[13 Recommended Places to Stay in Niigata by Area] Choose the Perfect Base to Enjoy the Charms of the Sea of Japan and the Mountains

Shiki no Yado Minoya is an accommodation in Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara District, Niigata Prefecture.
Founded in 1701, this long-established ryokan has welcomed travelers for more than 300 years.
It stands in front of Yahiko Shrine at the foot of the mountain, making it a convenient base for sightseeing.
The inn’s signature feature is its open-air observation bath fed by natural hot spring water. From the bath, you can enjoy a full view of Mt. Yahiko.

A campground operated directly by Snow Peak, the long-established camping brand headquartered in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture.
Set on gently rolling hills, it offers views as far as nearby Mt. Awa and Mt. Sumon on clear days.
In addition to free sites, guests can choose from a variety of plans, including powered sites, group sites, and mobile houses jointly developed with architect Kengo Kuma.

A glamping facility located on a hill overlooking the Sea of Japan in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture.
The property is surrounded by nature and features 11 dome tents in total.
All tents come with ocean views.
Guest rooms include a variety of types, such as rooms with private saunas and rooms with private dog runs where you can stay with your dog.

Located in Akakura Onsen, known as one of Niigata’s finest hot spring areas, Hotel Taiko is a long-established ryokan known for its historic waters first opened in 1816 and its spectacular open-air bath overlooking Mt. Myoko.
You can fully enjoy the waters of Akakura Onsen, loved by many literary greats, in the open-air observation bath and large public bath.
The spring water has the rare combination of sulfate and bicarbonate qualities and is highly regarded for beautifying the skin and helping heal wounds.

A pioneering highland resort established in 1937.
Its highlights include superb views from an elevation of 1,000 m and free-flowing Akakura Onsen water, said to have first opened in the Edo period, from the source.
While respecting tradition and elegance, the hotel continues to evolve by building the Premium Wing and SPA & SUITE Wing with guest rooms featuring open-air hot spring baths and by renovating guest rooms with hot springs in the main building.

Tsukioka Onsen is known for its highly moisturizing waters, often called a “hot spring that makes you even more beautiful,” along with streets full of Japanese charm.
Among its popular inns, Shiratama no Yu Kahou is a large ryokan with 109 rooms, standing on a gentle hill.
Its private spring, Shiratama no Yu, shines emerald green and is a sulfur-rich hot spring with one of the highest mineral contents in Japan, known for excellent skin-beautifying effects.

An inn with its own private spring drawing from the independently excavated Shiratama no Yu source.
You can enjoy the vivid emerald-green waters, ranked among the highest in Japan for sulfur content, in the large public bath and open-air bath.
The interior combines Japanese and Western styles in an elegant design, with carefully crafted spaces from the lobby and guest rooms to the stone garden.
The open-air bath fed by the inn’s prized private spring is especially appealing for the seasonal atmosphere of the garden that surrounds it.

A hot spring ryokan in Matsunoyama Onsen, said to have been discovered Approx. 700 years ago.
The main building, a three-story wooden structure built in 1938, is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property registered by the national government.
Matsunoyama Onsen is known as one of Japan’s three great medicinal hot springs, alongside Kusatsu and Arima, and has long been famous as a therapeutic bathing destination.
Its dissolved mineral content is Approx. 15 times the standard for hot spring water, and its high salt concentration, along with sodium’s salt-pack effect, warms the body from the core and helps prevent chills after bathing.

A four-season resort hotel surrounded by nature in Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture.
In winter, NASPA Ski Garden opens with direct access from the hotel, where everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy skiing and snow activities.
In spring, summer, and fall, NASPA CAMP GARDEN opens, offering glamping in the great outdoors as well as immersive VR experiences and laser mazes in the indoor area.

Kaikake Onsen, which has a history of 700 years since its opening, has been known since the Edo period (1603–1868) for its benefits for eye ailments.
Deep in nature-rich Okuyuzawa, surrounded by mountains, a charming inn built in the style of a village headman’s residence stands farther along a steep mountain road, as if from another era.
That is Me no Onsen Okuyuzawa Kaikake Onsen.

HOTEL AZUMA is a hot spring resort standing by the sea in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture.
It has a history dating back to 1925, when it first opened as the traditional Japanese restaurant Azuma.
It enjoys an outstanding location overlooking Nanaura Coast, selected as one of the 100 Best Sunsets over the Sea of Japan, where you can enjoy the ever-changing expressions of the sea and sky.
The sunset view in particular is breathtaking and never fails to captivate visitors.

A resort hotel located in the Sotokaifu area at the northernmost tip of Sado Island.
Standing on a hill with a full view of the scenic Futatsugame area, it offers an open, airy setting embraced by the sea and sky.
From spring through fall, it is also known as a place where you can enjoy both the sunset over the sea and the sunrise the next morning.
All guest rooms face the sea and come in four types: Standard Twin, Superior Twin, Maisonette, and Log House.

A long-established hotel opened in 1964 in Aikawa Kasugasaki on the west coast, one of the island’s leading scenic spots.
All 72 guest rooms overlook Sado’s vast sea, and the sunset views in the evening are especially stunning.
Renovations carried out in 2023 and 2024 gave the hotel a more modern look, refreshing the premium suite rooms as well as the water terrace, lounge, restaurant, and large public bath.