Minakami Onsen Aratashi Minakami

Ultra modern hotel. Each room has beautiful river and mountain views. Very clean everywhere. Private hot spring bath on balcony is wonderful. Dinner and breakfast were fantastic. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Maybe the best standard sized room of any hotel I've visited. We have visited a number of onsen hotels around Japan and this one was our favorite; both for the room and the meals. The problem here is that the beautiful small shops on the quaint street are almost all closed; and not for the season. I know business will pick up in the winter when skiers from nearby Tokyo come here but it is too bad that the shops have failed. Something needs to be done to bring more traffic and create things to do outside the hotel. The river in September is low so no rafting or kayaking. If you like to hike there are many trails in the surrounding areas.