Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 30 reviews.
Reine
United Kingdom · Couple · July 2026
“Honest, authentic private onsen off the heavily frequented tourist trails”
+Honestly, Japan’s customer service is already top-tier, but the team at Kutsurogian hotel completely blew us away. Despite the language barrier, they guided us with care and kindness. They made us feel comfortable from the second we walked in. They provide that perfect balance of being super attentive while still giving us total privacy to just relax and vibe. The staff genuine friendliness and warmth made the entire stay feel special and unforgettable. Kutsuriogan is tucked away in a stunning alpine like location with beautiful mountains View. It feels exactly like staying in a small cozy chalet. It has private onsen baths only, so we didn't have to deal with the split male/female public baths like at other locations. The service is incredibly intimate because they have only 3 guests rooms. You get your own charming private dinner room, which feels like having a private chef just for the two of you. The food in Niigata was better than anywhere else we ate on our trip; this fertile region produces amazing ingredients, and the culinary skills at this onsen are truly Michelin guide-worthy.
−Nothing
Daniel Sing Chye
Singapore · Couple · May 2026
“Thought I had died and gone to heaven!”
+Let's start with the service. Exemplary. Nothing beats being welcomed the moment you open the car door. The lady insisted carrying our bags up the stairs to the entrance even though I told her it was heavy. This type of can do spirit is so typical of only top notch places where guests are expected to lift a finger . Next, facilities. With only 3 rooms and 2 Onsens, the immediate feeling is one of exclusivity. Our rooms were large and could easily sleep 2 adults and 2 teens ( but I think this place is perfectly suited to couples on their honeymoon). Guests were allowed exclusive use of one onsen per day for at least an hour (but we were allowed 2 hours because there was only one other couple). The onsen only becomes public at 10pm to 10am. When it's your private onsen, the fridge is stocked with sake, premium local beers, juices etc . All of which is complimentary! Food. The standard rate includes only breakfast which is fantastic and served in one of 2 beautiful dining rooms or even your own room. We stayed multiple nights but always had exclusive use of either of the dining rooms even though there were others. Exclusivity ! At least one of the nights, request for the room with the
−Our room only had an attached toilet with a small sink (not sure about the other rooms) that does not lend itself well to brushing teeth or washing your face. You're expected to do that at the public bath area where shavers, toothbrush and tooth paste are provided. A minor gripe if you ask me, even if you're in the farthest room, it's still only about 25 paces away.
Lei
Germany · Couple · April 2026
“The best Ryokan we have experienced.”
+It is a such exceptional stay in Kutsurogian, peaceful and enjoyable. Hotel staffs are very welcoming, and food is very fresh and traditional. As we are en route to Kiyotsukyo, hotel offered us the ride after our stay. This gave us a half day of extra time to enjoy Yuzawa afterwards. Totally beyond our expectations. Thank you very much!
−Nothing!
kk
United States · Solo · March 2026
+Wonderful staff absolutely great service what a lot of personal touch. It really makes you feel like home and staff treat you like a family. Great local food the taste is phenomenal. Ice cream in onsen is absolutely saiko. The view is considered one of the best in the area. Thank you so much for your warm hospitality and I would definitely recommend this place for everyone.
−The facility maybe more traditional for some, but is still a great experience.
Zixi
United States · Family · February 2026
“it was a comfortable and touched trip and I’d happily stay here again.”
+The staffs are so welcoming. They provided a daily shuttle service even in bad weather, and they were very accommodating with our last-minute requests and changes. The onsen is very clean and comfortable. The whole experience staying with Kutsurgian was amazing! I highly recommend this place!
Sung
United States · Couple · January 2026
“Unforgettable memory and experience!”
Tristan
Australia · Couple · November 2025
“An unforgettable 3 nights at a magical place.”
+Kutsurogian was an outstanding location with a wonderful building and amazing views from the rooms. Most of all, the staff were excellent. They made our stay both relaxing and fun, and went above and beyond at every opportunity to help us get out and about during the day, along with providing pick up and drop off from the Shinkansen stations. The meals were magnificent. Breakfast and dinner were large meals with top-quality ingredients, and wonderful service. The dining rooms offer western or japanese seating, and there is even an irori (traditional hearth), which was a real treat. The onsen has two spaces, offering indoor and outdoor baths in both, and allow reservation by room in the evening so you can bathe with your partner. I cannot imagine how nice it will be when snowing. We were looking for a quiet weekend away from Tokyo, and chose Minamiuonuma in Niigata prefecture as somewhere new to visit. It was not a busy time of year as snow season had not yet started. The local Hakkeisan brewery district and Koji factory were fun things to visit, and there is plenty more within a day trip. I recommend that you ideally have a hire car to explore, but it is not essential, as the staff
Alessio
Australia · Solo · November 2025
+My first experience in a ryokan and it really left the mark. The staff was the highlight of the stay, from the moment I arrived to the time I left I felt welcomed and pampered. The room was really nice and very spacious with a nice view and access to foot bath. The onsen were great and I spent some peaceful and relaxing time there, bonus points for being private and have access to drinks, including sake. I also had some awesome food, showcasing local ingredients with lots of dishes and variations without repeating across days. Special thanks to Kazu and Ayumi for making this experience even more memorable. I hope I can stay there again sometime in the future.
−Having to leave.
HOCHIN
Taiwan · Couple · October 2025
“Comfortable stay to enjoy the countryside.”
+Kutsurogian is all about details. Staff are very professional and friendly in arranging everything to make the stay comfortable. We had a very relaxed and contented stay. Both dinner and breakfast were amazingly delicate and delicious. We had our meal by the hearth and feel so warm and wonderful. This inn offers a very exclusive experience staying in the countryside.
Haoqi
United States · Solo · April 2025
“Exceptional”