Wakatake
6,8/10 Good - Based on 19 reviews
Wakatake is a traditional Japanese inn located in the town of Tagami, Niigata Prefecture, combining low-rise wooden architecture, tatami-floored guest rooms and a compact garden. Room types span older, intimate layouts and newer, slightly larger suites across an annex and main building; several rooms face the garden and include standard comforts such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV and tea-making facilities. The on-site restaurant concentrates on seasonal kaiseki prepared from regional ingredients, with menu options that showcase local seafood and vegetable specialties cooked to order.
As a ryokan with onsen in Tagami, Wakatake offers a range of bathing facilities designed for accessibility and regular guest use: a spacious tatami-mat indoor bath noted for its non-slip surface and gentle feel for elderly guests and children, an open-air garden bath set in natural stone, and an on-site drinking spring; day-trip bathing is also available. These baths are communal rather than private, and staff can assist with access and reservations for groups or families. On the practical side, the property provides a public lounge, banquet rooms for small ceremonies or gatherings, complimentary guest parking and station pickup on request.
Service at Wakatake emphasizes straightforward, family-oriented comforts: yukata are available to borrow, the kitchen offers seasonal multi-course dinners and the chef provides limited delivery service for local orders, while multilingual assistance is modest so a few basic Japanese phrases can be useful. The ryokan’s mix of communal bathing facilities, family-friendly room options and proximity to regional attractions makes it suitable for travelers seeking a classic onsen experience; search keywords that fit the offering include ryokan with onsen in Niigata Prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Wakatake
Positive Reviews
Excellent traditional food
Multiple guests highlighted the cuisine as a standout feature — traditional meals and local sake were described as exceptional and worth the trip.
Attentive, friendly staff
Reviewers praised the staff’s kindness and thoughtful service, noting helpfulness with requests and warm hospitality even when language was a barrier.
Clean and comfortable rooms
Guests reported that rooms and facilities were clean and generally comfortable, contributing to a relaxing stay.
Peaceful location and pleasant views
Several reviews mentioned a calming location and agreeable views from windows, which helped guests unwind and feel refreshed.
Restorative onsen experience and flexible meal choices
Visitors described the onsen as rejuvenating (improved skin, reduced fatigue) and appreciated the option to choose Japanese or Western-style meals.
Negative Reviews
Property shows wear and needs refurbishment
Multiple comments noted that the building and some facilities are aged or a little worn, suggesting the hotel could benefit from updating or refreshing.
Limited English spoken by staff
Some guests experienced communication difficulties because staff did not speak English, which made exchanges harder for non-Japanese speakers.
Onsen/outdoor bath temperature and safety issues
A few reviewers found the outdoor bath temperature too low, and others pointed out a lack of handrails in the large bath area, creating safety concerns for elderly guests and parents with young children.
Heating/room temperature concerns
At least one family noted rooms were equipped with cooling only and that additional heating was needed for elderly family members; some rooms were reported as cold.
No sauna available
One guest specifically mentioned the absence of a sauna as a missing facility they had expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms use traditional futon bedding and the ryokan offers layouts for singles up to family groups; some rooms and the annex sleep up to six people (counted by futons).
Wakatake features a spacious indoor tatami-mat communal bath and an outdoor garden hot-spring bath, plus a drinking spring and day-use onsen options; private baths are not listed on the website.
A free pick-up service from Tagami Station (Shinetsu Line) is available by reservation; there is no regular airport shuttle listed.
Niigata Airport is the nearest (about 32 km); typical access is by car or taxi to Tagami or Tsubamesanjo stations, then use the ryokan’s reserved station transfer.
The property’s online information does not list multilingual staff; staff primarily speak Japanese and English support may be limited, so note this when booking or plan to use a translation app.
The ryokan serves seasonal Japanese kaiseki dinners in its restaurant and offers set Japanese-style breakfasts; special menus and seasonal dishes are highlighted on the property site.
Wakatake is in Tagami with local town sights nearby and is within roughly 25–30 km of Niigata-area attractions such as Yahiko Shrine and central Niigata, making it a base for regional day trips.
The property provides free private parking on site and is reachable by car via the Sanjo Tsubame interchange; trains to Tagami Station plus the ryokan’s reserved pick-up are a common option.
Check-in is typically from 15:00 (last check-in around 19:00) and check-out is by 10:00; guests are asked to avoid noise between 19:00 and 09:00 and note there may be restricted access to the property between 20:00 and 22:00.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan; private bath rentals are not advertised though group and banquet plans are offered, so inquire directly about private-use options; there is no on-site supermarket—use local shops or convenience stores in Tagami town.