What kind of onsen ryokan is Kinseikan Seseragi?
This is a very cozy onsen ryokan in Minakami Onsen. If you want to relax in a beautiful natural setting, listening to the sound of the river and soaking in a hot spring, then this is the perfect place for you. On the other hand, if you are not so keen on hot springs, this is not. The ryokan would be great for family, couples, or solo travelers.
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Is the location easy to access?
No, traveling from Tokyo would be a little tricky. If this is your first time visiting Minakami Onsen, you should take an express bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. It takes around 240min. It is a long time, but no need to change on the way. Then get off at Minakami Station Bus Stop.
A free shuttle service from Minakami Station is available at 14:30 or 15:30. Don’t miss it. You need to book it in advance.
Alternatively, you can take a Joetsu-Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Takasaki Station. It takes 55min. Then Transfer to Joetsu Line and get off at Minakami Station. It takes 65min.
Alternatively, you can take a Joetsu-Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Jomokogen Station. It takes 70min. Then get on a Kanetsu-Kotsu bus and get off at Minakami Station Bus Stop. It takes 25min. The bus fare is JPY630 per adult.
If this is your first visit to Minakami Onsen, you may want to show the below Japanese sentence to a bus driver when you get on a bus.
Kindly let me know when you reach “Minakami Station Bus Stop”
*Please note that I didn’t see any taxis in front of Minakami Station and Jomokogen Station. Also, there’s only about one bus every hour. It is best to check the bus schedule in advance.
**If you are still concerned about the above information, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time in the space below.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with an outdoor private hot spring. We enjoyed white noise from the river and starry sky while soaking in our private bath. It was an extraordinary experience. Then if you don’t want to sleep on Japanese-style mattresses in tatami rooms, you should stay in a room with twin beds.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, yukatas, samue-outfit, humidifiers, and a Japanese tea set in rooms and there are some colorful yukatas for women. Room service is not available. There is no convenience store within walking distance. You might want to buy your necessities before coming here. Also, free Wi-Fi reception was good in our room when we stayed here in 2017. There are some kinds of pillows in the lobby you can choose from. Complimentary coffee is available between 8:30 and 10:00 only.
How about In-house Facilities?
Facilities tend to be the latest. The building is outdated, though. There are outdoor and indoor communal hot springs. Also, there is an indoor private hot spring that guests can use for free whenever it’s not occupied. Then there is a charming outdoor hot spring along the river. *Women can use it between 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Also, it becomes a private family bath between 0:00 AM to 5:00 AM which guests can use whenever it’s not occupied. The spring quality was just wonderful, soft, and smooth. All of them are available from 14:00-10:00 the following morning. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing area.
Then this is not a universal design but there is a wheelchair for borrowing. If you bring people with weak feet, you might want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the lift.
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How about meals?
The local food experience for dinner and breakfast was wonderful. The portion tends to be big. Don’t forget to bring an empty stomach. After dinner, some pocket sushis were served in our room for a night snack. Dinner starts between 18:00 and 19:00, breakfast starts at 7:30 AM. All meals are served in your room, a private room, or a dining area.
Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request it on that day.
Then, as far as I know, there is no restaurant around here. Local papa-mama shops are closing early. You may want to book a room including meals unless you have a car.
My impressions
All staff is so warm, friendly, and attentive. If you want to experience signature Japanese hospitality, this is one of the best. Overall, there are many return guests all year round. If you stay here, you might want to check-in in the early afternoon and chill out here.
At last, the best season to stay here would be in the fall and spring seasons. You can soak in the outdoor baths while viewing beautiful rich nature. Then the location is near Minakami Kogen Ski Resort. Free shuttle service is available from Minakami Station. Please ask the staff for more information if you go to the ski resort. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda
Info about Kinseikan Seseragi
| Style | Japanese Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
14:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 45,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | info@seseragi.co.jp |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the ryokan |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Kinseikan Seseragi’s MAP |
| Access | Free shuttle bus from Minakami Station |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 |
| Official Homepage | Kinseikan Seseragi’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.