Echigo Yuzawa Yumoto Tamago no Yu Yukiguni no Yado Takahan

I stayed here on a solo trip.It was the rainy season and there was an unfortunate light drizzle, but when I got off the Shinkansen and called from the station, they came to pick me up almost immediately. When I arrived, they even welcomed me with a large umbrella opened for me.The building has a well-worn charm with touches of the Showa era throughout, but it has been renovated appropriately and there were no issues at all.When I entered my Room, I could look down from the window at the Joetsu Shinkansen line and the Kan-Etsu Expressway sweeping down in a large S-curve from the Naeba area,with a fine view stretching out over the mountain range along the Joetsu border. It was truly soothing to take in.The large public bath isn’t huge indoors, but the slightly silky water is wonderful and kept at just the right temperature—you can soak again and again. The men’s open-air bath has a unique view looking down toward Gala Yuzawa Station nearby, and it was a little cooler than the indoor bath (the temperature seems to vary by season).The lounge after bathing offers an excellent selection of free drinks, plus an extensive library collection, making it very comfortable to spend quiet time there.For dinner I chose the “shabu-shabu kaiseki,” and it was extremely filling—there was enough meat that you could easily call it two portions. I ended up so full that I skipped both rice and miso soup.Breakfast is buffet-style with more than enough variety. There seemed to be fewer local specialties than I expected.After checkout they also drove me back to the station; even though I was alone in their wagon vehicle, everyone kindly saw me off, which made me feel truly grateful (and almost apologetic for taking such attentive care).Every member of staff treated me exceptionally well without exception.The only minor drawback is that the men’s bath area—including the open-air bath—faces the parking lot, so during check-in/out times when guests come and go by car it can feel a bit less relaxing,but even considering that, this is an Accommodation I would gladly visit again.

This was my third stay. I stayed in a Room with a great view. This time it was just one night, but with the ski season over, the Accommodation was quiet and I was able to truly relax. I checked in early and went straight to the large public bath. The semi-open-air bath is pleasantly warm rather than hot, so I could take my time and enjoy a long soak all to myself—absolutely wonderful. It’s a personal favorite.The location is convenient, and although it’s a historic older Accommodation, everything is kept spotless and beautifully maintained throughout. Most notably, the Onsen water is nothing short of miraculous—100% free-flowing directly from the source. The temperature and quality are excellent.All of the staff are friendly without being intrusive—just the right distance—so I can spend my time freely as I like. It’s simply comfortable. Honestly, it makes me want to visit every week: “great water,” “great Accommodation,” and “great service.”I love Onsen and travel two or three times a month, but places like Takahan—with fully free-flowing source water at an ideal temperature, abundant volume, and careful management that shows real respect for the water—are truly rare. Usually you have to go deep into remote mountains to find Onsen like this. Takahan is a precious Accommodation that offers authentic Onsen so easily accessible.Thank you very much. I’ll be back again soon.This may be an unreasonable request, but I’d be happy if there were simple therapeutic-style meals like one soup and three dishes—it feels like it would Clear both mind and body… though I did end up enjoying some sake as well.