Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Shiomiso
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 179 reviews
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Shiomiso is a seaside ryokan on the Senami coast of Murakami, Niigata, operated under the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium brand and occupying a long-standing local inn site known for its sunset views. The property presents a straightforward, hospitality-focused experience that blends contemporary guest facilities with traditional tatami-style guest rooms facing the Sea of Japan; many rooms are arranged to maximise ocean vistas at dusk. The accommodation was previously known locally under its traditional name and has been marketed recently with the premium brand positioning.
Public onsen facilities are a central feature: bathing floors and open-air baths look toward the coast so guests can time a soak with the setting sun, while the property also lists family/private bathing options and a variety of indoor-on-site bathing areas. Meals emphasise local seafood and regional ingredients with breakfast and multi-course evening options provided on most plans; dining is offered in a mix of buffet and served formats depending on the package. Practical amenities include on-site parking, guest lounges and staff services to support visitors arriving by car or local transport.
Suited to travellers seeking a calm seaside retreat, the ryokan balances traditional room layouts and communal hot-spring bathing with straightforward, modern conveniences, making it a good choice for couples and families seeking coastal onsen time. It is reachable from the regional station by a short taxi or shuttle ride and is often compared with other coastal onsen properties in the area; searchers comparing a ryokan with onsen Toyama will find similar sea-view bathing experiences in neighbouring prefectures. If you are comparing "ryokan with onsen Toyama" listings, bear in mind this Niigata option emphasises sunset-facing baths, local seafood dining and easy parking.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium…
Positive Reviews
Beachfront location and stunning sea views
Multiple reviewers highlighted the hotel's prime beachfront location with clean sand, impressive views of the Sea of Japan and memorable sunsets visible from rooms and the dining area.
Relaxing onsen with varied bathing options
Guests praised the hot-spring facilities — multiple ofuro options, outdoor baths where you can hear the waves, and baths available throughout the day that many found very relaxing.
Generous buffet meals and complimentary drinks
The hotel offers large breakfast and dinner buffets with a wide variety of dishes; several guests also noted free evening drinks (including beer and wine) in the lounge.
Friendly, attentive and helpful staff
Many reviews mentioned polite, accommodating staff who provided excellent service, helped non-Japanese speakers (via basic English or translation aids) and even assisted guests by taking photos.
Clean, well-maintained facilities and family-friendly extras
Reviewers reported good general cleanliness and well-maintained rooms and baths, free/ample parking, and on-site leisure options (karaoke, table tennis, beach showers) that made stays enjoyable.
Negative Reviews
Buffet format and inconsistent food quality
Some guests felt the all-you-can-eat buffet format was crowded and made dining less relaxed; a few commented that certain dishes were average or not to their taste (e.g., overcooked meats, disappointing sashimi).
Perceived poor value / high price
A number of reviewers thought the price was high relative to the facilities and food quality, saying the overall value could be better.
Some rooms and amenities feel dated or need maintenance
There were reports of older or tired furnishings and equipment (examples include worn carpets and a dusty air-purifier filter), and requests for more regular maintenance/cleaning in some areas.
Limited public-transport access from the train station
Several guests noted the property is not easily walkable from the train station and requires a bus, taxi or the hotel's shuttle, which can be inconvenient if unaware of transfer options.
Room comfort issues and occasional smoke odors
A few reviewers mentioned difficulties keeping a stable room temperature with cold drafts from balconies, and others reported that smoke from grilled items in the restaurant could leave odors on clothing; one review also noted that indoor and outdoor baths are located apart from each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single and twin rooms to Japanese-style rooms with futons that can sleep groups; some large rooms list capacities up to 10 guests, while suites typically sleep up to four. Check the specific room description for the exact maximum occupancy.
The property offers communal hot-spring baths, open-air (rotenburo) baths and a sauna as part of its onsen facilities. Public bathing areas are gender separated and designed for traditional onsen bathing.
A suite is listed with a private open-air bath for in-room privacy; for private family baths or reservations, contact the front desk as availability may vary. Private onsen hire, if offered, is usually arranged on arrival or by prior request.
There is no regular hotel airport shuttle listed; visitors commonly use the Senami Onsen Direct Liner (reservation required) or travel via Niigata and then take the Uetsu Main Line to Murakami followed by a short taxi. The property does provide free on-site parking if you drive.
Typical routes are Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata then the Limited Express/Inaho or local Uetsu Line to Murakami, followed by a short taxi or local bus to Senami Onsen. Total journey time is commonly around three hours depending on connections.
Staff can assist in basic English and many guests report helpful English support; for complex requests staff may use translation apps or you can request assistance in advance. Expect polite, helpful service typical of Japanese ryokan.
The ryokan serves an evening dinner and a buffet-style breakfast, with regional seafood and a mix of Japanese and international buffet items. Child-friendly buffet options are offered and a dining restaurant is available on the property.
The ryokan faces Senami coastline and is close to Senami Onsen beach, Murakami Castle and the Murakami City Local Museum, with local sake shops and coastal viewpoints also nearby. These sites are easy to reach by short taxi rides or local transport.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is until 11:00; please confirm arrival time with the ryokan if you expect to arrive after 19:00. The property has a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures.
Pets are not permitted at the property; the ryokan is family-friendly with room types and buffet meals suitable for children, though cribs and extra beds are not available. Convenience stores and local shops are nearby and larger supermarkets are in Murakami city center a short drive away.