Overview

Choseikan stands at the heart of Muramatsu, where the natural beauty of Niigata meets centuries-old hospitality. Since its founding, Choseikan has offered you a restorative escape through the healing powers of its radium-rich hot spring. With a sprawling garden that changes with the seasons and one of the largest open-air baths in the region, this ryokan invites you to reconnect with nature and rediscover the art of relaxation.

Whether you’re visiting in spring for the cherry blossoms, in summer for the fireflies, in autumn for vibrant foliage, or in winter for snowy landscapes, Choseikan helps you savor the moment. The ryokan is especially proud of its historical connection to Muramatsu Onsen, renowned for its high radon content and long-revered wellness benefits.

Accommodation

You can choose from a wide range of rooms, all designed to provide calm and comfort. Each room blends traditional Japanese design with views of the garden or nearby waterfalls.

• Main Building: Standard tatami-style rooms that accommodate up to six people.
• Mixed Japanese-Western Rooms: Located on the top floor, these rooms offer views and twin beds, perfect for pairs.
• Special Suite: A unique space inspired by the poet Gofu Soma, with separate Japanese and Western-style rooms.
• Takimitei Wing: Rooms that overlook a waterfall, available in both Japanese and Western styles.
• Detached Cottages: Independent, two-story structures where you can enjoy complete privacy, including one that features a private open-air bath.

No matter which room you choose, you’ll wake up surrounded by nature.

Dining

At Choseikan, every meal celebrates local ingredients and seasonal flavors. The chefs change the menu daily to reflect what’s fresh and in season. Dinner features carefully curated dishes served either in your room or in a private dining area, depending on the plan.

You’ll enjoy specialties such as freshly steamed rice from local farms, hand-made tofu, and miso sourced from a respected local shop. The seasonal kaiseki dinner brings you a series of small, beautiful dishes that highlight the natural flavors of each ingredient.

In the morning, you’ll start your day with a countryside-style breakfast prepared with fresh vegetables, river water, and rice grown nearby. The breakfast includes miso soup, handmade tofu, and pickled vegetables—simple, nourishing, and deeply rooted in the region.

You can also add special items to your meal, like radium-steamed abalone, A5-grade Niigata Wagyu, or sweet shrimp sashimi. These seasonal dishes are available as optional upgrades.

Onsen and Wellness

The real treasure of Choseikan is its radium hot spring, known for its rare concentration of radon. This mineral-rich water helps stimulate your metabolism and enhance your well-being through both absorption and inhalation.

The ryokan’s main attraction is the garden-view open-air bath—spanning over 1,000 tsubo—where you can soak while gazing out at seasonal flowers, falling snow, or autumn leaves. There’s also a large indoor bath with panoramic windows, giving you another way to enjoy the scenery.

For an extra-special experience, head to one of three private open-air baths, each with a distinct theme:

• Forest Bath: Made with radium-rich stone.
• Hinoki Bath: A shallow cypress tub with a soft aroma.
• Tile Bath: Crafted with local red tiles, full of character.

All baths are available from early morning until late at night, with alternating warm and cold tubs to boost circulation and revitalize your skin.

Choseikan also offers a tent sauna powered by a wood-burning stove. After working up a sweat, you can cool off in a cold plunge tub filled with natural spring water. You’ll need to bring your swimsuit—or rent a sauna poncho on-site.

Guests with Tattoos

If you have tattoos, you can still enjoy the private open-air baths or the tent sauna. The main communal baths are open to everyone, but staff may recommend private options depending on the situation. Make sure to ask at check-in.

Facilities

You’ll find several thoughtful touches throughout the property:

• A wide Japanese garden that reflects the changing seasons.
• A sacred grove where you can stroll past traditional shrines and even visit a local “wishing stone,” said to bring good luck.
• Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and common areas.
• Yukata robes and bath towels available for use during your stay.

Activities

Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can enjoy Choseikan’s facilities through day-trip plans. These include:

• Bath-only access during morning or evening hours.
• A garden bento lunch plan with onsen access.
• A daytime or nighttime plan with kaiseki meals and private room use.
• Tent sauna experiences with optional cold water dips.

During summer, Choseikan also provides shuttle service to local firefly-viewing spots. The staff lights the garden with bamboo lanterns, creating a peaceful and magical atmosphere that’s perfect for a quiet evening walk.

Additional Features

• Free parking on-site
• Rental towels and bath sets available
• Reservations available by phone or through the official website
• Day-use plans for locals and travelers
• Seasonal events and garden illuminations
• Exclusive-use dining spaces for small groups or families

Let Choseikan be your entry point into the healing traditions and seasonal beauty of Muramatsu.