Auberge Mizuakari

The staff were kind and gave me helpful advice before the trip, which made the journey feel reassuring even with the infrequent Joetsu Line from Echigo Yuzawa and the walk from the nearest station. I booked dinner and breakfast and was glad I did. The food was delicious and fairly priced, and the restaurant had a lovely feel. The converted brewery and restaurant also sit beautifully with the natural surroundings. My room was very clean, the air conditioning worked well, and its spacious bathroom had a separate shower and tub. There's no large public bath, but the barrel sauna was a nice option and I stayed warm through the cold winter. The snowy scenery was striking. The staff mentioned the mountain streams are beautiful in spring too, so I'd like to come back when there's no snow.

The Italian restaurant was top notch, and the room was clean and roomy. I do wonder about the chef's credentials, though. Is he a Michelin-starred chef? 🤔 A private sauna is available if you book it, though whether that's your thing is personal. I'd highly recommend the hotel to anyone visiting Niigata Prefecture! 👍

We came for two nights with 10 family members and 3 dogs, and everyone had a comfortable stay. The cottage opened directly onto the dog run, and with few other guests around it was peaceful and relaxing. The sauna was wonderful too. The meals were a real treat. We looked forward to each inventive dish made with plenty of delicious Niigata ingredients. The French dinner and Japanese breakfast were both lovely. We were also welcomed with the chef's homemade cookies and a DeLonghi coffee machine, which got our three-day trip off to an exciting start. The facilities were very clean, and all the staff showed us such heartfelt hospitality. We'll be back in winter!

That fireworks evening is what stays with me most. For the Minamiuonuma Kanetsugu Festival, the hotel arranged a shuttle, seats, and drinks for its fireworks event, marking the start of Niigata's summer fireworks. Watching them disappear so quickly made the stay feel memorable. I was very grateful for that special hospitality. The auberge sits along the Uonogawa River in Minamiuonuma, with a broad lawn, trees, a private bar and sauna, and cottages with grassy dog runs. From the mountain-facing rooms you can see toward Hakkaisan. A short walk over the bridge and along the stream fed by the Uonogawa River brings you to Minamiuonuma's green rice fields, a nostalgic rural scene. The creative French dinner is delicious and a highlight, and the price including accommodation is reasonable. They also pour generous glasses of wine from neighboring Nagano Prefecture. The staff are polite, and the place offers fairly good value. I do hope breakfast improves and the hotel brings out more of Minamiuonuma's local character. PRIDE is a fitting name, and I have high hopes for its future. I'd gladly support it and recommend staying here. Like! (^^)