Ryokan Tanigawa

My elderly grandparents were with us, and my whole family had such a good time. We hope to come back next year. The staff were incredibly thoughtful, kind, and attentive, and the hotel felt beautiful and cozy. There was lots of variety and entertainment among the amenities, and the food was delicious. We visited at Christmas, and after dinner we found a little package hanging on our room door. It was a box of chocolates. A big thank you to the man who drove us to and from the hotel and took photos of us. They turned out great, and we look so happy. It was unforgettable. I wish I could write this in Japanese, but it’s my second language and I don’t think I’d do the experience justice. Thank you very much. ❤️❤️❤️

Dinner was generally delicious, served in partitioned sections of the dining area. They also have sake from the local Nagai Brewery, including mizubasho sparkling sake, and the placemats share information about the area and its history. There’s a small gallery with photos and artifacts from Tanigawadake and the surrounding area. The ryokan can also arrange Yamato Transport for sending or receiving ski and snowboard gear. Tanigawa Ryokan is farther into the mountains than the main Minakami Onsen area. There isn’t much to explore nearby without a car, but it’s a peaceful alternative to the busy Yuzawa area. Our room was spacious, with welcome sweets and snacks, and fresh coffee was available in the room or lobby. At different times, the lobby also had miso soup, konnyaku dango, juices, and other refreshments. Snow shoes and a day pack were provided in the room, a nice touch, and I believe they can be used for hiking up Tanigawadake. The bed was unbelievably comfortable, and the bathroom had an impressive, huge tub. The wooden hot spring bath area was lovely, with a smooth wood fragrance throughout. We really enjoyed our stay.

You can really feel the history here. The service and food were great, and the water is hot. My only downside was that taxis run only until 21:00, though that applies across Minakami.

The service was warm-hearted and good. Osamu Dazai, a famous novelist, stayed here in the old days, and his memorial room is open to visitors.