Published date: September 18, 2024
Solo Travel: Hokans – Using Shinkansen and Train (with Shuttle Service)
Room Type Stayed
Some info has been automatically translated by AI.
Experience of the stay
I used this hotel for a Hokans trip.
I wanted to escape to a cool place in Niigata during the summer and chose this hotel that had caught my interest for a while.
I took the Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then transferred to a train to Muika-machi, and walked for about 20 minutes to reach the hotel.
I arrived in time for check-in, where I received a detailed explanation of the facilities.
【Hot Spring】
I stored my luggage in my room and immediately went to the large communal bath. Since no other guests were checking in yet, I was able to enjoy the bath and sauna privately.
*Note that the sauna cannot be used in the morning of the following day.
There are private baths available, but they are not reservation-based, so it depends on timing.
【Meals & Light Snack Service】
As the plan did not include breakfast or dinner, I requested an additional dinner. The communication via messaging was smooth, and I added the summer limited grilled sweetfish.
The rice was incredibly delicious, and since seasonal ingredients were plentiful, I highly recommend adding dinner at the hotel.
In the morning, I took advantage of the free services listed below, so I didn't need to get any extras.
【Services】
The free services offered at the facility were quite plentiful.
Free drinks (coffee, tea, lemon water)
Snacks (senbei, mini dorayaki, home pie, etc.)
Sake & umeshu (served as a before-dinner drink)
Cookies and bakery items (served only in the morning)
I was also pleased that the amenities were from OSAJI, which is nice for women.
There are several relaxing spaces separate from the rooms.
On the second day in the morning, I enjoyed coffee and read a book outside, which was especially pleasant. It seemed that other guests also didn’t use these spaces before breakfast, so I had it all to myself.
If you're going, be sure to enjoy the sunrise there.
At check-in, I confirmed the shuttle service and took advantage of a free shuttle to Echigo-Yuzawa Station at 11 o'clock.
Although the travel time was about 30 minutes, the driving was very careful.
Before getting in the car, I chatted with the staff, and they were all very polite, so I was very satisfied with my experience.
I would love to stay at this accommodation again.
Experiences during the trip
【Sightseeing and Gourmet】
Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Contemporary Art Museum MonET
→ Unfortunately, it was drizzling, but since it was an art museum, I was able to enjoy it at my own pace.
Yuzawa Kogen Panorama Park
→ The weather was nice on the second day, so I decided to go sightseeing spontaneously. You can buy round-trip tickets at the hotel for a good price. The ice cream was delicious and the scenery was beautiful.
Ponsyu-kan – Bomb Onigiri
→ Located right next to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, this souvenir shop has eat-in and take-out options.
Mizuyaya
→ A cafe right by Echigo-Yuzawa Station. This place is famous for its roll cake, so I visited for lunch on the first day. It was larger than I expected and very filling. Delicious.
【Transportation】
Using JR East Shinkansen and the Tokudane train
Reserved seat usage is 10% to 30% off
Train travel from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Muika-machi.
For the return trip, I was taken back to Echigo-Yuzawa Station by shuttle. I think transportation is very convenient since shuttle service is available both to and from the station.