Shiratama no Yu Kahou: A Refined Hot Spring Ryokan Experience in Niigata’s Tsukioka Onsen

While planning a recent trip to Niigata, I was on the lookout for a nice place to stay and came across Tsukioka Onsen.

Located fairly close to Niigata City and its airport, Tsukioka Onsen is renowned for its sulfur-rich hot springs. As someone who loves the distinct smell of sulfur, it was an ideal destination for me.

Upon researching accommodations, I found that the Shiratama no Yu brand, run by Hotel Senkei, was quite popular.

The brand operates three ryokans: “Senkei”, “Kahou”, and “Bettei Koshinosato”. They all looked equally appealing, but I ultimately chose to stay at Shiratama no Yu Kahou.

In short, it was an incredible experience.

The room offered beautiful views, the food was delicious, the interior was expansive and detailed, and the sulfur-scented hot spring was truly relaxing. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.

If you’re looking for a great onsen ryokan in Niigata, I highly recommend this place!

Aesthetic Japanese Interiors with Fine Art and Decorations

We booked the “Premium Standard Plan” and stayed in a “Low Bed Deluxe Japanese Room” (16 tatami mats).

The total cost for two people was ¥58,520, but with an instant discount from Yahoo! Travel, we paid ¥52,670.

Our stay was in February, during the snowy season. There’s a parking area right in front of the entrance.

Kahou is a large ryokan with 108 rooms. The entrance hall is spacious with a high ceiling.

Beyond just the size, the interior is filled with elegant art and decor, making even a casual stroll through the premises enjoyable.

You can also view a traditional Japanese garden from the windows—covered in snow, it’s a peaceful sight.

The interior is truly magnificent…

Carpets, lighting, an open atrium, and hanging artwork all contribute to a luxurious atmosphere.

Spacious Room with Simmons Beds and a Panoramic Snow View

After enjoying a welcome drink at the entrance, a young staff member guided us to our room.

We stayed in the 16-tatami “Low Bed Deluxe Japanese Room”. When we slid open the sliding door, we were welcomed by a stunning snow-covered landscape.

Being from Kyushu, where it rarely snows, this view was especially captivating for me.

Relaxing in the room while enjoying this view felt incredibly luxurious. Just note that once it gets dark, the view disappears—so make the most of it during the day.

The room featured twin Simmons beds within a Japanese-style setting—spacious and comfortable.

The toilet had all the essentials, including a washlet and sink.

There were two sinks, and amenities were well-stocked.

For those unable to use the large public bath, there’s also a private bathroom in the room.

Overall, I was extremely satisfied with my stay at Kahou. My only minor gripe was the outdated design of the men’s yukata.

That said, there’s a rental corner at the entrance offering various yukata and samue for ¥100, and I later discovered a samue set already provided in our room.

Sulfur-Rich Outdoor Onsen with Snowy Views

Eager to enjoy the view before dark, I headed to the public bath soon after checking in.

The entrance to the bath area is decorated with elegant furnishings such as urns and ivory.

Men’s and women’s baths are separated by a lounge with a kid’s play area—perfect for families waiting for each other.

There were vending machines and free drinks,

And even a shrimp miso soup station for post-bath relaxation.

Although the indoor bath didn’t have a strong sulfur aroma, the outdoor bath absolutely did—it was the kind of hot spring experience you dream of. According to a sign, the outdoor bath uses newly sourced spring water.

While bathing, you can gaze at the snow-covered landscape outside, making for a memorable soak.

Delightful Kaiseki Dinner Featuring Niigata Delicacies

Dinner was offered at 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, or 7:00 PM. We chose 7:00 PM.

The meal was served in a private dining room—ideal for a relaxing experience even if not in-room.

Though it was a standard plan, the dishes were luxurious: crab, amberjack, premium wagyu beef, and more.

The plating was artful and elegant.

Scallop tempura, abalone, seaweed onion fritters…

Naturally, in Niigata—the land of rice—we enjoyed local sake as well.

And crab in white miso broth…

Sashimi included yellowtail, tuna, flounder, shrimp, and surf clam.

Wagyu beef hotpot.

We had more sake—“Mukantei” from Kikusui Brewery in Shibata, Niigata.

Grilled crab shell.

Teriyaki sablefish, winter radish, noppe soup, and Koshihikari rice from Niigata.

Dessert was a gorgeous plate with matcha tiramisu, fruit, cake, and ice cream—deliciously satisfying.

After dinner, the snow was falling heavily. The garden was beautifully illuminated—some dining rooms even had garden views, which I’d love to try next time.

Buffet Breakfast with Japanese, Western, and Chinese Options

The next morning, this was our view. Even with a cloudy sky, it was picturesque.

Snowfall from the night before made the entire property even more magical.

Breakfast was served in a different banquet-style hall.

A spacious hall suitable for weddings or conferences—plenty of room to avoid crowding.

In addition to standard breakfast items, there were Niigata specialties like tare-katsu, Chinese dishes, and a seafood rice bowl station. Everything was delicious.

On our way out, staff even cleared the snow from our car—a thoughtful final touch.

Access & Basic Info: Shiratama no Yu Kahou, Tsukioka Onsen

Shiratama no Yu Kahou is about a 40-minute drive from Niigata Airport or 45 minutes from Niigata Station.

From Niigata Station, take the JR Hakushin Line to Toyosaka Station (20 mins), then board the Tsukioka Onsen shuttle bus (20 mins).

For shuttle bus schedules and details, see the official site:

Access｜Shiratama no Yu Kahou Official Website

Final Thoughts

Every part of the stay—from the room to the food to the baths—was flawless. Though it’s a bit far from Fukuoka, I’d love to visit again someday.

If you’re planning a trip to Niigata and looking for an onsen ryokan, Shiratama no Yu Kahou is an exceptional choice.