues such as missed shuttle pickups, malfunctioning air conditioning or TV, slow evening Wi‑Fi, and staff communication gaps (limited English or brief explanations), which caused stress for some visitors.
Value concerns and extra charges
A number of reviewers felt the price did not match expectations (more noticeable at weekend rates), and tattooed guests reported needing to book private onsen access (incurring an additional charge).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include a Japanese-style ZUIHO ROU (up to 5 guests), a mixed Japanese/Western ZUITEN ROU (up to 8 guests), and a Western twin ZUIUN ROU (up to 2 guests); all rooms have a private bath and toilet.
Yes. The ryokan offers multiple public indoor and open-air baths fed from four springheads (100% free-flowing), plus reservable private outdoor and indoor baths bookable at check‑in.
A shuttle service is available by reservation; Minakami Station is about a 15-minute walk and station pick‑ups can usually be arranged on request (please confirm when booking).
The nearest airport is Niigata Airport (approximately 170–175 km away). From Tokyo the ryokan is roughly 1.5–2 hours by car or about two hours by public transport depending on connections.
Staff are primarily Japanese and can assist in basic English; complex requests may require additional clarification or advance notice.
You will find a traditional ryokan experience with yukata provided, communal onsen, and on‑site dining featuring buffet options including sushi and local Joshu beef; rooms include standard toiletries and amenities.
Nearby highlights include the Tanigawa mountain range, several ski resorts (Gala Yuzawa, Naeba, Kawaba) and seasonal outdoor activities, plus the ryokan’s large Japanese garden and local scenic spots.
Minakami Station is within walking distance and the ryokan’s shuttle can help with local transfers by reservation; free on‑site parking is provided for guests who drive.
Check‑in starts at 15:00 and check‑out is until 10:00; guests are asked to inform the ryokan of their expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not permitted on the property. Private/reservable baths for families or couples are available and can be reserved at check‑in.