The location and proximity to Tokyo for winter snow

I stayed at this hotel probably more than 5 times in last 10 Years, it’s one of my secret spots I visit in the winter only a short trip from Tokyo, the hotel is insanely old and looks haunted but for me this is the charm I come here for, the dinner is great I always choose it and breakfast is also great! Overall I barely ever seen a tourist is mostly Japanese older couples and bikers. Onsen is nice they don’t allow tattoos but they never said anything to me all times I’ve used it.

It is an old hotel so it has old fashioned atmosphere. It has a wonderful view and staff were very helpful. The Onsen itself is fantastic. Wonderful experience. Minakami is a cute little town worth walking through.

The room has a lot of dust, we had to clean the shoji screens ourselves. There was old food stuck in one of the chairs even. There is no restaurant in the hotel.

Really good value Ryokan. Dinner was very nice with a really good range of traditional Japanese meals. The private rock onsen was so relaxing, right by the waterfall. The room was big, clean, neat. Coming back from dinner to the Futons and bedding set up was so nice. Really good view of autumn leaves, the flowing river and snow capped mountains right from our balcony. Breakfast was a very nice buffet with a good variety of Japanese and western options. We were pleasantly surprised by this ryokan, much better than expected and really well priced.

That we didn't book to stay here for longer.

Great rooms in what looks like a former grand dame of a hotel. The location is good, with a beautiful roaring river running right next to it and quite close (10-15 min walk) to Minakami station. I tried the communal baths and they were exceptional and easily one of the best features of this hotel. Large hot baths on several levels with amethyst shell fountains, washing and drying stations including all the amenities you could need including hairbrushes, lotions, razors, hairdryers etc. A wooden open air bathtub with hot water on a cold night? Yes please! The breakfast in the dining room on the 7th floor was good too. A beautiful big room with large sparkling chandeliers and a green view on the hills. The buffet-style breakfast was nicely laid out with both Japanese and Western options, including warm cooked dishes and pretty little desserts. We tried about half of the offerings over 2 mornings and everything tasted great. The dining room staff's English was also really good, which is not something we take for granted in Japan! It also reminded me a little of the Overlook hotel (Stephen King's the Shining) with a faded haunted feel and I am here for it! I feel this hotel too could be the setting for a great story!

This is a great hotel, which looks quite historical and it is painful that the upkeep seems to be lacking. The scuffed walls, damaged furniture in the hallways, chipped corners on the walls, waterstains on the ceilings...it all adds up. There is simply so much potential that is being wasted. The hotel shuttle service is good, but like the local train service, it is not very often and we struggled to get around in the area including to / from the hotel by ourselves. This location would be great if you have a (rental) car.

The baths were wonderful!I loved its location right next to the gorge with river along with hot springs you could see falling into the river. It was close to a small town where we found great food for lunch.

The windows next to the pools, which were in need of cleaning. I would have loved to see the river more clearly from inside.

The location was gorgeous, and the staff were always very helpful and friendly. There were a large variety of baths to choose from and the outdoor baths had nice views of the river. There were also nice walking paths in the village.

The building seemed a bit run down and could use a few renovations. But it was clean and the room itself was well maintained, even if the facilities were dated.

The staff was very helpful and friendly. The room large and comfortable and clean. The hotel looks quiet old, but I was happy to stay there. The breakfast was excellent. The different Onsen bath were very nice too.

As the bath were in different location and the hotel is very big it was a bit difficult to find the way. It should maybe a bit better written to find the way more easy.

Good location near the train station, by the river with mountains view; spacious room in traditional style; lots of hot springs; good price; hotel transfers to the station available

A bit old hotel; not super clean but that’s because it is old

About 15-20 min walk from the train station to the hotel. Staff is polite and attentive

The air-conditioner in the room is not working well.

There were so many different types of onsen pools. Nice morning tea and coffee lounge. Room is well designed even if it’s old.

Air con and carpet can feel musty.