Ryounkaku Matsunoyama onsen

7.9

This Ryokan has an overall rating of 7.9/10, based on 118 reviews.

Rank	Ryokan	Rating	Reviews
🥇 1st	Sasakura onsen Ryuunso	9.3/10	56
🥈 2nd	Koshi no yado Takashimaya	9.2/10	72
🥉 3rd	Hotel Futaba	8.9/10	1,523
4th	Osawayama Onsen Osawakan	8.9/10	367
5th	Tabataya	9.1/10	51
6th	Takahan	8.8/10	568
7th	Kutsurogian	9.1/10	37
8th	Cafe Cerisier栖里時絵	8.8/10	95
9th	Sake Hotel Tamakiya	8.9/10	36
10th	Shaga-no-Sato Yumeya	9.1/10	21
11th	Otowaya Ryokan	8.6/10	485
12th	ryugon	8.6/10	183
13th	Takanoya	8.6/10	94
14th	Warabiso	8.9/10	21
15th	Resort Project Myoko Kogen Hot Spring	8.6/10	37
16th	Satoyama Jujo The House	8.5/10	83
17th	Four Seasons Yuzawa Quattro	8.4/10	266
18th	Tomiya Ryokan	9.0/10	9
19th	Star Hotel Akakura	8.4/10	115
20th	Bousenkaku	8.8/10	11
21st	Hôtel Hisago-sō, Tsukioka Onsen	8.3/10	1,662
22nd	Fujiya	8.6/10	13
23rd	Hotel Hoho “A hotel overlooking the Echigo Plain and the Yahiko mountain range” formerly Hotel Oohashi Yakata-no-Yu	8.3/10	165
24th	Ichisui-sō	9.0/10	5
25th	Sports Plaza Shiki Haradaso	8.4/10	28
26th	Fukubikiya, Hōraikan à Yomogihira Onsen	8.3/10	50
27th	Kofukan	8.2/10	571
28th	Bunanoyado Koase	8.2/10	120
29th	Hitō Hanabun	8.4/10	6
30th	Myoko Tsubame onsen Iwatoya	8.1/10	60
31st	Hot spring inn Snow country(yukiguni)	9.2/10	0
32nd	Tanoura Onsen Kaikatei Kawai	7.9/10	40
33rd	Akakura Hotel	7.9/10	44
34th	Suehirokan	7.9/10	116
35th	Ryounkaku Matsunoyama onsen Current ryokan	7.9/10	118
36th	Hôtel Ekihon Building, 2e étage	7.9/10	210
37th	Akakura onsen eho ryokan	7.3/10	13
38th	Setoguchi	7.5/10	29
39th	Naeba Lodge Oka	6.9/10	70
40th	Hotel ST MORITZ	5.5/10	25
41st	Yuasobiyado Akebono	4.2/10	131
42nd	Sumiyoshiya	3.8/10	95
43rd	Hotel Yumoto	3.8/10	535

Check-in from 3:00 PM

Mountain Setting Forest Surroundings Hot Spring Town Quiet Village Public Onsen Indoor Bath

Location

942-1435 Niigata, Tokamachi, Matsunoyama Amamizukoshi 81, Japan

Staff 8,0/10

Facilities 8,0/10

Cleanliness 8,0/10

Comfort 7,0/10

Value for money 7,5/10

Location 8,5/10

Historic Wooden Main BuildingRegistered cultural property with rare 1930s wooden architecture and strong retro atmosphere.

Therapeutic Matsunoyama OnsenKnown for rich mineral waters in one of Japan’s famed medicinal hot spring areas.

Nostalgic Traditional StayClassic ryokan feel with old-school charm suited to travelers seeking authentic Japan.

Quiet Hillside SettingPeaceful mountain surroundings create a calm retreat away from busy urban areas.

Steps from Onsen AreaWell placed within Matsunoyama Onsen for easy access to the hot spring district.

Good Base by CarUseful for driving travelers exploring Tokamachi countryside and nearby seasonal sights.

Recommended stay1-2 nightsDining and hot spring time are the main stay-length drivers here: arrive by afternoon, settle into the baths, eat dinner in-house, sleep in the historic building, enjoy another bath and breakfast, then add a second night only if you want a slow satoyama visit around Matsunoyama and nearby Matsudai.

Trip-planning verdict: A strong fit for travelers who want a historic onsen stay in a quiet mountain hot spring area, but not for those needing easy station access or a dense sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Remote accessBest reached with planning. The nearest rail access is Matsudai Station, and ryokan pickup is limited rather than frequent.

Not a sightseeing hubThe immediate area is quiet and small, so travelers focused on many restaurants or fast multi-stop touring may overstay.

Older-room tradeoffHistoric main-building rooms are part of the appeal, but some use shared toilets and wash areas rather than full private facilities.

Bath style is simpleVerified baths are indoor only. Choose it for therapeutic water and atmosphere, not for a big spa or open-air bath complex.

Dining Room (on-site)

on-site

Main meal venue for dinner and breakfast in the ryokan.

Mihara shi (nearby)

nearbynear the ryokan

Nearby Japanese kappo restaurant known for kaiseki-style meals and bento.

Suzuki (nearby)

nearbynear the ryokan

Local Japanese restaurant serving seafood from the Sea of Japan and mountain produce.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Useful access points Stations, stops, airports and practical travel advice.

Best way to arrive For most travelers, arrive by rail to Matsudai Station and continue by local bus or taxi to the onsen area. If flying, Niigata Airport is the most useful airport, then continue by airport access to Niigata-side rail and onward toward Echigo-Yuzawa or Matsudai.

Matsudai Stationstation
8.3 kmMatsudai, Tokamachi, Niigata, Japantoo far to walk comfortablyabout 20–30 min by taxiabout 25–40 min by local bus or taxi connection
Best overall rail access point for the ryokan and the most practical final transfer hub into Matsunoyama Onsen.
Tokamachi Stationstation
16 kmTokamachi, Niigata, Japanabout 45–60 min by taxiabout 60–90 min with local rail and bus transfers
A secondary access hub if your route naturally goes through central Tokamachi, but usually less convenient than Matsudai for the final approach.
Echigo-Yuzawa Stationstation
23 kmYuzawa-Mondo, Yuzawa, Niigata 949-6101, Japanabout 70–90 min by car in normal conditionscommonly about 1.5–2.5 hours with train and bus or taxi transfers
Best major long-distance rail gateway for many visitors coming from Tokyo via Joetsu Shinkansen, then continue toward Matsudai.
Matsunoyama Onsen bus terminal / main onsen bus stopbus
350 mMatsunoyama Onsen area, Tokamachi, Niigata, Japanabout 5–15 min depending on luggage and slopeabout 3–5 min by taximain local bus arrival point
Useful if arriving by local bus; walking may be manageable for light luggage, but a short taxi ride is easier in bad weather or snow.
Niigata Airportairport
109 kmNiigata, Niigata Prefecture, Japanroughly 2–2.5 hours by car, weather dependentoften around 3–4 hours with airport bus and rail transfers
Most useful airport for this ryokan; practical for domestic arrivals and some international flights, but expect onward ground transfers.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points

Historic building with real characterThe main building is a 1938 wooden structure registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, so the stay feels far more atmospheric than a standard ryokan. It suits travelers who value architecture and old-Japan ambiance.
Excellent for onsen-focused staysIt is in Matsunoyama Onsen, one of Japan's best-known therapeutic hot spring areas, with strong mineral-rich waters that are a major part of the experience here. This makes the bath experience a genuine reason to come, not just an extra.
Rooms have individual design detailsThe main building rooms are known for distinctive craftsmanship rather than a copy-paste layout, giving the stay a more memorable and personal feel. This is especially appealing if you enjoy traditional interiors with visible artisan touches.
Quiet setting in natureThe inn is surrounded by a calm mountain onsen environment, so it works well for travelers who want to slow down and disconnect. The area feels tranquil rather than commercial.
Useful options for a rural ryokan stayIt offers reserved family bath access and a shuttle from Matsudai Station by reservation, which can make a countryside stay easier. Wi-Fi is also available in the wooden main building, adding some practical comfort.

5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs

Not ideal for modern-luxury expectationsIts appeal is retro and historic, so travelers expecting sleek design, large contemporary rooms, or resort-style facilities may find it dated rather than charming. This is more about atmosphere than luxury polish.
Access takes planningReaching Matsunoyama Onsen is not as effortless as staying near a major station, and the shuttle from Matsudai Station is limited and requires reservation. It is better for travelers comfortable with rural transport logistics.
Bath rules may be restrictiveShared baths are not available for guests with tattoos, which can be a clear drawback for some international travelers. That policy can limit how freely you enjoy the onsen experience.
Historic buildings can mean fewer conveniencesA heritage wooden inn usually brings more quirks, sound transfer, and less standardized comfort than a new hotel. If you are sensitive to old-building limitations, this may not be your best fit.
Dining and timing feel traditionalThis is the kind of ryokan where the experience follows the property's rhythm, with set meal-style hospitality and no early check-in or late check-out. Travelers wanting maximum flexibility may feel constrained.

Current position: 35th out of 43 ryokans in Niigata.

Rank	Ryokan	Rating	Reviews
30th	Myoko Tsubame onsen Iwatoya	8.1/10	60
31st	Hot spring inn Snow country(yukiguni)	9.2/10	0
32nd	Tanoura Onsen Kaikatei Kawai	7.9/10	40
33rd	Akakura Hotel	7.9/10	44
34th	Suehirokan	7.9/10	116
35th	Ryounkaku Matsunoyama onsen Current ryokan	7.9/10	118
36th	Hôtel Ekihon Building, 2e étage	7.9/10	210
37th	Akakura onsen eho ryokan	7.3/10	13
38th	Setoguchi	7.5/10	29
39th	Naeba Lodge Oka	6.9/10	70
40th	Hotel ST MORITZ	5.5/10	25