Takahan
Takahan is a Yuzawa ryokan that oozes history and tradition. The family owned ryokan has been in the family for 35 generations, it’s 900 years old, and Takahan is the site of the original onsen that was tapped in the Yuzawa area. Needless to say the building has been redone many times over those 900 years, but the history and tradition of the place remains.
To add to the legend surrounding the ryokan, it was the location where the famous “Snow Country” (Yukiguni) novel was written. Looking out across the snowy valley, it’s easy to see how the author Yasunari Kawabata got his inspiration for the book, and why the region is now called “snow country”.
The room in the ryokan where the author stayed has been preserved as a museum, and the museum also includes photos about the movie and other artefacts.
Where is Takahan?
Takahan is located on a hillside overlooking the valley and mountains around
Yuzawa. The ryokan is 1.5km northwest of the EchigoYuzawa train station, 950 metres northwest of the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway, and only 750 metres south of the base of the Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort.
Takahan provides transport to these ski resorts and also to the train station. Transport to other Yuzawa ski resorts is included as part of Snow Country Instructors packages.
Rooms
All rooms are very traditional and have tatami flooring, with futons to sleep on the floor. Rooms have a private toilet and some rooms also have an ensuite bathtub, although you’ll probably want to bathe in the beautiful onsen.
Hotel Facilities
The quality of the onsen water is renowned and the outlook from the baths is also a rather nice. The ladies’ outdoor onsen overlooks the base of Gala Yuzawa and up the mountains, whilst the mens’ outdoor onsen looks out across the valley.
The ryokan has a few communal areas for congregating or just relaxing include a library, TV room and relaxation room with massage chair.
Other facilities and services:
- Ski and snowboard storage area
- Guest laundry
- Thai massages
- Karaoke
- Wifi
- Transport to/from station and nearby ski resorts
Dining
Traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners are served in the dining room.
A Japanese buffet breakfast (with some western type items) is also served in the dining room.