Zazan minakami

It is an old hotel so it has old fashioned atmosphere. It has a wonderful view and staff were very helpful. The Onsen itself is fantastic. Wonderful experience. Minakami is a cute little town worth walking through.

Great rooms in what looks like a former grand dame of a hotel. The location is good, with a beautiful roaring river running right next to it and quite close (10-15 min walk) to Minakami station. I tried the communal baths and they were exceptional and easily one of the best features of this hotel. Large hot baths on several levels with amethyst shell fountains, washing and drying stations including all the amenities you could need including hairbrushes, lotions, razors, hairdryers etc. A wooden open air bathtub with hot water on a cold night? Yes please! The breakfast in the dining room on the 7th floor was good too. A beautiful big room with large sparkling chandeliers and a green view on the hills. The buffet-style breakfast was nicely laid out with both Japanese and Western options, including warm cooked dishes and pretty little desserts. We tried about half of the offerings over 2 mornings and everything tasted great. The dining room staff's English was also really good, which is not something we take for granted in Japan! It also reminded me a little of the Overlook hotel (Stephen King's the Shining) with a faded haunted feel and I am here for it! I feel this hotel too could be the setting for a great story!

The location was gorgeous, and the staff were always very helpful and friendly. There were a large variety of baths to choose from and the outdoor baths had nice views of the river. There were also nice walking paths in the village.

Good location near the train station, by the river with mountains view; spacious room in traditional style; lots of hot springs; good price; hotel transfers to the station available

About 15-20 min walk from the train station to the hotel. Staff is polite and attentive