Kutsurogijuku Shintaki

My wife and I hope to come back someday, and we're saving this place for that. The rooms, staff, drinks, food, and onsens were all presented so wonderfully. Be sure to reserve a private onsen experience of your own!

The three onsens each have indoor and outdoor baths, and they're very clean with thoughtfully planned facilities. This is a comfortable traditional Onsen hotel with large, clean rooms. The food is plentiful and really delicious, especially the set dinners.

We loved the morning buffet and dinner, which made the stay feel like dining at a luxury restaurant. The hotel is pricey, but all the complimentary amenities made it feel worth it. Set in a historic part of town known for its healing onsen, the place has a lovely traditional style and several baths, including some you can use privately. We'd highly recommend it.

The dinners were a real highlight, with fresh, beautifully presented courses built around seasonal local ingredients. We had a different mix of seafood, beef and regional dishes each night, and breakfast was a generous buffet with both Japanese and Western choices. There was also a VIP lounge with complimentary and paid snacks and drinks, plus a library, ping pong area and several spots indoors and out to relax. Staff even brushed the snow off our car each morning. We stayed in Room 11, which was spotless and thoughtfully laid out. There was a separate toilet and shower, a table, bar, refrigerator stocked with free tea, juice and beer as well as wine and whisky for purchase, large comfortable beds, a desk, futon and smart TV. Leisure clothes were provided, though they didn't fit me, and the bathroom had good quality toiletries. I'm 6'3" and 350 lbs, so I had to duck in a few places, but otherwise felt comfortable. The private in-room onsen was a favorite. The water was clean and refreshing, and the roomy outdoor deck looked over the river while a lattice screen kept it private. We could soak there for hours. We did take a quick look at the public baths too. They were well kept, with clear men's, women's and private bathing schedules. There are also vending machines, including one for milk and coffee milk. We came in February 2025, and the snowy road up made us nervous in our small car. When we arrived, staff were out managing the road, guiding guests and keeping access to the ample parking at the top of the hill smooth. The parking area connects conveniently to the main building, and English signs led us to the first-floor front desk. The reception staff were warm and helpful, with enough English to assist us. The inn is beautiful and the location is breathtaking. Everyone worked hard to keep things welcoming, and we left feeling we'd fallen in love with Japan. One suggestion: it would be nice to have more non-alcoholic drinks with meals, perhaps sparkling mineral water between onsen soaks. We had a wonderful time and hope to return.