Rankeisou

We expected a lot after reading the good reviews, but dinner felt rushed. Even with two beers and daiginjo sake, all the dishes and dessert arrived within 50 minutes. For a long-established ryokan, we expected a meal to take around two to two and a half hours, but this felt more like a busy lunch restaurant. Some plates seemed factory-made, the carp sashimi sauce was too spicy, and none of the food was properly hot. Even the gratin was only slightly warm. The inn is old and well preserved, but it wasn't clean enough. The stink bugs may be hard to avoid, but dead ones were in the hallway outside our room from check-in until the next morning, with dozens more left in the toilets and handwashing area. We understand that cleaning them up may be an ongoing task, but they should be removed as soon as they're found. Our waitress was new, and her service and explanations of the dishes were very minimal. We don't understand the inn's strong reputation. It needs a lot of improvement to become a truly well-regarded Japanese inn.

The best part of our two-night stay was Yukari, the inn's co-owner with her husband. She speaks excellent English and took time to explain the inn's history, talk through the dishes at meals, and suggest local places. You could tell she cares about their traditions. She was also quick to help, swapping our hard pillows for softer ones and clearing bugs that had gathered around the lights. As we were leaving, she even hurried after us with parting snacks. We loved the grounds and our room overlooking a small river. Each morning felt like a movie scene, especially in the drizzle on day two. The inn was well maintained, with no stains anywhere. The public onsen allows tattoos, but we chose the private bath so we could bathe together. It was easy to book and very relaxing, with a moderate temperature that suited us after other onsens we'd visited had been scalding hot.

The food was delicate and carefully prepared, though the menu explanations were in Japanese and I wish I could understand them. The bar had good wine and alcohol, and the public onsen was pleasantly not too hot. I didn't try the private onsens, but heard they were worth visiting, so maybe next time. I was struck by the atmosphere and how clean the facilities were. The main building is very well maintained, and I enjoyed the decor, especially the wall paintings and the stone garden in the third-floor corridor. You can reach the rooms by stairs or elevator, which is convenient. I visited in December, and could imagine how lovely it must be in spring or summer. The inn is beside a river, and if you're lucky, your room may look out over it. I was lucky enough to watch birds fishing there, which made my day, since I thought no animals would be outside in winter. Thanks for a warm, unforgettable stay!

The food was a highlight, with local Niigata produce, mountain vegetables, fresh meat, and fish. I also appreciated the detailed menu explanations in English. Both the public and private mineral baths felt true to onsen culture, and the sodium springs were relaxing and seemed therapeutic. Rankeisou Inn in Sanjo blends traditional hospitality with comfort and modern amenities. Its century-old building has plenty of historical charm, and the surrounding landscape was picturesque. Ootake-san's hospitality stood out, along with the views and meals. I left wanting to return. It was a cultural and gastronomic experience as well as a rejuvenating stay, and a memorable ryokan for anyone looking for a genuine, luxurious experience in Japan.