Takahan
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 91 reviews
Takahan is a historic ryokan set on a hillside above Echigo‑Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its naturally flowing spring called Tamago no Yu — a slightly sulfuric source long celebrated in local tradition. The inn preserves its literary connection to Yasunari Kawabata, with a room and memorabilia linked to the writing of Snow Country, and its interiors combine low‑rise wooden architecture, communal sitting rooms and museum displays that reflect centuries of history. The property’s character leans toward an authentic, unpretentious Japanese inn where the hot water and seasonal landscape remain the focal point rather than contemporary spa spectacle.
Accommodation is traditional in style, with tatami rooms and futon bedding alongside modest modern conveniences; common areas include a living room with piano, rotating cultural programming and occasional performances. Guests can choose from multiple bathing options — indoor pools, open‑air baths and a sauna fed by the natural source — making it a well‑regarded ryokan with onsen in Yuzawa that emphasizes continuous, free‑flowing thermal water and views of the valley in winter and spring. Meals are presented in a kaiseki or local set format, highlighting Niigata seafood, mountain vegetables and house dashi prepared with regional ingredients.
Practical services are geared to both skiers and cultural visitors: the ryokan offers station pick‑ups, free on‑site parking, Wi‑Fi and on‑demand massage treatments, while staff can assist in English for common guest needs. Its location puts several ski areas, a ropeway and local shrines within easy reach, so guests can combine onsen bathing with outdoor activity or sightseeing. Overall the property balances traditional hospitality, preserved heritage features and straightforward facilities for multi‑night stays and short stopovers.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Takahan
Positive Reviews
Very helpful, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised staff for warm, attentive service — assisting with luggage and ski gear, arranging shuttle pickups and restaurant reservations, helping with train tickets, and going beyond expectations to recover lost items.
Excellent onsen experience
Guests repeatedly highlighted the quality of the hot spring baths, including outdoor/semi-outdoor options, long opening hours and a relaxing post-ski soak; many found the onsen a major highlight of their stay.
Great location and scenic views
Reviewers enjoyed the ryokan’s location and brilliant mountain views from tatami rooms and balconies; proximity to Gala Yuzawa ski area and shuttle connections were appreciated for ski trips.
Tasty, varied meals (kaiseki and breakfast)
Many commented on delicious, plentiful and locally sourced food — especially kaiseki dinners and breakfasts — and overall positive dining experiences.
Traditional, historic ryokan atmosphere and facilities
Guests valued the ryokan’s history and cultural displays (including materials related to Yasunari Kawabata), cozy common rooms, museum/library, occasional performances (shamisen) and homely Japanese-style rooms with tatami.
Negative Reviews
Shuttle/arrival logistics unclear and limited late pickup
Several guests reported unclear signage at the train station and difficulty finding or arranging the shuttle; some noted the shuttle does not pick up late in the evening, which can complicate arrivals or late returns.
Challenging on-foot access in winter
The walk from Gala Yuzawa station is uphill and can be difficult or hazardous in snow; reviewers recommended taking the bus or confirming transport in advance rather than walking with luggage or skis.
Limited late-night food options and conveniences
Guests suggested adding vending machines or small late-night snack options since the property closes common services overnight and meal service is reservation-based, leaving few choices after hours.
Some room and bath maintenance issues
A few comments mentioned dim bathroom lighting, occasional toilet odors in certain rooms, rooms taking time to warm up, and rare reports of insects in the large public bath area.
Limited power outlets and price concerns
A small number of guests noted there are few electrical outlets in rooms, and several felt the accommodation was expensive (though often justified by location and service).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; traditional Japanese rooms commonly accommodate 1–4 guests using futons, and family-style rooms are available—check the room description when booking.
Yes; Takahan offers natural hot‑spring baths with indoor and outdoor bathing areas and a sauna, open from mid‑afternoon into the early morning hours.
The property primarily provides gender‑separated public baths; private/family‑use baths are not guaranteed and must be requested in advance—contact the ryokan to ask about availability.
Yes; Takahan offers transfers from nearby stations—guests are asked to provide arrival details in advance so the staff can arrange pick‑ups.
The nearest airport is Niigata Airport (about 138 km); most visitors travel by shinkansen to Echigo‑Yuzawa Station and then use the ryokan shuttle, a taxi, or local buses to reach the property.
Staff speak Japanese and can assist in English; multilingual support may be limited so notify the ryokan ahead of arrival if you need specific language assistance.
Expect a traditional Japanese ryokan stay with tatami rooms, futon sleeping, communal onsen bathing, and Japanese meals (breakfast and multi‑course dinner/kaiseki are typically offered).
Takahan is close to ski areas such as Gala Yuzawa and Yuzawa Kogen, the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway, and the Snow Country Museum, with skiing, hiking, and local sightseeing within short distance.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 20:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; guests should notify the ryokan of arrival times and note the property has restricted access around midnight to early morning hours.
Pets are not allowed except for service animals; convenience stores and supermarkets are located in Yuzawa town a short drive away for basic supplies.