The 10 Best Hotels in Niigata

Niigata Prefecture, located along the north-western coast of Honshu (main island of Japan), is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich culture, and world-renowned hot springs. From the powdery ski slopes of Echigo-Yuzawa to the serene hot spring towns and the vibrant capital city of Niigata, this region offers diverse experiences for every traveler. To ensure your stay in Niigata is exceptional, we’ve compiled a list of the best hotels that showcase the area's hospitality, onsen (hot springs) culture, and stunning landscapes.

If you’re looking for a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that feels traditional but doesn’t compromise on comfort, then look no further than Echigo Yuzawa Hatago Isen. This hotel is renowned for its historic aesthetic, exquisite onsen baths, and convenient proximity to nearby ski resorts. Guests can enjoy sunken fireplaces, spacious rooms with tatami floors, sliding shoji screens, and plush ‘bed mat’ style Japanese futon mattresses. The hotel’s hot spring baths provide a soothing retreat after a day of skiing or sightseeing.

Echigo Yuzawa Onsen Naspa New Otani is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious mountain getaway. This expansive resort offers a variety of accommodation options, from Western-style rooms to traditional Japanese suites. 

The hotel boasts an impressive array of onsen facilities, including a large communal bath with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. During winter, guests can enjoy direct access to the ski slopes, making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.

Located in the heart of Niigata City, Hotel Okura Niigata represents urban sophistication at its finest. This upscale hotel offers elegant rooms with panoramic views of the city and the Shinano River.

The hotel's amazing restaurant offers a delicious buffet with waterfront views. The hotel’s convenient location makes it an ideal base for exploring Niigata City’s various attractions and vibrant food scene.

Echigo Yuzawa Onsen Futaba is a charming ryokan that captures the essence of traditional Japanese hospitality. Known for its warm, family-like atmosphere, this inn offers cozy rooms with tatami floors and futon bedding.

The highlight of the stay here is undoubtedly the onsen experience, with both indoor and outdoor baths fed by natural geothermal springs. Guests can also savor exquisite kaiseki course meal featuring local Niigata ingredients.

Echigo Yuzawa Onsen Shosenkaku Kagetsu stands out for its minimalist architecture and serene ambiance. This elegant ryokan offers spacious rooms, many of which overlook the mountains.

The hotel’s communal onsen facilities are equally impressive, featuring both indoor and outdoor baths that utilize Niigata’s therapeutic mineral waters. Foodies will appreciate the meticulously prepared kaiseki dinners showcasing the best of Niigata’s seasonal ingredients and local recipes.

Shiratama no Yu Kahou offers a tranquil retreat in the hot spring town of Tsukioka Onsen. This ryokan is known for its ultra sulfur-rich onsen waters, which is said to have both therapeutic and beautifying properties. Guests can enjoy the public and private baths, both contemporary and traditional Japanese décor, and attentive service. There’s also a pool, spa, an arcade, and an izakaya restaurant on-site.

For a luxury mountain experience, Lotte Arai Resort is hard to beat. This all-season resort offers modern, spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. In winter, it's a skier paradise with direct access to the slopes.

During warmer months, guests can enjoy hiking, ziplining, and other outdoor activities. The resort's extensive facilities include a buffet restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, and onsen facilities.

Atema Kogen Resort Belnatio is the great choice for groups and families. Set amidst the beautiful Atema Highlands, this resort offers premium Western-style rooms and comfortable cottages.

The hotel’s onsen is a highlight, with open-air baths overlooking beautiful gardens that change dramatically with the seasons. In winter, guests can enjoy snowboarding and skiing, while summer offers hiking opportunities and the cool mountain air.

Combining the best of traditional and modern Japanese accommodations, Tsukioka Onsen Hotel Seifuen offers a range of rooms that are sure to impress.

The hotel’s onsen facilities are a highlight, as are both outdoor and indoor facilities. Guests can also enjoy an upscale Japanese-style buffet served in a traditional and extravagant setting.

Rounding out our list is Tsukioka Onsen Shiratama no Yu Senkei, another gem in the Tsukioka Onsen area. This ryokan is renowned for its excellent service and beautiful onsen baths. The rich sulfuric waters of its hot springs are said to have numerous health benefits.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and on-site facilities include a lobby lounge with views of the garden, a souvenir shop, and a spa. The hotel’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider Niigata area.