Ryokan Imai
9,7/10 Exceptional - Based on 3 reviews
Ryokan Imai sits on the higher ground of a long-established hot-spring village at Tsukioka Onsen in Niigata Prefecture, presenting a compact, quietly refined alternative to larger resorts. The property trades on a traditional ryokan ambience with a modest number of guest rooms arranged around a mossed garden, low-rise architecture and timber accents that frame views across the grounds. For travellers searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen in Tsukioka, the house foregrounds the local “beauty” spring waters known for a silky, skin-softening feel and a bathing program that includes both communal and reservable baths.
Rooms are Japanese in layout with tatami and futon arrangements or hybrid Japanese‑western configurations in selected suites; a few rooms and bathroom photos show deep wooden soaking tubs and private wash areas for in‑room comfort. Dining follows a kappo/kaiseki approach emphasising Niigata ingredients and seasonal seafood, served in course menus that aim to be visually composed as well as fresh in flavour. The ryokan maintains a small‑scale service rhythm: mealtimes and bathing slots are scheduled, and staff manage room preparation and meal presentation in a way that prioritises calm and attention to detail.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Imai
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen quality
Guest praised the hot spring water for leaving skin smooth and moisturized ('silky, moist'), noting it was very enjoyable for the skin.
Delicious and beautifully presented cuisine
Meals were described as very tasty and attractive, pleasing both the eyes and the palate.
Thoughtful, attentive service
Staff responded kindly to a last-minute birthday request and presented a gift, which made the celebrant very happy.
Relaxing atmosphere and high overall satisfaction
Guest reported a peaceful, wonderful day, expressed thanks, and said they would like to visit again.
Negative Reviews
Insufficient towel hanging space
Guest requested a larger towel rack to hang bath towels, indicating the current provision for drying or storing bath towels was inadequate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room layouts range from small two-person rooms to larger tatami rooms that can sleep up to six guests on futons; children are not permitted and no extra beds are available.
The property offers a public onsen/bath and all rooms include a private bathroom; contact the ryokan if you need a private-use bath option.
No scheduled airport shuttle is listed; most guests arrive by car or taxi and the ryokan provides free on-site parking.
The ryokan is about 26 km from Niigata Station; Tsukioka Station is within the local area but can be a long walk, so a short taxi ride is generally recommended.
Japanese is the primary language, and staff can assist in English for common guest needs.
Breakfast of Asian style is provided and the ryokan is known for traditional multi-course (seasonal) Japanese meals; confirm dinner arrangements when booking.
Ryokan Imai sits in the Tsukioka Onsen area and is roughly 8 km from central Shibata, with local hot-spring sights and nearby family attractions such as Suntopia World within a short drive.
Pets are not permitted on the property; private onsen rentals are not clearly listed, so please request availability directly from the ryokan.
Check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00, and check-out is between 08:00 and 11:00.
Shops and convenience stores are available in the Tsukioka Onsen area within a short drive, though the ryokan itself does not list an on-site convenience store.