Overview
At Mashu Ryokan in Tsukioka Onsen, you can step into the healing power of one of Japan’s most unique hot springs. The ryokan surrounds you with the gentle scent of sulfur even before you enter, thanks to one of the highest sulfur contents in the country. As soon as you soak in the soft emerald-green waters, you’ll feel the difference—this isn’t just any onsen. This is a natural mineral spring with rare properties that promise deep relaxation and a noticeable glow to your skin.
The ryokan preserves the spring’s full effect by offering 100% undiluted water directly from the source. Here, you’ll enjoy open-air baths and private soaking spaces in an environment designed to help you unwind, reflect, and reconnect. Whether you’re here for a quiet getaway, a celebration, or just time to reset, Mashu Ryokan welcomes you with warmth and intention.
Accommodation
Choose from four styles of rooms, all designed to match the pace of your stay. Every room comes with two Simmons semi-double beds and stays smoke-free for a more comfortable experience. If you’re staying with more than two people, the ryokan lays out thick, five-layer futons to ensure everyone sleeps just as soundly.
You’ll find everything you need in each room: comfortable yukata robes, towels, quality toiletries, and reliable Wi-Fi. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or in a small group, you can find a layout that suits your needs. For a quieter atmosphere, the ryokan limits groups to six people total, regardless of the number of rooms reserved.
- Shikitei Iroha: This suite-style room includes a living area, a Japanese-style room, a twin bedroom, and a semi-open-air bath. It offers plenty of space to relax, whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself to more comfort.
- Satsukitei Yamanoha: Located on the top floor, these rooms include a tatami area, a separate twin bedroom, and a scenic bath with a view. It’s perfect if you’re looking to unwind in privacy while enjoying panoramic surroundings.
- Japanese Bed Rooms: These standard rooms offer the simplicity of a tatami space and the comfort of a bed. Each room has a different layout, giving you something a little new each time you stay.
- Twin Rooms: Ideal for two, these rooms offer either tatami flooring with beds or a Western-style layout. They’re compact but thoughtfully arranged for a restful night.
Dining
Every meal at Mashu Ryokan highlights the local flavors of Niigata, using fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. You can choose from three levels of multi-course dinners: Premium, Standard, and Value. Each course brings something special to the table, from delicate seafood to beautifully marbled Niigata Wagyu beef.
Dinner is served in one of two restaurants: Tsuki Terrace En or Yuki Terrace Akari. Both spaces create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, with seating arranged based on the number in your party. You’ll enjoy your meal slowly, course by course, without interruption.
- Premium Course “Miyabi”: Perfect for celebrations or special days, this menu includes nine refined dishes. You’ll taste the region’s top ingredients—from melt-in-your-mouth A5 Wagyu to fresh cuts of fish served as sashimi or lightly steamed.
- Premium Seafood Course: If you prefer seafood over beef, you can choose a special version of the premium course that focuses on the best catch from the Sea of Japan.
- Standard Course “Kaze”: With seven dishes, this meal features seasonal vegetables and A4 Wagyu beef. It’s a great choice if you want to enjoy a balanced meal without going over the top.
- Standard Seafood Course: A lighter seafood-focused version of the standard meal, this menu still gives you the full flavor of Niigata’s coast and mountain harvests.
- Value Course “Hana”: This menu keeps things simple and elegant, offering you a taste of high-quality ingredients in smaller portions. It’s perfect if you want something lighter without compromising on taste.
Every breakfast includes Niigata-grown Koshihikari rice, known for its natural sweetness. The ryokan serves it with traditional side dishes and warm miso soup, giving you a strong start to your day. Breakfast is a set meal, not buffet-style, and is served in the same restaurants as dinner.
If you have food allergies or specific dietary needs, you should contact the ryokan in advance. Some adjustments may not be possible in the Value Course, so the Premium or Standard plans are recommended for more flexibility.
Onsen and Wellness
Soak in one of the most remarkable hot springs in Japan. Tsukioka Onsen has the highest concentration of hydrogen sulfide ions nationwide, giving the water its emerald-green color and distinctive aroma. The spring water is mildly alkaline, which helps it soften your skin and promote a healthy glow.
At Mashu Ryokan, you won’t find diluted water. Every outdoor bath and private soaking tub uses pure spring water drawn directly from the source. The ryokan never adds tap water or bath salts, allowing you to feel the full benefit of the mineral content.
- Tsukimi-no-Yu: This open-air bath lets you relax under the stars. At night, soft lighting enhances the view, making it a perfect end to your day.
- Hidaka Sekitei-no-Yu: With red stones and a koi pond nearby, this garden bath offers you a chance to experience the changing colors of the water—bright green by day, deeper and more mysterious at dusk.
- Akadama-no-Yu (Private Bath): This reserved bath uses a higher concentration of spring water than any other tub at the ryokan. It features Sado Akadama stones, believed to invite good fortune and repel negative energy. You can reserve it in 45-minute time slots during your stay.
The ryokan switches the men’s and women’s bath areas daily, giving you a chance to try all the facilities. If you prefer privacy, you can book a private bath during your stay. These areas are ventilated for safety and comfort, especially considering the high sulfur content in the air.
The staff cleans and filters the bath water regularly, adjusting the temperature and water levels to keep everything at its best. Thanks to a continuous flow system, old water drains out as new water flows in, keeping the experience fresh and clean every time.
