Myoko Tsubame onsen Iwatoya
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Myoko Tsubame onsen Iwatoya is a traditional mountain ryokan reopened in 2024 and set in the Tsubame Onsen village at the foot of Mt Myoko. The property preserves a simple, old-school atmosphere with tatami rooms where guests sleep on futons, a communal lounge with an irori hearth and a shared kitchen suited to longer stays. Functionally arranged for hikers and skiers, the ryokan with onsen in Myoko places visitors close to trailheads and the small onsen settlement while offering free parking and essential guest services.
The onsen draws milky, sulfur-rich water from local springs and is described as a “triple-beauty” source combining bicarbonate, sulfate and sulfur minerals traditionally linked with skin conditioning and improved circulation. Bathing options include a heated indoor pool and an open-air stone bath that frames views of the nearby ravine; both facilities are communal rather than private. Day visitors can usually use the baths in the afternoon; the ryokan provides basic changing facilities and towels for guests who arrive for a soak.
Facilities emphasize practicality and local hospitality: breakfast is served in a semi-self format, with bread-based weekday options and rice-centered menus on weekends or in peak months, and staff can prepare an onigiri for very early departures. A shared kitchen, coin laundry and a relaxed lobby area make longer stays convenient, and the inn’s location with bus access from Sekiyama Station makes it a useful base for exploring hiking routes and nearby ski areas in the Myoko area of Niigata Prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Myoko Tsubame onsen Iwatoya
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised the team and owner for being welcoming, helpful and attentive, often highlighting the staff as the best part of the stay and noting personal care for guests’ needs.
Excellent hot springs (onsen)
Reviewers repeatedly praised the onsen facilities — both indoor and outdoor — describing them as hot, beautiful, natural and very relaxing, with special mineral characteristics and well-liked bathing areas.
Beautiful, peaceful mountain setting
Guests enjoyed the ryokan’s setting in nature, citing river and mountain views, nearby waterfalls and trails, and describing the atmosphere as scenic and even 'fairy-tale' like.
Traditional, authentic ryokan experience
Visitors appreciated the retro/old‑school atmosphere and Japanese-style futon rooms, calling the property charming, authentic and full of vintage character.
Convenient for hiking and transport
Several reviews noted the location is ideal for starting Mt. Myoko hikes, with a nearby bus stop and hotel shuttle; some guests also valued the ability to prepare simple meals or take packed onigiri for hikes.
Negative Reviews
Slippery sidewalks and winter ice risk
Multiple reports warned that water from onsens runs down the street making the road very slippery, and in winter the water can freeze on walkways — guests advised caution when walking to/from the hotel.
Some rooms lack private bathrooms
At least one guest reported a mismatch with the listing: rooms did not include a private bath (only a toilet) and bathing is via the public onsen downstairs, which may disappoint those seeking an en‑suite bath.
Cleanliness and maintenance concerns
A few reviews mentioned shortcomings in cleanliness and onsen maintenance, with one guest feeling the facilities and some areas could be better maintained.
Limited dining options / basic breakfast
Several guests described the breakfast as simple (though filling for some) and noted a lack of on‑site dinner options or small meal portions; some wanted more or easier dining choices at the ryokan.
Staff not always present at night
One reviewer said staff were absent during the night, which may affect guests requiring assistance outside regular hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type and is shown when you book; extra beds and cots are not available, and children are welcome—please check the room’s maximum occupancy before reserving.
Iwatoya has a milky-white mineral indoor bath and an open-air bath with valley views; towels are available at the property and the baths are intended for communal use.
The property lists public indoor and open-air baths for guests; private onsen rentals are not shown as an option on the property information.
There is no regular hotel shuttle; standard access is via Joetsu-Myoko/Sekiyama stations with a local bus (about 35 minutes from Sekiyama) or a roughly 20-minute taxi, and you can also drive from the Myoko Kogen interchange (about 30 minutes).
Check-in is typically between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out between 07:00 and 10:00; guests are asked to inform the property of their expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not accepted at the property.
The website and reservation pages include English information, and staff can assist with basic English inquiries; email or phone contact is available for travel questions and reservations.
There is a communal kitchen for self-catering, a simple Iwatoya dinner option that can be ordered at the front desk, and a separately reserved dinner service that requires advance booking; breakfast is offered as a semi-self-service meal with Japanese or Western styles depending on the day.
Tsubame Onsen is a small mountain village with limited shops; guests often buy groceries or provisions in Sekiyama or nearby towns before traveling up, and the ryokan provides a shared kitchen and vending machine for basics.
The ryokan sits in the Tsubame Onsen area at the foot of Mt. Myoko, close to the outdoor Tsubame baths, hiking routes on Mt. Myoko, nearby ski resorts such as Akakura and Ryuoo, and regional sights including Lake Nojiri and local temples—public transport or a taxi is recommended for longer excursions.