Overview
Step into a ryokan with over 900 years of history, home to the famous Tamago no Yu hot spring. Legend says Takahan’s ancestor, Hanroku Takahashi, discovered this spring by chance. Over centuries, mineral-rich water heated deep underground has continued to flow unchanged, offering a rare and precious bathing experience.
The spring water runs fresh and clean, replaced every three hours in a “free-flowing” system that keeps it safe for everyone—from babies to elders. You can feel the difference in its pure, natural state, just as it has been for generations.
Accommodation
Choose from rooms that fit your style and occasion:
- Special Suite (South Wing, 4th Floor): Three spacious Japanese rooms with a wide veranda, overlooking the Tanigawa mountain range.
- Two-room Japanese suites: Large tatami spaces with a separate sitting room, offering comfort and privacy.
- South Wing Japanese rooms: Quiet, spacious rooms for a relaxed stay.
- East Wing High-floor rooms: Renovated in 2023 with fresh interiors, offering mountain or town views.
- East Wing Low-floor rooms: A nostalgic “Showa-style” experience, perfect for slow, quiet stays.
- Ginrei View Bath Rooms: Private open-air baths with some of the best views in Yuzawa, set apart from other rooms for extra quiet.
All rooms come with yukata, towels, toiletries, climate control, and free Wi-Fi. Beds or futons are provided according to room type.
Dining
Meals celebrate the flavors of snow country. You’ll enjoy:
- Koshihikari rice from local Kawana Farm, cooked in a traditional iron pot for a fluffy, flavorful result.
- Fresh fish from the Sea of Japan and mountain streams, raised in the clear spring water of Mt. Hakkai.
- Seasonal vegetables from local farms, carefully selected for freshness and flavor.
Lake, mountain, and field ingredients come together in dishes prepared with skill and care. Breakfast features freshly cooked rice, grilled fish, and local vegetables—served either as a Japanese set meal or buffet, depending on the day.
Onsen and Wellness
The Tamago no Yu hot spring flows directly from its source, untouched by added water or filtration. At 43.5°C, the water’s temperature is a natural gift, perfect for bathing without adjustment. Every three hours, the water in the baths is replaced, ensuring freshness.
Bath options include:
- Women’s Hinoki open-air bath: The scent of cypress relaxes your body and mind.
- Men’s Rock open-air bath: A natural setting with mountain air and open views.
- Sauna: Available in both men’s and women’s baths.
- Cold-water bath: Filled with pure mountain spring water, a refreshing contrast after the sauna.
- Indoor baths: Spacious and bright, with continuous free-flowing hot spring water.
The water is a simple sulfur spring (pH 9.6) known for helping with chronic skin conditions, women’s health, cuts, and joint pain.
Guests with Tattoos
Private use of the baths is not mentioned, but since the hot spring follows a traditional bathing style, tattoos are not specifically prohibited.
Facilities
- “Snow Country” Literary Room: Preserves the very space where Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata wrote parts of his masterpiece Snow Country.
- Theater: Daily screenings of the film Snow Country (reservation required).
- Library lounge: A quiet space for reading with a large selection of books.
- Table tennis: A classic Japanese ryokan pastime.
- Furou Café: Relax with coffee or tea after your bath.
- Gift shop: Local specialties and souvenirs.
- Massage chairs: For extra relaxation after bathing.
- Free shuttle: From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, GALA Yuzawa, and Yuzawa Kogen.
Activities
Enjoy seasonal sightseeing in Yuzawa—from skiing in winter to hiking in summer. Visit local farms, enjoy festivals, or explore the literary and cultural heritage of the area.
Additional Features
- 33 guest rooms across East and South wings
- Large banquet and convention hall for events
- Free on-site parking
- Rental electric bicycles (seasonal)
- Coin laundry available
