Houshi Onsen Chojukan

8.5

This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.5/10, based on 341 reviews.

Rank	Ryokan	Rating	Reviews
🥇 1st	Bettei Senjyuan	9.6/10	252
🥈 2nd	Ryutakuzenji 宿坊	9.5/10	169
🥉 3rd	Kusatsu Hotel Bekkan Wata no Yu (Adult Only)	9.4/10	368
4th	Minakamisansou	9.5/10	104
5th	Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya	9.3/10	1,856
6th	Oyado Yukizumi	9.3/10	426
7th	Super Hydrogen Rich Spa Yado Kanzan	9.4/10	138
8th	Hinatamikan	9.5/10	67
9th	Chigira Jinsentei	9.2/10	611
10th	Uribō Ryokan Nakamichi Urabō	9.2/10	236
11th	Shima Onsen Yoshimoto	9.2/10	197
12th	Kanemidori	9.1/10	1,223
13th	Kirishimaya Ryokan	9.1/10	216
14th	Syoubun	9.2/10	75
15th	Osakaya Ryokan	9.0/10	613
16th	Ayameya Ryokan	9.0/10	376
17th	Akagi Onsen Hotel	9.0/10	158
18th	Hotel Ichii	8.9/10	1,697
19th	Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku	8.9/10	1,185
20th	Soumeian	8.9/10	334
21st	Ekinariya Ryokan	9.5/10	18
22nd	Senkyo	8.9/10	141
23rd	Hot Spring Inn Hyoutan	9.5/10	17
24th	Tokinoniwa	8.8/10	1,803
25th	湯宿みゆきYuyado Miyuki	8.8/10	613
26th	Ryokan Tamura	8.8/10	577
27th	Tatsumikan	8.8/10	567
28th	Yakushi no Yu Yumotokan	8.9/10	93
29th	Hanaingen	8.8/10	409
30th	Omori	9.1/10	34
31st	Urakusatsu TOU	8.7/10	1,485
32nd	Taiyokan	8.7/10	90
33rd	Ryokan Uribō	9.0/10	18
34th	Ryokan Tanigawa	8.6/10	164
35th	Yune no Sakura	9.3/10	8
36th	Retraite Kominka avec chien admis au mont Akagi	8.6/10	70
37th	Mimatsukan	8.5/10	968
38th	Houshi Onsen Chojukan Current ryokan	8.5/10	341
39th	Ikaho Onsen Todoroki	9.0/10	10
40th	宿坊観音院 Temple Hotel Kannonin	8.6/10	38
41st	Yamakikan	8.6/10	31
42nd	KusatsuOnsen AeruyadoTakamatsu	8.6/10	28
43rd	Nakaya Ryokan	8.6/10	18
44th	Shima Yamaguchikan	8.4/10	393
45th	Kusatsu Skyland Hotel	8.4/10	336
46th	Kinseikan Seseragi	8.4/10	198
47th	Mizubasho no Yado Higashi	8.4/10	90
48th	Kinshuusanso	8.4/10	74
49th	Ryuudo	9.0/10	4
50th	Nitaya	8.4/10	19
51st	Sarugakyo Hotel	8.3/10	202
52nd	Hanasaku Onsen Yoshiyaso	8.3/10	113
53rd	Minakami Hotel Juraku	8.3/10	32
54th	Sawatari Onsen Miyataya Ryokan	8.3/10	24
55th	Harunako Onsen Yusuge	8.3/10	20
56th	Fukunoya, source thermale naturelle	3.0/10	0
57th	Hotel Spax Kusatsu	8.2/10	577
58th	Ikaho Syusuien	8.2/10	643
59th	Manza Onsen Nisshinkan	8.2/10	664
60th	くさつのお宿清重館 Kiyoshigekan 素泊りの宿	8.1/10	174
61st	Hibikino	8.1/10	225
62nd	Shinsuikan, source cachée facilement accessible depuis Tokyo	7.7/10	5
63rd	Toyoko Inn Maebashi Ekimae	8.1/10	758
64th	Healthy Pal Akagi	7.7/10	19
65th	Kitakaruizawa Kogen Hotel, auberge de la forêt	7.5/10	14
66th	Ryokan Fukuzen	7.7/10	104
67th	Shima Tamura	7.7/10	977
68th	Yorokobinoyado Takamatsu	7.6/10	1,304
69th	Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Ikaho	7.5/10	129
70th	LiVEMAX RESORT Kusatsu Onsen	7.5/10	394
71st	Shinki	7.4/10	143
72nd	Hotel Kimura	7.1/10	135
73rd	Oyado Matsubaya	4.0/10	7
74th	Ikaho Grand Hotel	7.0/10	771
75th	Hotel Yunojin	5.3/10	729
76th	Goroji Bekkan	4.1/10	52
77th	Itoen Hotel Kusatsu	4.9/10	581
78th	Shima Onsen Yuzuriha	3.7/10	57
79th	Yumoto Choseikan	4.0/10	156

Check-in from 3:00 PM

Mountain Setting Riverside Location National Park Quiet Village Public Onsen Open-Air Bath

Location

379-1401 Gunma, Minakami, Nagai 650, Japan

Staff 8,4/10

Facilities 8,8/10

Cleanliness 8,4/10

Comfort 8,2/10

Value for money 7,7/10

Location 9,0/10

Historic BathhouseFamous heritage bathhouse delivers a rare old-Japan soaking experience.

Pure Spring WatersNatural free-flowing hot spring water is a standout draw here.

Riverside SeclusionSet by the Houshi River, it feels quiet, remote, and restorative.

Traditional RoomsTatami rooms with futons and yukata create an authentic ryokan stay.

Scenic Nature ViewsLarge windows and surrounding greenery add calm mountain-side atmosphere.

Japanese Set MealsJapanese breakfast and dinner strengthen the classic countryside ryokan experience.

Recommended stay1-2 nightsRemoteness is the main driver here: arrive mid-afternoon, settle into the historic baths, eat dinner on-site, sleep early, enjoy breakfast and one more soak before moving on. A second night works if you want a very slow rhythm or to pair it with Sarugakyo or wider Minakami nature stops, but the immediate area is too sparse for a long stay.

Trip-planning verdict: Best as a one-night destination ryokan or a quiet two-night nature break, not as a convenient sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Remote accessReaching it usually involves Jomo-Kogen plus bus transfer or car, so late arrivals are inconvenient.

Limited walk-out optionsThis is an isolated inn setting, not an onsen town with many shops, cafes, or evening choices.

Mixed bath setupOne of its best-known baths uses mixed bathing, which may be uncomfortable for some travelers.

Can overstayChoose two nights only if you truly want quiet bathing time; nearby sightseeing density is modest.

Dining Room (on-site)

on-site

Main meal venue for Japanese breakfast and seasonal dinner.

Sarugakyo Hotel (nearby)

nearbyabout 5.2 km

Well-known nearby stop for tofu-focused kaiseki in Sarugakyo.

Mantenboshi no Yu (nearby)

nearbyabout 15 min drive

Hot spring stop in Sarugakyo with casual meal options nearby on the route.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Useful access points Stations, stops, airports and practical travel advice.

Best way to arrive For most travelers, arrive at Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, continue toward Sarugakyo, and use a taxi for the final stretch if bus timing is inconvenient. Gokan Station is also useful for regional rail travelers, but road access is still needed to reach the ryokan comfortably with luggage.

Gokan Stationstation
12 kmtoo far to walk comfortablyabout 25–35 min by car or taxiabout 45–70 min depending on local bus timing
Useful for travelers arriving on conventional JR lines; closer than the Shinkansen station by road, but less convenient for long-distance arrivals from Tokyo.
Minakami Stationstation
13 kmabout 35–45 min by car or taxitypically slower and indirect; best checked locally
Reasonable fallback station for travelers already exploring Minakami, but usually less direct than Jomo-Kogen for first arrival to the ryokan.
Jomo-Kogen Stationstation
17 kmabout 35–45 min by car or taxiabout 50–70 min with bus transfer, timing best checked locally
Best overall rail gateway for travelers coming from Tokyo by Shinkansen; most practical arrival point if you want the fastest long-distance train access.
Hoshi Onsen Bus Stopbus
70 mabout 1–3 minabout 3–5 min by taxilocal town bus stop; service appears limited and best checked locally
Closest bus stop to the ryokan, but service is limited, so it is best used only if your bus timing matches your check-in or departure plans.
Sarugakyo Bus Stopbus
5.6 kmtoo far to walk comfortablyabout 15–20 min by taxiabout 15–25 min by local bus when operating
Practical transfer point from the main bus route; a taxi from here is often the easiest solution if the Hoshi Onsen local bus does not line up well.
Niigata Airportairport
137 kmabout 2.1 h by caroften about 3.5–5 hours overall with rail and road connections, route planning essential
Potentially useful if your itinerary continues through Niigata or northern Japan, but usually less straightforward than arriving via Tokyo.
Tokyo Haneda Airportairport
158 kmabout 2.4 h by caroften about 3.5–5 hours overall via Tokyo-area rail connections and Jomo-Kogen
Best airport choice for many international visitors because it connects efficiently into Tokyo rail networks for onward travel to Gunma.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points

Remarkable historic atmosphereThis inn is known for its long history and preserved architecture, giving the stay a sense of old Japan that feels far more distinctive than a standard ryokan. It suits travelers who value character, heritage, and a memorable setting over modern luxury.
Iconic hot spring bathsThe baths are the main draw here, with a classic and highly atmospheric bathing experience that many guests consider the reason to come. It is especially appealing if soaking in a historic onsen is your priority, not just having a room with dinner.
Beautiful secluded mountain settingSet in the Minakami mountains by the river, the property feels quiet and removed from busy tourist hubs. That sense of isolation adds to the retreat-like mood and makes it attractive for travelers wanting nature and calm.
Traditional ryokan experience with local foodMeals highlight regional specialties from Gunma and nearby Niigata, which makes the stay feel rooted in place rather than generic. This is a strong fit for travelers who see dinner and breakfast as part of the cultural experience.
Strong reputation for service and overall stay qualityGuest feedback is consistently very positive on cleanliness, staff, location feel, and facilities, suggesting the property delivers well on its traditional concept. That reliability matters when booking a remote ryokan stay.

5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs

Remote and time-consuming to reachGetting here is not especially simple, with a bus journey from Jomo-Kogen Station and a transfer, or a longer drive from the expressway. It is less suitable if you want a ryokan that fits easily into a fast-paced itinerary.
Weak Wi-Fi for connected travelersGuest feedback indicates internet performance can be poor despite Wi-Fi being available. If you need dependable connectivity for work, streaming, or trip planning, this may be frustrating.
Traditional style over modern comfortThe appeal here is historic ambiance, which also means some travelers may find it less polished or less convenient than newer luxury ryokan. Those wanting cutting-edge design, spa-like finishes, or fully modern rooms may be underwhelmed.
Mixed bathing may not suit everyoneThe property offers both gender-separated and mixed bathing, and that old-style onsen culture can feel uncomfortable for some guests. Travelers who strongly prefer fully private or strictly separated bath options should think carefully.
Value may feel uneven for some budgetsReviews suggest the experience is highly rated overall, but value for money scores are lower than other categories. If you judge a stay mainly by room luxury and convenience rather than heritage and atmosphere, the price may feel harder to justify.

Current position: 38th out of 79 ryokans in Gunma.

Rank	Ryokan	Rating	Reviews
33rd	Ryokan Uribō	9.0/10	18
34th	Ryokan Tanigawa	8.6/10	164
35th	Yune no Sakura	9.3/10	8
36th	Retraite Kominka avec chien admis au mont Akagi	8.6/10	70
37th	Mimatsukan	8.5/10	968
38th	Houshi Onsen Chojukan Current ryokan	8.5/10	341
39th	Ikaho Onsen Todoroki	9.0/10	10
40th	宿坊観音院 Temple Hotel Kannonin	8.6/10	38
41st	Yamakikan	8.6/10	31
42nd	KusatsuOnsen AeruyadoTakamatsu	8.6/10	28
43rd	Nakaya Ryokan	8.6/10	18