Ryokan Tsuchiide

The hot spring water felt authentic, with a sulfur smell and a slippery texture, and seemed like it could help with recovery after an Oze hike. We were also glad to have the men's bath to ourselves, perhaps because it was the off-season. The entrance atrium is striking, and some parts of the building have real charm. The rooms were fairly clean and well cared for, even though the building overall is showing its age. My husband and I stayed at Ryokan Tsuchii on July 5, 2025, while hiking in Oze. Being only a five-minute walk from Hatomachi Pass was a big reason we chose it. In person it was much more rustic than the official website suggested, and our expectations didn't quite match. The exterior was so plain that I wondered if the inn was even open. Maybe it looks better in snow, but in the green season it felt deserted. There was no hair dryer in either the bathroom or room, so I was glad I'd brought one. Anyone with long hair should bring a hair towel too. There was only a fan instead of air conditioning, and the humid early July night made sleeping difficult. The bathroom facilities were old and didn't feel very clean. The mirrors, faucets, and changing room floor were worn, and more upkeep would have helped. The changing room was humid and seemed less clean, especially from a woman's perspective. The mattress was very thin, like a rice cracker futon, and the feather-like pillow had insect bites on its cover, which made me worry about hygiene. The sheets came loose by morning, and I had trouble falling asleep. The spring water itself may appeal to younger guests and men, but the stay can be a bit harsh if comfort is what you're after. It could suit someone wanting the feel of a hidden hot spring or a quiet, secluded place.

The inn may be old, but it was incredibly clean, including our spotless two-room suite. A built-in stove and kerosene fan heater kept the room warm. The meals were plentiful, with venison sashimi, and the white rice was delicious. I was very satisfied. Coffee was available in the lobby in the morning, and I enjoyed it until checkout. I stayed one night starting New Year's Day. Because there wasn't much snow this year, I was worried about the nearby ski areas and thought about going farther away. I called the day before to ask about check-in, and mentioned I might ski near Yuzawa first. They told me Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort seemed to have more snow than Yuzawa. I went there that day and was very satisfied despite the limited snow, so I'm grateful for the tip. The proprietress was cheerful and pleasant. Her husband was quiet but came across as kind. The hot spring was fantastic. Some reviews call it small, but that seems about right for a private inn. I could soak several times and got nicely warmed up. For me, this is the best inn. It was spotless, and I had a really pleasant stay.

The drying room near the entrance was useful, since it dried our soaked skis quickly. Parking is available both in front of and behind the inn. At the rear, cars are parked in a row, so you need to leave your keys at the front desk in case a car needs to be moved quickly. The rest area to the left of the entrance has games like Othello, making it a good place to wait briefly. There were brochures for nearby ski resorts too, and bringing one meant parking was free. We came during winter break to visit a nearby ski resort. This is a traditional inn with a strong sense of hospitality. The food was especially good, with a variety of Japanese dishes and tasty rice. The children really enjoyed the special meals prepared to suit their ages. Our room was a long, traditional Japanese-style space. It had heating, but it was warm enough that we didn't need it. The futon was a little thin, so if that bothers you, you might want to stack them. There was no refrigerator in the room, but a small one was in front of the men's bath on the first floor. The hot spring had rinse-in shampoo and body soap. Bath towels weren't provided, so bring your own. There was only one hair dryer, so it could be tricky if several people finish bathing at once. In the women's bath, the dryer is in the hallway, so take care not to get cold. The family in the room next door and their kids were making a lot of noise until almost midnight, which was a shame. Otherwise, we had a great time at the inn.

The hot spring is the highlight for me: the water feels good, the temperature is just right, the taps have strong pressure, and you can use the bath 24 hours a day. For the price, I think it's good value. The rooms are basic, more like private rooms at a mountain hut or a ski training camp. There are no bath towels, tissues, or refrigerator, and there's no air conditioning. Wi-Fi only works at the front desk, where there were a few tissues on my return visit three years later, but they ran out quickly. Overnight guests are given a key and a room number, with no explanation of the bath or facilities. The parking fills up fast, so you may be sent to a nearby school's lot.