This is all about location and Yuko, the owner. The hotel is worn around the edges (it feels like a visit to your favorite elderly relative that hasn't updated the decor), but it doesn't matter because it is clean and Yuko is an amazing host. Onsen #1 is right outside the front door, and the other 8 are just steps away. Yuko provided us with amazing service, from picking us up at the train, tracking down a bottle of sake left on the train(!), returning to the station to retrieve the sake when it arrived on the next train, driving us to the monkey park after helping us first store our luggage at the station, and then returning a glove my son left at the hotel to the luggage storage before we even realized he had left it. Then we get to the food... an amazing traditional Japanese feast for dinner. I sorely regretted eating a big lunch in Obuse before arrival. Breakfast was also delicious and multicourse, all cooked by Yuko's husband, Yuki. I have such fond memories from our brief stay that I'll carry with me because it was such a unique and truly Japanese experience. My favorite part was heading out in the light snowfall at 6:30am in the provided yukata and geta to complete the nine-onsen circuit. I had the streets to myself as I clacked along in my wooden sandals as the dawn was just breaking. It was magical. And after I finished I discovered one of the best onsens in town was the private Onsen in the hotel for guests.

This is all about location and Yuko, the owner. The hotel is worn around the edges (it feels like a visit to your favorite elderly relative that hasn't updated the decor), but it doesn't matter because it is clean and Yuko is an amazing host. Onsen #1 is right outside the front door, and the other 8 are just steps away. Yuko provided us with amazing service, from picking us up at the train, tracking down a bottle of sake left on the train(!), returning to the station to retrieve the sake when it arrived on the next train, driving us to the monkey park after helping us first store our luggage at the station, and then returning a glove my son left at the hotel to the luggage storage before we even realized he had left it. Then we get to the food... an amazing traditional Japanese feast for dinner. I sorely regretted eating a big lunch in Obuse before arrival. Breakfast was also delicious and multicourse, all cooked by Yuko's husband, Yuki. I have such fond memories from our brief stay that I'll carry with me because it was such a unique and truly Japanese experience. My favorite part was heading out in the light snowfall at 6:30am in the provided yukata and geta to complete the nine-onsen circuit. I had the streets to myself as I clacked along in my wooden sandals as the dawn was just breaking. It was magical. And after I finished I discovered one of the best onsens in town was the private Onsen in the hotel for guests.

Best hostess I have ever met traveling japan. Offers ride from train station and to monkey park. Good value for the area even though the rooms are dated it is comfortable

Best hostess I have ever met traveling japan. Offers ride from train station and to monkey park. Good value for the area even though the rooms are dated it is comfortable

We loved it! The family running was helpful and kind

We loved it! The family running was helpful and kind

We were picked up at the station and driven right to the Monkey Park. The hotel took all of our bags back to the hotel for us while we were at the park. The rooms were beautiful and the hotel is located in the midst of restaurants and the onsen crawl. Highly recommend!

We were picked up at the station and driven right to the Monkey Park. The hotel took all of our bags back to the hotel for us while we were at the park. The rooms were beautiful and the hotel is located in the midst of restaurants and the onsen crawl. Highly recommend!

Had a wonderful stay at Hatsunoyu, the owners were so sweet and personable. They even gave me a ride to the Snow Monkey park and Yudanaka train station when I left. Although the building is starting to show it's age, the rooms themselves are spacious and clean, and even include a safe, sink, and coffee table.

Had a wonderful stay at Hatsunoyu, the owners were so sweet and personable. They even gave me a ride to the Snow Monkey park and Yudanaka train station when I left. Although the building is starting to show it's age, the rooms themselves are spacious and clean, and even include a safe, sink, and coffee table.

Awesome place! The staff were very helpful and the drive back to Yudanaka station was very much appreciated!

Awesome place! The staff were very helpful and the drive back to Yudanaka station was very much appreciated!

Lovely family run ryokan. The lady boss was friendly and kind enough to drive me to/from the station. Their bath was even better than the 9 public ones around town!!

Lovely family run ryokan. The lady boss was friendly and kind enough to drive me to/from the station. Their bath was even better than the 9 public ones around town!!

High recommended for family stay and delicious Japanese breakfast. Hotels owner very friendly and helpful. Free parking 👍

High recommended for family stay and delicious Japanese breakfast. Hotels owner very friendly and helpful. Free parking 👍