Yumotokan
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 6 reviews
Yumotokan sits in a quiet hot‑spring village surrounded by cedar and bamboo at the foot of Mt. Gozu, about 40 minutes by car from Niigata Station and within easy reach of Lake Hyoko. This small Japanese‑style ryokan offers fourteen rooms that open onto a landscaped courtyard and mountain views, combining traditional tatami accommodation with modern conveniences such as free Wi‑Fi, on‑site parking and non‑smoking rooms. As a ryokan with onsen in the Chūbu region, the property emphasises seasonal local produce and a calm countryside atmosphere suited to slow, restorative stays.
The onsen is fed by a simple weak‑radioactive radium spring that is clear and mild; measured at about 20.3°C at source and circulated to roughly 41°C for bathing. Guests have access to a large indoor bath and an open‑air bath framed by trees, both available twenty‑four hours, and the inn maintains one bath that can be reserved for private use by prior arrangement. Bath amenities include organic shampoo, conditioner and body soap, and the layout prioritises outdoor views and a quiet bathing experience, making Yumotokan a ryokan with private onsen in Niigata Prefecture.
Meals are served in a private‑room restaurant where seasonal Niigata ingredients and regional specialties such as prepared carp appear alongside a selection of more than twenty sakes. Rooms are simply furnished with yukata, towels and essential toiletries; special dietary requests and bedding preferences can be arranged in advance. Practical details include a weekday shuttle between Niigata Station and the ryokan (reservation required), convenient road access from the Banetsu Expressway, on‑site parking and nearby opportunities for hiking, cycling and birdwatching around Lake Hyoko.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yumotokan
Positive Reviews
24-hour outdoor onsen available
Guests highlighted a 24-hour outdoor bath, allowing flexible relaxation at any time during the stay.
Excellent regional cuisine
Multiple reviewers praised the meals—particularly regional specialties such as carp—and commented that the rice and overall dining were very tasty.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were described as very friendly, not overly formal, and attentive to questions, creating a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
Peaceful, relaxing atmosphere
Reviewers noted the ryokan is quiet and peaceful, making it a good place to unwind and spend a relaxing stay (including multi-night stays).
Attractive garden and interior decor
The garden and indoor decorations were mentioned as interesting and adding charm to the property.
Negative Reviews
No significant complaints reported
Most reviewers did not list any negatives; several explicitly stated there were no issues or left no negative comments. One guest left a lower numeric score without further detail, but specific problems were not reported in the reviews provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yumotokan is a small countryside ryokan with around fourteen rooms, offering twin, Japanese and family-style rooms; room capacities vary so please confirm the maximum number of guests when booking.
Yes — the property has a large indoor bath and an open-air bath available 24 hours, and there is one bath that can be reserved for private use by guests.
A free shuttle runs from the south entrance of Niigata Station on weekdays (reservation required); there is no regular direct airport shuttle, so guests usually use a taxi or train to Niigata Station and the shuttle from there.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English-language information is available on the site but English-speaking staff may be limited, so contact the ryokan in advance if you need language support.
Expect a traditional Japanese countryside ryokan with tatami rooms, yukata and slippers provided, seasonal kaiseki-style meals in private dining areas, free Wi‑Fi, and a selection of local sake.
Nearby highlights include Lake Hyoko (famous for migrating swans), Mt. Gozu and the surrounding hot-spring villages; the area is known for seasonal nature, rice-field scenery and local rural experiences.
By public transport the ryokan is reached via Niigata Station (about 40 minutes by car) or Mizuhara Station (about a 15-minute taxi ride); the weekday shuttle from Niigata Station requires advance reservation.
Specific check-in and check-out times can vary by booking; please confirm your exact arrival and departure times with the ryokan ahead of your stay to ensure a smooth arrival.
A private/reservable bath is available by reservation; pets are generally not accepted at traditional ryokan — contact the property directly to ask about any special arrangements.
Yes — the ryokan serves Japanese seasonal meals (including local specialties and a wide sake selection) in private dining rooms or in-room, and they request advance notice to accommodate allergies or special dietary requirements.