Bettei Senjyuan

What kind of onsen ryokan is Bettei Senjyuan?

This is like a museum.  If you are looking for a luxury boutique ryokan in Gunma, I would recommend it.  Each room has a wonderful outdoor private onsen.  You can fully enjoy your private bath while viewing beautiful nature.  There are 18 rooms only.

Also, there are many ski resorts within 15min by car.  If you want to enjoy winter sports, it would be convenient.  A free shuttle service is available from Minakami Station to Minakami Kogen Ski Resort.  Please ask the staff for more information if you go to the ski resort.

On the other hand, if you are not so keen on hot springs, you may get bored during your stay.  Perhaps, if you want to hang out around onsen town in Yukata such as Kusatsu Onsen, Arima Onsen, Kurokawa Onsen, etc., this is not.  If you are expecting a typical onsen town, this is not the place for you.

The ambiance is serene, tranquil, and cozy.  The onsen ryokan would be great for couples, family, 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 and get off at Minakami Station Bus Stop.  It takes 280min by bus.  It is a long time, but no need to change the way. 

A free shuttle bus from Minakami Station is available.  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.

水上駅のバス停に着いたら、教えてください。
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.

Where is the best accommodation for anniversaries in Gunma?

If you are looking for a good place for a special occasion, the property would be one of the best.  The staff can arrange cakes to celebrate an anniversary at an additional charge if you request in advance.
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How are the rooms?

If you don’t want to sleep on Japanese-style mattresses in tatami rooms, you should book rooms with twin beds.  The western rooms and Japanese-western rooms only have age-restricted, 13 years and older can stay.  Others have no age limit.

How about toiletries & in-room amenities?

All of the amenities are taken care of including many toiletries, yukatas, loungewear, bathrobes, coffee machine with some capsules, complimentary mini-bar including beer, Japanese sake, champagne, etc., Japanese tea set and English tea bags in a room.  Room service is not available.  There are some kinds of Japanese mattresses and pillows you can choose from.  Free Wi-Fi reception was good in the building.  Then there is a convenience store nearby.  You may want to buy your necessities before coming here.  Also, there is a binocular telescope in each room for bird-watching.  If you are lucky, you may be able to see animals from your room, such as deer, raccoon dogs, squirrels, etc., as well.

How about In-house Facilities?

Overall, facilities tend to be a bit worn-out, but well-maintained  There is a mountain hut-style library with complimentary coffee and baked sweets.  You can chill out here while reading a book in front of the fireplace.  That’s precious time.  Also, there is a lobby lounge with complimentary beverages including wine, whiskey, Japanese sake, etc., at night only.  If you stay here, you might want to check-in in the early afternoon.

Then there are large indoor and outdoor communal hot springs.  The water temperature tends to be a bit high and the spring quality was wonderful.  All of them are available for 24H.  *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing area.

Then this is a universal design.   There are some rooms for wheelchair users and some wheelchairs for borrowing.
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How about meals?

This is just my opinion, but kaiseki cuisine for dinner wouldn’t be special.  The food for dinner was good, but there was no impression of this price range.  The portion tends to be small.  After dinner, the staff prepared two rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves on the table in our room and fruits in a minibar.  That’s a great service.  Then you can choose either Western or Japanese cuisine for breakfast only.  All meals are served in a private room in 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.  You may want to book a room including meals unless you have a car.

My impressions

All staff tends to be sophisticated, proactive, and efficient.  If you want to experience signature Japanese hospitality, it’s well worth staying.  The onsen ryokan is spectacular to stay with attention to every detail.  The large garden has a lot of fascinating each season.  When we were taking a walk in the garden, we met a family of wild monkeys!  Have a nice trip!  Welcome to receive any questions about the hotel from the below space.  Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda

Info about Bettei Senjyuan

Style	Luxury Onsen Ryokan
Guest Rating	Superb 9.3
Estimated Price	70,000 JPY for 2 adults per room
Contact	info@senjyuan.jp
Internet Connection	Free Wifi in the ryokan
Facility Information	Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available
Location	Bettei Senjyuan’s MAP
Access	Free shuttle bus provided from Minakami Station Need to book it in advance
Address and TEL	614 Tanigawa, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun Gunma 379-1619  Tel +81 278-20-4141
Official Homepage	Bettei Senjyuan’s HP

All information is as of the date that I posted on my blog.