What kind of onsen ryokan is Bettei Yaeno?
This is a very cozy villa-style onsen ryokan. The location is in Minakami Onsen. If you are looking for a wonderful room with a private onsen, this is one of the best in JAPAN. There are 4 villa-style rooms only. The property completely emphasizes private experiences for each guest. We didn’t see other guests during our stay.
Perhaps if you love Japanese cuisine, you should stay here. This is one of the amazing gourmet ryokans. We never expected to eat sophisticated Japanese food in such a rural area!
Then, there are many ski resorts within 15min by car. Okutone Snow Park is a 5min walk from the property. If you want to enjoy winter sports, it would be convenient. Also, 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 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 scenery around here is rural.
The onsen ryokan would be great for couples, families, or groups, but not for solo travelers.
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Is the location easy to access?
No, traveling from Tokyo would be 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 it would be easier. Then get off at Minakami Station Bus Stop and get on a Kanetsu-Kotsu bus and get off at Tsunago Bus Stop. It takes 10min. The bus fare is 480JPY per adult. If you tell a bus driver that you are staying at Bettei Yaeno, he will stop in front of it. When you get on a bus, you should show the below Japanese sentence to him.
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. Then get on a Kanetsu-Kotsu bus and get off at Tsunago Bus Stop. If you tell a bus driver that you are staying at Bettei Yaeno, he will stop in front of it.
Kindly let me know when you reach “Bettei Yaeno”
*Please note that I didn’t see any taxi in front of Minakami Station. Also, there’s only about one bus every hour. It is best to check the bus schedule in advance.
**If you are still unsure about the above access information, please do not hesitate to contact me at the space below.
Where is the best accommodation for anniversaries?
If you are looking for a good place for a special occasion, the property would be one of the best. The staff arranges flowers and cakes to celebrate an anniversary at additional charges if you request in advance.
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How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, yukatas, pajamas, and a Japanese tea set in rooms. There are POLA amenities in the bathroom. Room service is not available. There is no convenience store within walking distance. You might want to buy your necessities before coming here. Free Wi-Fi reception was good in our room. Complimentary coffee is available at the lounge.
Also, this is child-friendly. Staff can arrange amenities, samue-outfits, meals, etc. if you request in advance. *One child (ages 3 and under) per adult will be free of charge for co-sleep.
How about In-house Facilities?
Facilities tend to be the latest. There is no communal hot spring. Then this is not a universal design. There is no elevator. There are some steps. If you bring people with weak feet, you should find others.
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How about meals?
The local food experience for dinner and breakfast was just divine. If you love beef, additionally you should order Masuda beef steak. It costs JPY5,500. It’s really good. The portion tends to be average. All meals are served in your room. Dinner starts at 18:00 or 18:30. Breakfast is between 7:30-9:00. After dinner, some rice balls were served in our room.
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.
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My impressions
All staff is so warm, friendly, and attentive. They are the loveliest group. There are many return guests all year round. Overall, I think that the ryokan has a good value for money if compared to Hakone, Atami, Izu, etc. You might want to check-in in the early afternoon and chill out here.
I’ve stayed at many ryokans in my life, but this is incomparably much more comfortable than any other. It will be a valuable experience to stay here. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda
Info about Bettei Yaeno
| Style | Villa-style Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 50,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | Tel +81 278 721266 overseas Tel 0278 721266 domestic |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the ryokan |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Bettei Yaeno’s MAP |
| Access | Refer to the above |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 278 721266 |
| Official Homepage | Bettei Yaeno’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.