The onsen access schedule prevents men from taking a regular shower-- anywhere in the hotel-- between 7am and 3pm.

Visiting Hoshi Onsen Chojukan as an American was quite different from other experiences I had in Japan. Soaking in the baths twice a day was peaceful and beneficial. The meals served in the dining room were outstanding as well. Tattoos did not seem to be a problem in the baths. I eat a lot but it became difficult to finish the meals with so many different foods available on offer. The service was friendly and responsive, the hotel is well staffed in regards to how many guests it receives. The surrounding area is incredibly beautiful in summertime, and there are many fun areas and activities for tourists. The wifi and the phone signal are poor, which helps with disconnection and relaxation. My mind felt very quiet after staying here for three days.

Stayed in August 2025

-

Exceptional stay with a magical onsen experience.

Stayed in June 2025

The onsen areas with warm water are wonderfull, so relaxing and the atmosfere is beautiful. Enjoy the warm water while looking at the sorrounding nature and mountain is a unforgetable experience. the dinner was very well organised and with lots of japanese deliciuos food. The breakfast could be a little too rich for a European citisens but also good. The employees are welcoming and they are really caring about the guests. It is worth the 2 buses rides to get here :)

Stayed in May 2025

I’m being picky but the third Onsen was tiny, two shower heads and small space, be ready for very firm and thin mattresses but that’s what the place offers so suck it up and enjoy.

Absolutely beautiful property and wonderful staff, the three Onsen’s are all very different, personally the outdoor one was our favourite with the mixed one a close second. Very very traditional stay including the bedding and food, loved it, it’s expensive and way out the way.

Stayed in April 2025

It was very hard to get to so we had to hire a car but it’s also very beautifully located

Such a beautiful place and authentic experience it was the highlight of our trip

Stayed in March 2025

Probably the best Onsen in Japan

Stayed in April 2025

The switching of onsen time and usage of mixed sex in a certain area in a certain time.

A very nice and long historical ryokan. Good rest and Onsen here. Staff are nice and friendly.

Stayed in April 2025

Incredibly beautiful location and facilities.

Stayed in February 2025

A lot of insects in the room

Unique and traditional vibe

Stayed in December 2024

Meals were repetitive, and some dishes may not appeal to a Western palate. The last dinner made me sick to my stomach.

Beautiful property, Onsen, and room. Friendly staff.

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing. It was perfect.

This place was magical! It was everything we expected and much more! The rooms were impeccable, the pool beautiful and historic, the meals were truly exceptional, the staff incredibly friendly and helpful, the site is historical and it was covered in snow when we arrive. We will definitely recommend it!

Stayed in December 2024

The food was fine but nothing to write home about. The beds were of course futons on the floor, which is normal. I was not used to the beanbag pillow though and that was not the most comfortable. But, hard to complain about an authentic experience at a Meiji-era onsen ryokan. Oddly, the first day the staff never came to put away our futons, so we just had beds out all day. But look, you come here for the natural hot spring baths, and it's worth it. Incidentally, if you are using TA-Q-BIN, don't make the same mistake as me - it only took one day for our bags to get there from Tokyo, but to send them from the onsen straight to Haneda would have taken two days, so we had to schlep our heavy bags into an expensive taxi since the local buses are quite small. If you can plan ahead and stash any large luggage in a locker or something you'll be glad for it.

I found this ryokan on a list of tattoo friendly onsens. There is some competing information out there, but I emailed the property directly and they said I could just cover my tattoos with a towel. Once there, I had no issues with my tattoos while using the public baths, despite being a young foreigner amongst elderly Japanese, everyone was nice about it. The baths were absolutely stunning, looked just like the pictures. It snowed one night and to sit in the open-air bath in the snow under a red maple tree was pretty magical. There were also some hiking trails out behind the property that were lovely to walk around in. The local sake was pretty tasty too.

Stayed in November 2024

The place is exquisite. The beauty of the onsen baths and preservation of the building is outstanding. Came for our honeymoon and the staff treated us incredibly well. Everything was beyond our expectations.

Stayed in October 2024

The onsen schedule was a bit confusing at first, but no major hassle.

It's authentic old style Japanese. The actual onsens (3 of them) were stunning, original 1800s buildings. The food was fantastic. The attention to detail in every aspect was outstanding.

Stayed in October 2024

Its a magic place. I was 30 years ago and it keeps its spirit

Its a magic place. I was 30 years ago and it keeps its spirit

Stayed in August 2024

The baths are absolutely beautiful and the ryokan is located in a nicely tucked away in the mountains.

Stayed in July 2024

The place is amazing. Everything is dreamy

Stayed in August 2024

As the place is old, a large spider appeared at some point in the room, but that seems inevitable.

The location is beautiful, the room was extremely relaxing, the baths and food were amazing. A person speaking English well seemed to have been responsible for me, and I felt comfortable asking him all of my questions, as this was my first experience of anything similar. I could use the baths although I have large tattoos. Could get there completely by public transport - although note that one of the buses runs on a different schedule than what google maps believes. The baths are not very large, so perhaps one should read beforehand on the expected behavior.

Stayed in July 2024

Our fourth stay here and we are still absolutely smitten with this place. Comfortable rooms, wonderful staff, delicious food, and the best baths in the prefecture, all wrapped up in a cozy, creaky, glowing inn nestled deep in the woods.

Stayed in May 2024

The onsen is amazing. Seems like leaving in a dream

Stayed in May 2024

This place is just on the top of my ranking. A real Japanese experience with all the necessary detail to make the stay unforgettable. The different baths super clean and with history. The meals offered were delightful. And the environment just as needed, calm, serene and peaceful.

Stayed in May 2024

X

Authentic Tranquillity Honest Simple

Stayed in May 2024

All Is fine

Spa

Stayed in April 2024

The onsen is amazing, they all have a great atmosphere and they have a mixed one. Great dinner and breakfast too!

Stayed in April 2024