During my recent trip to Niigata, I stayed at “Hotel Futaba, An Inn Woven with the Waters of Echigo Yuzawa Onsen“.
This large onsen ryokan is conveniently located just under a 10-minute walk from JR Echigo Yuzawa Station.
Hotel Futaba serves as an excellent base for winter skiing and snowboarding trips, as well as for sightseeing destinations like Kiyotsu Gorge in other seasons.
It’s a traditional onsen ryokan that caters well to families with children.
Hotel Futaba: A Classic Ryokan at Echigo Yuzawa Onsen
This time, I stayed at “Hotel Futaba” in Echigo Yuzawa Onsen, a large and well-known ryokan.
This long-standing ryokan has been in operation since 1949 and is within walking distance from JR Echigo Yuzawa Station.
After driving up the slope to the entrance and parking, we headed into the hotel.
The lobby exudes the atmosphere of the Showa and early Heisei eras. It seems convenient for hosting large groups, as there were two reunion reception desks set up on this day.
After completing check-in, we selected our favorite yukata from the yukata corner and headed to our room.
A Room with a Private Open-Air Bath
We originally booked a standard Japanese-style room, but it seems we were upgraded to one with a private open-air bath.
The room features beautiful tatami flooring, with a sunken kotatsu-style table in the back, making it very cozy.
The amenities, including a refrigerator and kettle, are simple but sufficient.
The toilet comes equipped with a washlet.
The sink area was thoughtfully stocked with amenities, including toys for children.
The indoor bath includes a washing area, so you can rinse off before soaking in the private open-air bath.
The private open-air onsen bath is accessible 24 hours a day, allowing you to relax anytime.
If you’re in the mood for a larger bath, the hotel also offers three types of public baths.
While the water in the public baths feels less like traditional hot spring water, you can enjoy various themed baths such as herbal and cave baths, giving them a spa-like quality. The “Sky Bath” (Paparak and Mamarak) also boasts great views.
Meals at Hotel Futaba
Hotel Futaba’s Dinner: Highlighting Niigata’s Fresh Ingredients
Dinner at Hotel Futaba is served in a private dining room, which is a significant plus for families with small children.
Unlike buffet-style or shared dining spaces where kids might get restless, a private room provides a relaxing environment to enjoy your meal. (Note: This might depend on the package you book, so check in advance.)
Child-sized seating is also available.
Cheers with a refreshing beer to start the meal!
The menu highlights Niigata’s specialties, such as “Snow-Aged Carrots,” branded “Koshino Chicken,” and locally grown Koshihikari rice.
Here’s a closer look at the delicious dinner we enjoyed during our stay:
Freshly prepared sashimi, including natural bigeye tuna, sea bream, and needlefish.
A hearty hot pot made with local ingredients, featuring Mochi pork and mountain vegetables in a soy sauce-based broth.
The hot pot was accompanied by “Karamushi Udon” as the final course. This udon is unique to the region and incorporates powdered young leaves of the karamushi plant into the dough.
Of course, no meal in Niigata is complete without sake. A wide selection of local brews is available to pair with your meal.
I chose the “Minatoya Tosuke (Junmai Daiginjo),” which had a refreshing aroma and a deeply satisfying flavor.
Another standout dish was the “Hoba-yaki Koshino Chicken with Butter Miso.” The rich butter miso perfectly complemented the tender chicken.
The meal also included “Karei Yuuan-yaki” (grilled flatfish marinated in soy sauce and citrus).
And, of course, freshly cooked Koshihikari rice from Yuzawa Town, a Niigata staple. The sweet and rich flavor truly shines in every bite.
Dessert included a selection of sakura-flavored salted almond jelly, matcha roll cake, and fresh orange slices.
Even with our 2-year-old occasionally moving about, the private dining setup allowed us to enjoy our meal at a relaxed pace.
Buffet-Style Breakfast
The next morning, breakfast was served buffet-style in a large banquet-style hall.
The spread included both standard breakfast items and unique local dishes that showcased Niigata’s culinary heritage.
While dinner featured Yuzawa-grown Koshihikari rice, breakfast offered South Uonuma-grown Koshihikari, allowing guests to indulge in this premium rice variety as much as they wanted.
High chairs and child-friendly food options, including potatoes, yogurt, and fruits, ensured that even little ones could enjoy the meal.
As someone who loves trying everything, I couldn’t resist overloading my plate with the enticing options available.
Review Summary: A Classic Stay at “Hotel Futaba”
The “Echigo Yuzawa Onsen: Hotel Futaba” blends the charm of a traditional Japanese inn with thoughtful modern updates. Despite its history and nostalgic touches, the inn has adapted well to meet the needs of contemporary travelers, from private dining options to child-friendly amenities.
During our stay, we were especially impressed by the hospitality of the staff, many of whom were younger yet highly professional and attentive. The hotel caters to a wide range of guests, including families, seniors, and solo travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
Whether you’re visiting Yuzawa for a winter ski trip or exploring Niigata’s lush landscapes in other seasons, Hotel Futaba is a reliable and welcoming choice. Its central location, thoughtful amenities, and excellent dining options make it a memorable base for your adventures.
