Overview
Hotel Kinomezaka sits on a quiet hilltop in Minamiuonuma, surrounded by the expansive rice fields and towering peaks of Echigo. The view from your room stretches across the Echigo Sanzan mountains and the fields where Uonuma Koshihikari rice grows. This ryokan offers a peaceful escape where you can take in the natural beauty of the countryside in every season—from golden rice paddies in autumn to snow-covered fields in winter. The rooms, all traditional Japanese-style, provide a calm space for you to relax and unwind at your own pace.
Accommodation
Hotel Kinomezaka offers several types of rooms, all designed with a traditional Japanese atmosphere. Every room features tatami flooring and a layout that invites you to slow down and relax.
East Wing (Main Building): This building includes 28 rooms and features an elevator for easy access to the large communal baths. The rooms overlook Mount Sakado and the surrounding mountains. Each room includes a private bath and washlet toilet.
Special Two-Room Suite: This spacious suite combines two 10-mat tatami rooms into one relaxing space. It offers extra room for families or those seeking more privacy.
Japanese-Western Style Suite: This room blends Western comfort with traditional aesthetics. It includes two single beds and a raised 10-mat tatami sitting area, offering both convenience and Japanese style.
South Wing (Old Building): These 12 rooms face a quiet forest and offer a more secluded atmosphere. While more modest in design, they still provide everything you need for a restful stay, including a washlet toilet.
All rooms include air conditioning, heating, a television, a mini fridge, and free Wi-Fi. You’ll find yukata robes, towels, and toiletries provided in every room.
Dining
The cuisine at Hotel Kinomezaka celebrates the flavors of the region. Each meal is handmade using seasonal ingredients from the mountains and fields of Uonuma, along with fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.
Dinner features traditional kaiseki meals that change with the seasons. Every dish highlights local produce, like mountain vegetables and herbs, and pairs beautifully with Koshihikari rice harvested just outside the ryokan.
Breakfast offers a taste of local culture with items like “Kirizai,” a traditional dish made with natto, pickles, and spicy miso from Kagura chili peppers. You can also choose a breakfast bento for more flexibility during your stay.
If you enjoy sake, the ryokan collaborates with Takachiyo Sake Brewery, bringing you a curated selection of Niigata’s crisp, refined sake—crafted to pair with the regional cuisine.
Onsen and Wellness
Let the hot springs at Hotel Kinomezaka melt away your fatigue. The source water flows from nearby rice fields, and the spring itself is a simple thermal spring—low in minerals and gentle on the skin. Its weak alkalinity helps exfoliate and refresh your skin while easing your body into deep relaxation.
You can enjoy several bathing options:
- Rooftop Open-Air Baths: Soak in “Omatsu no Yu” and “Kimisama no Yu,” two rooftop baths with panoramic views of the mountains and seasonal landscapes. In summer, the greenery spreads out before you; in winter, snow blankets the world in white.
- Indoor Baths: Both men’s and women’s indoor baths offer two types of tubs—one hot and one lukewarm. The lukewarm bath, set around 37°C, is ideal for long, relaxing soaks that activate your parasympathetic nervous system and promote deep relaxation.
- Sauna: Both indoor bath areas include a sauna and cold-water bath to refresh your body and mind.
Baths are open from early morning until late at night, and the sauna operates in the afternoon and early evening.
Guests with Tattoos: If you have tattoos, you can enjoy the onsen facilities without restrictions. However, the baths are not available for private rental.
Facilities
The ryokan offers a range of spaces designed for comfort and convenience:
- Front Desk and Lobby: A welcoming space where you can check in and ask about local attractions or facilities.
- Indoor Lounge (Post-Bath Relaxation Area): Relax here after your soak with a cold drink and retro surroundings.
- Banquet Halls: There are two banquet rooms—“Houou no Ma” (160 tatami mats) and “Kujaku no Ma” (80 mats)—perfect for gatherings of any size.
- Meeting Room: “Toki no Ma” can be reserved for meetings or group discussions.
- Private Dining Rooms: Enjoy meals in a quiet and private space, especially suited for group dinners or family celebrations.
- Souvenir Shop: Browse local specialties and traditional crafts. The shop is open from early morning until late evening.
- Laundry Room: Located on the first floor and open 24 hours. Use is simple and convenient, with free detergent provided.
- Smoking Area: Designated space available for those who smoke.
Activities
Explore the surrounding countryside and nearby towns. In spring, you can see the sprouts of akebi vines, called “kinome,” which inspired the hotel’s name. This wild mountain vegetable is unique to the region and has been enjoyed for generations. You can even try it prepared with raw egg, soy sauce, and bonito flakes—an unforgettable local taste.
The ryokan also offers retro-style board games like shogi, go, and mahjong. You can reserve these for an additional fee.
Additional Features
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- All rooms are non-smoking
- Yukata, toiletries, and towels included
- Elevator access in the main building
- Free shuttle from JR Muikamachi Station (reservation required)
- Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 10:00 AM
