The cultural city of Minakami is full of attractions, such as Hoshi Onsen Chōjukan and Minakami Onsen, and is loved for its hot springs and riverfront.
Skiers and snowboarders might want to test out the slopes at Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort, a skiing spot located 4.3 mi (6.8 km) from central Katashina. If you master the slopes, Nikko Yumoto Ski Area and Katashina Kogen Ski Place are also just a short drive away.
Skiers and snowboarders might want to test out the slopes at Minakami Kogen Fujiwara Ski Resort, a skiing spot located 13.8 mi (22.2 km) from central Minakami. If you master the slopes, Tambara Ski Park and Minakami Houdaigi Ski Resort are both nearby.
Ski the fall line at Minakami Houdaigi Ski Resort located 13.5 mi (21.7 km) from central Minakami. If you master the slopes, Minakami Kogen Fujiwara Ski Resort and Tambara Ski Park are both nearby.
"Excellent traditional Japanese ryokan hotel with great staff. Having a private onsen (some of the rooms only) overlooking the fast-flowing river was the cherry on top. The rooms are spacious and the in-house restaurant served excellently prepared and presented traditional Japanese food which was a great cultural experience."
"The hotel was build Meiji era so it has a unique character and a charm to it. However, it does not provide a modern convenience. It sets on the top of steep hill so you need to be prepared for some leg work if you don’t have a form of motor transportation."
"This resort went way above and beyond our expectations. The staff was very friendly and helpful, making us feel very comfortable when explaining how things worked. The buffet, lounge, and free drinks and snacks were wonderful. And the facilities are very clean and very well maintained. The different onsens all have different characteristics and they're all very charming and relaxing 😊 Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a luxurious relaxing stay!"
"Within 100 metres of the station and bus links to Kurobe dam and the temples.
I have marked excellent relating to this budget priced hotel so very good value.
Warning don’t be late for breakfast as it is closes on time !"
"Asaya Hotel is not only our favorite hotel in Kinugawa Onsen — it is honestly the main reason we return to Kinugawa Onsen at least once a year. Every stay reminds us why this hotel is so special.
We love the beautiful onsen facilities, especially the public baths with their larger and more spacious atmosphere. I personally prefer the public onsens, where I can fully relax and enjoy the traditional hot spring experience. My wife, on the other hand, especially enjoyed the private hot spring bath in our room, which she used throughout our stay. Having that private bath made the experience even more relaxing and convenient.
The food is another major highlight. Both the breakfast and dinner buffets are excellent, with a wide variety of choices and consistently good quality. The buffet experience is one of the things we always look forward to whenever we stay here.
Most importantly, the staff are genuinely friendly, professional, and caring. On the day of our departure, the taxi we had reserved was cancelled without our knowledge. Instead of simply apologizing or leaving us to figure it out, the hotel staff personally drove us to the train station. That level of hospitality really touched us and showed the heart of Japanese omotenashi service.
Asaya Hotel continues to be our “only hotel” choice whenever we visit Kinugawa Onsen. Between the onsens, the food, the service, and the warm hospitality, it truly feels like a place worth coming back to every year."