The Joetsukan is a traditional-style ryokan located in the popular Minakami hot spring region.
The property overlooks the Tone River and is the ideal location for a wide number of outdoor activities such as rafting, fishing and bungee jumping.
For the less adventurous, there are numerous beauty spots and famous gorges to be enjoyed.
In winter the area is a popular ski resort and attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the world.
Whilst keeping a thoroughly authentic Japanese feel, the facilities are 'state of the art' with wi-fi, multichannel television and the well-equipped toilets and washing facilities.
The hotel only has five rooms, all of which are different.
One, the Azami is completely detached with its own outdoor hot bath where you can relax while enjoying the stunning mountain views - see the slide show.
The other rooms are:
- The Yamabuki room - accommodates two guests.
- The Odamaki room - up to four guests in ten-mat room.
- The Minaryu room - up to four guests in Japanese/western style accommodation. Two can sleep Japanese style on futons on the tatami mats and there are also two beds in the adjoining room.
- The Fukujusou room - up to six guests. It consists of two rooms, one ten-mat and one six-mat.
All rooms have their own private toilets and mini-kitchens.
Accommodation includes breakfast and dinner.
Breakfast can be western style or Japanese.
Meals are served using locally sourced ingredients.
The menu is seasonal, with rock oysters from Akita in the early summer, ayu (sweetfish) in summer, salmon in autumn and soft roe in winter.
Directions: By train, the nearest bullet train stop is on the Joetsu Shinkansen at Jomokogen (上毛高原駅). From there the JR Jouetsu line (上越線) to Minakami (水上駅). From there it is a five minute taxi ride. See 'Map and Directions' for more details.
Pick Up: The ryokan offers a pick-up service from JR Minakami station. This is a free service.
The ryokan has the following rooms.
IMPORTANT: The rooms shown here may not be available at the time you would like.
Rates quoted are on a per adult basis. Child rates and single-supplements may apply - see the side panel on the right.
When you request a booking you will be asked which rooms you would like.
The ryokan owner will inform you within 24 hours whether the rooms you want are available.
If they are not you may be offered other rooms.
| Yamabuki: Japanese style six mat room, with toilet, wash hand basin and mini-kitchen (half board - sleeps up to 2 - not available on some dates)
total number of rooms 1 |
| Half board (room, evening meal & breakfast) |
| From ¥21,600 to ¥27,100 per person per night depending on occupancy. |
| (from to approx.) |
| Odamaki: Japanese style ten mat room plus a four mat room. With toilet, wash hand basin and mini-kitchen sleeps 2 to 4 - not available on some dates, total number of rooms 1 |
| Half board (room, evening meal & breakfast) |
| From ¥21,600 to ¥28,750 per person per night depending on occupancy. |
| (from to approx.) |
| Minaryu: Japanese style ten mat room plus western style ten mat room. With toilet, wash hand basin and mini-kitchen (half board - sleeps up to 4 - not available on some dates)
total number of rooms 1 |
| Half board (room, evening meal & breakfast) |
| From ¥21,600 to ¥33,700 per person per night depending on occupancy. |
| (from to approx.) |
| Fukujusou: Japanese style ten and six mat rooms plus western style three mat room. Toilet, wash hand basin and mini-kitchen sleeps 2 to 6 - not available on some dates, total number of rooms 1 |
| Half board (room, evening meal & breakfast) |
| From ¥21,600 to ¥34,250 per person per night depending on occupancy. |
| (from to approx.) |
| Azami: Japanese style ten and eight mat rooms, private outdoor bath. Toilet, wash hand basin and mini-kitchen sleeps 2 to 4 - not available on some dates, total number of rooms 1 |
| Half board (room, evening meal & breakfast) |
| From ¥21,600 to ¥38,650 per person per night depending on occupancy. |
| (from to approx.) |
Request reservation
Japanese-style rooms
Japanese-style rooms will have tatami floors and so outdoor shoes may not be worn in them.
Click to go to our 'about Japanese-style rooms' page.
Japanese meals
Click to go to our 'about Japanese food' page to see the types of things on offer in Japan.
Japanese baths
Click to go to our 'how to use a Japanese bath' page.