Kutsurogian

Honestly, Japan’s customer service is already top-tier, but the team at Kutsurogian hotel completely blew us away. Despite the language barrier, they guided us with care and kindness. They made us feel comfortable from the second we walked in. They provide that perfect balance of being super attentive while still giving us total privacy to just relax and vibe. The staff genuine friendliness and warmth made the entire stay feel special and unforgettable. Kutsuriogan is tucked away in a stunning alpine like location with beautiful mountains View. It feels exactly like staying in a small cozy chalet. It has private onsen baths only, so we didn't have to deal with the split male/female public baths like at other locations. The service is incredibly intimate because they have only 3 guests rooms. You get your own charming private dinner room, which feels like having a private chef just for the two of you. The food in Niigata was better than anywhere else we ate on our trip; this fertile region produces amazing ingredients, and the culinary skills at this onsen are truly Michelin guide-worthy.

Nothing

Let's start with the service. Exemplary. Nothing beats being welcomed the moment you open the car door. The lady insisted carrying our bags up the stairs to the entrance even though I told her it was heavy. This type of can do spirit is so typical of only top notch places where guests are expected to lift a finger . Next, facilities. With only 3 rooms and 2 Onsens, the immediate feeling is one of exclusivity. Our rooms were large and could easily sleep 2 adults and 2 teens ( but I think this place is perfectly suited to couples on their honeymoon). Guests were allowed exclusive use of one onsen per day for at least an hour (but we were allowed 2 hours because there was only one other couple). The onsen only becomes public at 10pm to 10am. When it's your private onsen, the fridge is stocked with sake, premium local beers, juices etc . All of which is complimentary! Food. The standard rate includes only breakfast which is fantastic and served in one of 2 beautiful dining rooms or even your own room. We stayed multiple nights but always had exclusive use of either of the dining rooms even though there were others. Exclusivity ! At least one of the nights, request for the room with the irori, the traditional sunken hearth which has breathtaking views of the nearby mountains in the morning. I also recommend that at least one night you pull the trigger and pay for the equally magnificent kaiseki dinner. The quality of the local ingredients will speak for themselves but come hungry, this is a multiple course meal that will put you in a food coma if you're small eaters like us. When you leave you will be all rested and satiated. The staff will wait for you at the entrance to wave their farewells as you drive off. If you look in the rear view mirror, they will continue to wave till you disappear from view around the corner ! Now that's commitment to service!!

Our room only had an attached toilet with a small sink (not sure about the other rooms) that does not lend itself well to brushing teeth or washing your face. You're expected to do that at the public bath area where shavers, toothbrush and tooth paste are provided. A minor gripe if you ask me, even if you're in the farthest room, it's still only about 25 paces away.

It is a such exceptional stay in Kutsurogian, peaceful and enjoyable. Hotel staffs are very welcoming, and food is very fresh and traditional. As we are en route to Kiyotsukyo, hotel offered us the ride after our stay. This gave us a half day of extra time to enjoy Yuzawa afterwards. Totally beyond our expectations. Thank you very much!

Nothing!

The staffs are so welcoming. They provided a daily shuttle service even in bad weather, and they were very accommodating with our last-minute requests and changes. The onsen is very clean and comfortable. The whole experience staying with Kutsurgian was amazing! I highly recommend this place!