Ryokans in Niigata

My brother and I were looking to experience a traditional Ryokan whilst we stayed in Japan. We stayed in a modern Ryokan in Kyoto and were quite dissapointed by our experience so we changed our travel plans to stay here for a night in the last week of our three week trip. It was the best decision we could have made! Koshi no yado Takashimaya offer a service of collecting you from the local shinkansen station and then also returning you there upon your depature. Without this service we wouldn't have been able to stay as it was a 30min drive each way and would have required a car to get there. The communication to staff of our arrival times and responses were exceptional. I believe this location had been recently listed on Booking.Com, as the there was little English and the staff commented that had had very few foriengers stay previously. Google translate was super helpful in this instance. This is 100% a hidden gem and well worth the visit! We enjoyed a lovely dinner service of 9 courses in our room, where we got to try puffer fish, with a friendly waitress delivering each course. Then the a staff member made our futons after dinner, for us to sleep on the floor with pebble pillows. The onsen was fantatsic! Amazing to be able to experience this, and there were rooms with private onsens for those who wanted them. We then had a traditional breakfast the next day in the dining room, again amazing food. Only thing to be aware of is that the drinks in the fridge are not complimentary, and will be charged to your room. The value for money for this experince was incredible! It was well worth spending a bit more and venturing out to the country side to enjoy this inn which had lots of character and lovely staff. We were given Japanese socks complimentary upon departure. Plus they had a cute gift shop at the inn as well. If you are thinking about making the trip to stay here - do it! It is only an hour and a half from Tokyo via train. One of the highlights of trip!

Rooms were spacious, comfortable and clean. The lounge with free drink machines were superb. Hot spring bath was clean and large. The meal served was great taste, beautiful presentation. All the staff were friendly and helpful

So picturesque, quiet and comfortable room - room also a really great size for two people.

Relaxing time away from big cities

Really enjoyable time at Suehirokan! Would recommend to anyone looking for a lovely, authentic experience.

Very polite, attentive and kind staff. Relaxing onsen. Excellent food. Very clean. Good atmosphere in total. Surrounding with nice nature, good for hiking. Friendly people everywhere