Ulasan Otowaya Ryokan

Traditional theme hotel, with very good hot spring in first floor. It’s a great way to have a Japanese type of stay here.

I live in Japan and am fluent in Japanese, but even if I complain, they have no intention or will to fix anything. The place is run by elderly people, so I really, really, really tried to be patient, but on the second day, I just exploded. I've worked in the travel industry for a long time and have probably stayed in hundreds of hotels worldwide, but this is the worst. Not even Africa is like this. I'll summarize it briefly, and if you still dare to stay after reading this, then go for it. 1. **Air Conditioner:** It's so old that you can hear the building's ventilation system. You either have to endure being hot/cold or endure the noise. 2. **Room:** It's so old, dirty, and unpleasant. I wouldn't dare to use the water heater or electric kettle in the room. I hung the 'do not disturb' sign on the door, went for breakfast, and came back to find things roughly tidied, trash gone, and money gone. Great. It's partly my fault for not putting it in the safe, but the staff can apparently just open the safe, so always carry your valuables with you. 3. **Hot Spring (Onsen):** Disastrous. It's just a small public bath, and you're supposed to believe the water is from a hot spring. It's not like what you see in movies. My daughter said the women's bath was too dirty to go in. I haven't been to the women's bath, so I don't know, but that's what it was like even when I went right after cleaning time. I had to wait an hour in the men's bath because a Chinese woman entered it. The operators don't get involved; no explanations, no apologies. 4. **Breakfast:** They even take reservations for a specific time, so I thought they'd serve a warm breakfast, but it seems like they just serve cold leftovers? I don't know what it was. I just skipped it on the second day. 5. **Washing Machine:** There's only one, and it takes 3 hours to wash clothes. If you pick up your laundry right after 3 hours, someone else might use it, but will it even be your turn?

This ryokan-style accommodation offers a serene and genuinely warm Japanese atmosphere. The rooms are simple and clean, perfect for relaxing after skiing. The highlight is the separate male and female onsens, where a hot soak helps melt away the cold, ensuring a good night's sleep. Waking up to a pristine snowy view is an incredible feeling ❄️♨️. The staff are lovely, and there's a luggage lift available.

It's located about a 10-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa. It's quite close, so I walked there and arrived very quickly. I'd say it's easily accessible on foot. There are two communal baths, one for men and one for women, and they switch daily, which was great as I got to experience both. The water temperature was comfortable, around 40℃ (not too hot), making it pleasant even during summer. While the shower pressure in one of the baths wasn't ideal, the overall bathing experience was very good. The shampoo and conditioner provided are standard, unisex options, so if you have specific preferences, I'd recommend bringing your own. However, to my pleasant surprise, they had a high-quality ReFa hairdryer available! I had both dinner and breakfast, and the food was truly excellent. The rice, in particular, was absolutely divine! It seems they use Koshihikari from Minamiuonuma, and it's simply too good to describe. While all the other dishes were delicious too, the rice was so exceptional that it's hands down the star of the meal. I had a wonderful time here, so I definitely recommend it. The photo attached is of the room's interior.

It's a bit of a walk from the station, but the elderly couple who run it are both very kind. When it rained, the owner even offered to drive us to the station, which was incredibly thoughtful of them. It's a little old, but the overall antique charm made our stay very comfortable.

The guesthouse's location is incredibly convenient. In the mornings, you can enjoy a stroll in the nearby Takizawa Park and see the dam and waterfall. The guesthouse staff are very friendly, and the Japanese breakfast is fresh and delicious, offering slight variations each day, which truly shows their dedication to providing a great experience. Guests can also access the hot springs 24/7 for their convenience.

The guesthouse is quite old, but its main draws are the hot spring bath and complimentary parking. On the downside, for some reason, one staff member had a rather poor attitude – perhaps they were simply having an off day. The walk to the station for dining options was also manageable and not too far. Plus, there's even a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant located nearby.

Great location, very clean, and check-in was super convenient. I'd definitely stay again.

A very nice stay! Cozy clean and onsen was good. Host English was not great so you have to use a bit of Japanese when you arrive but otherwise a real gem!

Excellent hot springs, tranquil and comfortable.

Very nice view and japanese tatami style. Heavy snow and staff is very helpful to send us to station at free. Very good experience.

The accommodation has a wonderful Japanese atmosphere. The owner provided excellent service, and the rooms were clean. I highly recommend it!

My stay was on April 7, 2025, in the 'Sakura' family room. I absolutely loved this property! I'll definitely return if I get the chance and will recommend it to my friends.

Warm as a return to an old haunt.