Kutsurogian
10/10 (Based on 28 reviews )
949-6636 Niigata, Minami Uonuma, Kogurimaya 158-2, Japan
Kutsurogian is a small ryokan in the Minami-Uonuma area of Niigata, set in a quiet, countryside setting with mountain views. The main focus is its onsen facilities, with both indoor and open-air hot-spring baths available on site; bathing is presented as a calm, low-key experience suited to a limited number of guests. Rooms follow a traditional Japanese style with tatami flooring and a seating area, and the property also has a garden. Breakfast is served daily, and in-room breakfast is available; meal plans may require advance reservation. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, daily housekeeping, and free private on-site parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Excellent, welcoming staff who go above and beyond; professional and friendly service
- Outstanding location/building with amazing mountain/snow views from rooms; quiet, peaceful and clean atmosphere
- Magnificent meals (large multi-course breakfast/dinner) with top-quality/local ingredients; dining by the hearth/irori appreciated
- Great onsen experience: indoor/outdoor baths, private reservation by room; relaxing (including rotemburo/foot bath)
- Convenient shuttle/pickup & drop-off (including Shinkansen stations/nearby attractions/skiing), with flexible dinner timing
Negative reviews
- Hard to get to; shuttle needs to be arranged in advance
- Toilets feel cold in winter; several guests wished for toilet heating
- Hot water in the bath washing area can take some time to come out
- Lobby window glass was slightly dirty (minor first impression)
- Big temperature difference between indoor and outdoor baths
SekiOnsenーHatsune
10/10 (Based on 4 reviews )
949-2235 Niigata, Myoko, Sekiyama 6087-12, Japan
SekiOnsen—Hatsune (also known as “Uguisu no Hatsune”) is a small ryokan in Sekiyama, Myoko (Niigata), set in the Seki Onsen area beside the Seki Onsen Ski Resort. The bathing facilities focus on private use: the property is described as offering natural hot-spring bathing with private baths, including reservable private hot-spring baths, and guest rooms with an open-air bath. A restaurant is available on site, with dinner service, and meals are served in private dining rooms. Practical amenities commonly listed include Wi‑Fi, non-smoking rooms, parking, and ski-oriented facilities such as storage/drying, reflecting the snowy, mountain setting.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Very friendly and accommodating hosts/staff; quick to respond and attentive (including help with transport, check-in changes, sending ski equipment early).
- Delicious food; dinner described as absolutely delicious.
- Impeccable service and hospitality; welcoming and kind hostess and owners.
- Property described as spotless and super peaceful.
- Comfortable, cozy rooms and excellent onsens (in-room private onsen and larger shared onsen), plus free ice cream; great location one minute from Seki Ski Resort.
Negative reviews
- Roads can get rough after 6 p.m. in winter because they aren’t plowed.
- No other negatives mentioned (e.g., “Nothing—Everything was amazing!”, “Absolutely nothing”).
THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch
10/10 (Based on 1 reviews )
989-0231 Miyagi, Shiroishi, Fukuokakuramoto、Azakamasaki1-1, Japan
THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch is a small luxury hot-spring ryokan in Kamasaki Onsen (Shiroishi, Miyagi), set in a quiet riverside and woodland environment. It offers 11 all-suite accommodations, each designed around a private terrace and a private open-air hot-spring bath, so bathing is part of the in-room experience rather than a shared routine. In addition to the in-room baths, the property also provides two private open-air baths for guests. Dining focuses on kaiseki cuisine prepared on site, served in an intimate private dining setting (with terrace) and centered on seasonal ingredients, including local Miyagi produce. On-site facilities also include a bar and a spa treatment room, matching the retreat-style atmosphere.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional (score 10)
Negative reviews
- No comments available in the review text
Kaikatei Hanagozen
10/10 (Based on 1 reviews )
629-3241 Kyoto, Kyotango, Aminocho Kitsu 193, Japan
Kaikatei Hanagozen is a Japanese-style ryokan in Yuhigaura (Kyotango, northern Kyoto Prefecture), a coastal onsen area near the Sea of Japan. The property uses its own hot spring source, described as “Bijin-no-yu” (beauty bath). Guests can use separate public indoor baths for men and women, plus open-air garden baths, and some rooms feature private open-air hot-spring baths. The atmosphere is traditional, with tatami flooring throughout and Japanese gardens around the entrance and lobby. Dining focuses on seasonal regional ingredients; the ryokan highlights local specialties including Matsuba crab in winter. Yuhigaura Beach is about a five-minute walk away, and on-site parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional (score 10)
Negative reviews
- No comments available in the reviews (no specific feedback provided)
Machi no Odoriba
9.9/10 (Based on 262 reviews )
920-0845 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Hyoutanmachi 7-6, Japan
Machi no Odoriba is a renovated machiya-style hotel in Hyōtanmachi, Kanazawa (Ishikawa), about a 12-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. The property focuses on private bathing: each guest room includes its own private onsen bath, allowing an in-room hot-spring soak at any time without using shared facilities. Interiors combine traditional elements such as tatami and yukata with modern comfort features, and the house opens onto a quiet garden setting. Dinner is arranged through a partner restaurant, while breakfast highlights local Hokuriku rice cooked in a traditional clay pot. A kura-style café space is also part of the stay experience, and parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Outstanding service with understated charm; beautiful ambience; old-world warmth.
- Unique and special accommodation; feels like stepping into another world; stunning.
- Beautiful and comfortable room; staff super helpful; breakfast exceptional.
- Friendly and welcoming staff; dreamy ryokan; private onsen; spacious with a gorgeous garden; delicious breakfast and incredible food options.
- Great location in a quiet neighborhood, within walking distance of sights; staff friendly and accommodating; free tea/coffee mentioned.
Negative reviews
- Garden has mosquitoes; citronella candle and bug spray provided.
- Some ceilings are low due to the original architecture.
- Mosquito nets over the bed described as “decorative” led to mosquito bites; description felt misleading.
- Garden lights left on at night; may need a sleeping mask.
- Noisy neighbors/limited soundproofing (old wooden building); baby crying or neighbors being loud around bedtime mentioned.
Sengokubara COCON
9.9/10 (Based on 7 reviews )
250-0631 Kanagawa, Hakone, Sengokuhara 1245-280, Japan
Sengokubara COCON is a small, suite-only hotel in Sengokuhara, Hakone (Kanagawa), set in a quiet highland resort area surrounded by nature and gardens. Bathing is a central feature: the property uses Owakudani Onsen water, with in-room hot-spring baths in the suites, and shared bathing facilities that include semi open-air baths beside a bamboo garden. A separate herbal bath is also offered, blended with multiple traditional herbs. Wellness continues with private saunas and cool-down water baths in the suites. Dining is available on site, with modern French cuisine for dinner (wood-fire grilling and fermentation techniques) and a traditional Japanese breakfast. Common areas include a lounge and shop, plus on-site parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Wonderful, hospitality-filled service; guests felt comfortable and relaxed throughout the stay
- Food/meals were very delicious
- Quiet inside despite strong wind and rain thanks to double-glazed windows
- In-room bath with sauna, usable freely at any time
- Bedroom also has a toilet
Negative reviews
- Asked the hotel to stop serving French food for dinner every night (wanted Japanese food)
- Breakfast was very average and the selection was very limited
- Although American or Japanese breakfast was advertised, all guests in the same room had to choose only one option
- Road/access to the property is narrow
黒梅屋 Kurumiya
9.8/10 (Based on 303 reviews )
920-0902 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, 1-9-14 Owaricho, Japan
Kurumiya (Kanazawa Owaricho, Ishikawa) is a small ryokan-style hot-spring inn with only five guest rooms, set in Owaricho between Omicho Market and the Higashi Chaya District. The key feature is the onsen: every room has a private hot-spring bath supplied from Kazan Onsen in Toyama, with a large tub designed for two adults. The spring is described as a mildly alkaline simple spring with sodium chloride and alkaline hypotonic mineral components, associated with warming effects, relief from cold sensitivity, and fatigue recovery. Rooms are non-smoking and include free Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, an air purifier, minibar, and in-room safe. Breakfast is served on-site in the second-floor dining area, with a Japanese set meal format.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional, very attentive and helpful staff; great service and hospitality
- Small boutique property with only 5 comfortable rooms; beautiful design with handcrafted/traditional details
- Private in-room onsen/mineral/hot spring bath highlighted as a major plus
- Breakfast repeatedly described as amazing/delicious/traditional, varied, beautifully presented and high quality
- Complimentary lounge/mini-fridge items (drinks, sake/wine, snacks, ice cream) noted as generous value; good walkable location for Kanazawa sights
Negative reviews
- Some guests noted there was nothing negative / no dislikes
- Room/bedroom noise from car traffic / along a road
- Lack of natural light in rooms/restroom (some felt claustrophobic)
- Location noted as about 25 minutes’ walk from Kanazawa station
- Minor room/amenity issues mentioned: weak AC; no mirror in main room; automatic tap turning off; parking hard to find/unclear directions; wish for dinner offering; milk in fridge for coffee; twin beds instead of queen/king; window views not beautiful/ordinary city look
Zaborin
9.8/10 (Based on 112 reviews )
044-0084 Hokkaido, Kutchan, Kutchan Hanazono 76-4, Japan
Zaborin is a contemporary ryokan in Hanazono, Kutchan (Hokkaido), set in a quiet, wooded area near the Niseko region. The property is composed of 15 standalone villa suites designed for privacy and views of the surrounding nature. Onsen bathing is central to the stay: each villa has two private hot-spring baths (one indoor and one outdoor), fed by free-flowing natural volcanic spring water. Dining follows a ryokan style, with multi-course kita kaiseki served in an intimate dining room, and breakfasts offered in Japanese or Western style. Shared spaces and services are kept understated, with an emphasis on calm, personal time in-villa, plus practical support such as on-site parking and arranged transfers on request.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Everything
- Good food
- Hot bath
- Beautiful hotel, especially in falling snow
- Outdoor/private onsen with great view and intimate setting; relaxing environment
Negative reviews
- Does not serve lunch
- Could have had a bluetooth stereo
- Design finish details irked (unmatched exterior wood panelling, rotting wood, rusting iron around onsen) given the steep price
- No way to walk outside into the forest around it; no lunch makes stays of more than one day complicated due to no nearby place for lunch
- Beds/bedding can be too hot; would prefer more breathable bedding
TAKITEI Riverside Onsen ーA Hidden Ryokan in Kanazawaー
9.8/10 (Based on 97 reviews )
920-1302 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Suemachi 23-10, Japan
TAKITEI Riverside Onsen (Takitei) is a riverside ryokan in Suemachi, Ishikawa, set in a quiet area along the upper Saigawa River, away from central Kanazawa. The property offers a natural hot-spring onsen described as a weak alkaline spring, with large communal baths for men and women and open-air rock baths. Selected rooms also include a private open-air bath. Dining is centered on seasonal Japanese cuisine, typically served as kaiseki-style dinner with breakfast, with meals offered at the on-site restaurant “Rakuzen”. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi in guest rooms and free parking on site, with access by car or bus from Kanazawa Station.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Japanese-style rooms described as comfortable, spacious, beautiful, and well equipped (some with views, balcony, private bath/onsen, massage chair).
- Onsen facilities praised as super clean and beyond expectations, with indoor/outdoor options and views (forest/hillside/waterfall).
- Food widely praised (kaiseki dinner and breakfast) as amazing/delicious, beautifully presented, high quality and plentiful.
- Staff repeatedly described as attentive, polite, kind, patient, helpful, and providing exceptional hospitality (including English-speaking support, early check-in, gifts/welcome drinks).
- Serene/tranquil setting and beautiful, well-kept property with gardens/waterfall and extra spaces like lounges and libraries (books/manga), plus snacks/drinks in lounge areas.
Negative reviews
- Check-in could take a while (waiting for an English-speaking staff member; long tour and use of Google Translate), with a suggestion that a pamphlet could save time.
- Location is out of the way/outskirts of Kanazawa; often requires taxi (about 20–30 minutes from city centre) and can cost JPY 3000–4000.
- Breakfast noted by one guest as not to the same standard as dinner.
- Kaiseki meals may be challenging for non-adventurous/conservative palates.
- Food portions were very large; some guests struggled to finish everything.
竹泉荘 Chikusenso Onsen
9.8/10 (Based on 64 reviews )
989-0916 Miyagi, Zao, Togatta Onsen Aza Uwanohara 88-11, Japan
竹泉荘 (Chikusenso Onsen / CHIKUSENSO Mt. Zao Onsen Resort & Spa) is an onsen ryokan-style resort in Miyagi Prefecture, set in the natural surroundings of Mt. Zao near Togatta Onsen. The hot spring comes from Togatta Onsen and is offered as separate men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor baths, plus two private outdoor baths that require reservation. Suite rooms also include a private onsen. Dining focuses on Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and the property also has a bar and multiple lounges (including a library lounge). Additional facilities include a gym, a gift shop, and meeting spaces, with access supported by a shuttle service from Sendai Station (advance booking required).
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Excellent and relaxing experience
- Breakfast was huge, healthy and very tasty; very good coffee
- Half-board meals are extremely generous; Wagyu beef; everything worked like in a dream
- Breakfast and dinner were excellent
- Impeccable, warm service; fantastic food; rooms/grounds/baths very nice and photos accurate
Negative reviews
- Not many activities around the hotel, or no information provided about nearby activities
- Too much food offered for dinner (quantity could be less)
- Location is a bit far / out of the way
- WiFi could be a bit stronger
- Private bath reservation: moved to Bath 1 because Bath 2 wasn’t cleaned yet; Bath 2 seems to have a nicer view
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kutsurogian | 10▲ | 28 | 3▼ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.9▼ | 9.2 | 9.5 | 9.6▼ |
| 2 | SekiOnsenーHatsune | 10▲ | 4 | 4 | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ |
| 3 | THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch | 10▲ | 1▼ | 5▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ |
| 4 | Kaikatei Hanagozen | 10▲ | 1▼ | 4 | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 7.5▼ | 10.0▲ |
| 5 | Machi no Odoriba | 9.9 | 262 | 3▼ | 10.0▲ | 9.9▼ | 9.9▼ | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.9 |
| 6 | Sengokubara COCON | 9.9 | 7 | 5▲ | 9.9 | 9.9▼ | 9.9▼ | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.9 |
| 7 | 黒梅屋 Kurumiya | 9.8▼ | 303▲ | 4 | 9.9 | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.7 | 9.4 | 9.9 |
| 8 | Zaborin | 9.8▼ | 112 | 5▲ | 9.8▼ | 9.9▼ | 9.9▼ | 9.5 | 9.1 | 9.9 |
| 9 | TAKITEI Riverside Onsen ーA Hidden Ryokan in Kanazawaー | 9.8▼ | 97 | 5▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.9▼ | 9.2 | 9.5 | 9.9 |
| 10 | 竹泉荘 Chikusenso Onsen | 9.8▼ | 64 | 5▲ | 9.8▼ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.0▼ | 9.0 | 9.9 |
FAQ
Kutsurogian is a small ryokan in Minami-Uonuma, Niigata, set in a calm rural area with mountain views. It focuses on onsen time with both indoor and open-air hot-spring baths, plus a garden for peaceful downtime. Traditional tatami rooms and daily breakfast are part of the experience, and private parking is available.
SekiOnsen—Hatsune sits in the Seki Onsen area right by the Seki Onsen Ski Resort, making it a strong choice for snow trips. The hot-spring experience is geared toward privacy, with reservable private baths and some rooms offering an open-air bath. Dinner is served on site with meals in private dining rooms, and ski storage and drying facilities are available.
THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch in Kamasaki Onsen offers an all-suite, retreat-like stay in a quiet riverside and woodland setting. Each suite is designed around a private terrace and a private open-air hot-spring bath, with additional private open-air baths on the property. Kaiseki cuisine is prepared on site and served in an intimate private dining setting, and there’s also a bar and spa treatment room.
Kaikatei Hanagozen is a traditional ryokan in Yuhigaura, Kyotango, close to the coast and known for its own hot spring source called Bijin-no-yu. Guests can use separate indoor public baths for men and women as well as open-air garden baths, and some rooms include a private open-air hot-spring bath. Seasonal meals highlight regional ingredients, with local crab featured in winter, and on-site parking is available.
Zaborin is a contemporary ryokan near the Niseko area in Hanazono, Kutchan, surrounded by a quiet wooded landscape. Each villa suite is designed for privacy and includes both an indoor and an outdoor private hot-spring bath fed by natural volcanic spring water. Dining follows a refined ryokan style with multi-course kita kaiseki, and breakfast is offered in either Japanese or Western style.