Minakami Onsen Aratashi Minakami

It was a short walk away from the Minakami Onsen bus stop and the room was clean. Loved the private onset overlooking the river as well. We didn't have breakfast there as the price was a little steep for us (~27 SGD) but there's a nearby bakery and other F&B, so food was not an issue. They provide PJs and a cardigan to put over as well. Staff was nice too.

Brand new and very mod. Outdoor both, made from flat stone and kept hot constantly, on each balcony overlooks the river below. They have a heavy outdoor curtain one needs to use as houses 150m across the river can see you… unless you turn off all the lights, I suppose. The public bath is nice.. the outdoor portion is walled. The staff often can speak English and are helpful. The breakfast was a bit unconventional Western style.. in a minimalist setting with glass walls above the River. The coffee was less than underwhelming, but the rest was pretty good. It’s very close to where the walking trail starts southward along the river.

Ultra modern hotel. Each room has beautiful river and mountain views. Very clean everywhere. Private hot spring bath on balcony is wonderful. Dinner and breakfast were fantastic. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Maybe the best standard sized room of any hotel I've visited. We have visited a number of onsen hotels around Japan and this one was our favorite; both for the room and the meals. The problem here is that the beautiful small shops on the quaint street are almost all closed; and not for the season. I know business will pick up in the winter when skiers from nearby Tokyo come here but it is too bad that the shops have failed. Something needs to be done to bring more traffic and create things to do outside the hotel. The river in September is low so no rafting or kayaking. If you like to hike there are many trails in the surrounding areas.