Satoyama-Jujo Hotel
Room Types
3
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Satoyama Jujo is a celebrated design hotel and wellness retreat in Minami-Uonuma, Niigata, where a 150-year-old relocated kominka farmhouse has been transformed into a contemporary masterpiece with 12 uniquely designed guest rooms. The Michelin-starred restaurant Sanaburi serves all-organic courses rooted in snow country terroir, while two gender-alternating natural hot spring baths offer views of the 1,967-meter Mt. Makihata. Named for ten stories that define its concept, Satoyama Jujo redefines luxury as the experiences and discoveries found in Japan's snow country.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Satoyama-Jujo Hotel?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Creators' Twin
Thoughtfully designed twin room in the modern annex, each featuring unique designer furniture and original artwork. Every room tells its own story through curated objects and materials.
- Unique designer furniture
- Original artwork
- Mountain or forest view
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
Creators' Double
Spacious double room in the modern annex with individually selected designer pieces. Some rooms feature balcony natural hot spring baths.
- Unique designer furniture and artwork
- Some with private balcony onsen bath
- Mountain or forest view
- Free WiFi
- Fireplace (select rooms)
- Private bathroom
The House Izumi / Sen (Restored Kominka)
Standalone restored kominka (old farmhouse) accommodations accepting one group per night. These heritage structures offer total privacy with private entrance, dining area, and authentic rustic atmosphere.
- Entire private farmhouse
- One group per night only
- Private entrance and dining area
- Fireplace and microwave
- Rustic kominka atmosphere
- Free WiFi
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Sodium chloride / bicarbonate hot spring (Osawayama Onsen), 100% natural source with visible mineral deposits
Private Baths
- Balcony natural hot spring bath (select rooms in main building)
- Private bath facilities at The House properties (limited)
Duration: Unlimited for in-room baths
Indoor Baths
- Gender-alternating indoor bath with mountain views
Outdoor Baths
- Gender-alternating outdoor bath with Mt. Makihata panorama
- Wash thoroughly before entering any bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- Keep hair tied up and out of the water
- Check gender-alternating schedule before visiting public baths
- The visible mineral deposits in the water are natural and safe
Dining
Sanaburi -- Michelin-starred restaurant serving organic course dining
In-house bar and lounge for drinks and light snacks
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 5 days before arrival
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Wild mountain vegetable foraging season
- Fresh spring organic menus at Sanaburi
- Snow melt reveals lush green landscape
- Early spring may still have snow on trails
- Foraging excursions are weather-dependent
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lush green mountains and rice paddies at peak beauty
- Mountain trekking and outdoor activities
- Longest daylight hours for exploration
- Humidity can be high
- Book early for summer holiday periods
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Spectacular fall foliage across Mt. Makihata and surrounding mountains
- Autumn harvest ingredients in Sanaburi cuisine
- Comfortable outdoor bathing temperatures
- Peak foliage season books out far in advance
- Weekend traffic from Tokyo can be heavy
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Legendary 3-meter snowfall creates a magical winter wonderland
- Snowshoeing and skiing in deep powder
- Steaming hot springs against snow-covered landscape
- Heavy snowfall can affect transportation
- Snow tires required for driving
- Some activities weather-dependent
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- Chef Keiko Kuwakino won a Michelin star in 2020 and a Gault Millau 15.5 points in 2021 for her organic approach
- The onsen water has visible floating mineral deposits -- a sign of exceptionally pure, unprocessed natural spring water
The House Izumi and Sen are restored kominka farmhouses that accept only one group per night for total seclusion
The hotel's ten stories concept connects every detail -- food, architecture, nature, and art -- into a cohesive narrative
Must-Try Experiences
- Dinner at Sanaburi -- a Michelin-starred organic feast celebrating wild mountain vegetables and snow country terroir
- A dawn soak in the natural hot spring with Mt. Makihata emerging from morning mist
A spring foraging walk to collect wild ferns, butterbur shoots, and seasonal plants
Experience Tips
- Request a foraging walk if visiting in spring -- it transforms your understanding of the cuisine
- Try both public baths as they offer different views and atmospheres
Spend time in the main kominka building to appreciate the 150-year-old architecture
Take the guided nature walk to learn about the snow country ecosystem
Cultural Notes
- Jujo means ten stories -- the hotel's concept is built around ten narratives connecting food, nature, art, and architecture
- Yukiguni (snow country) culture has been shaped by centuries of living with extreme snowfall
Sanaburi is a traditional celebration after rice planting, reflecting the cuisine's deep agricultural roots
The kominka revival movement preserves Japan's rural architectural heritage through adaptive reuse
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
2-3 nights
Getting There
- Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approximately 80 minutes), transfer to JR Joetsu Line to Osawa Station
- Free shuttle from Osawa Station (advance reservation required)
- Flat-rate taxi from Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approximately 20 minutes, 5,200 yen summer / 6,000 yen winter)
- By car from Tokyo: approximately 2.5 hours via Kanetsu Expressway
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 5 days before arrival
Booking Tips
- Reserve well in advance -- particularly for autumn foliage and winter snow seasons
- Request a mountain-view room for Mt. Makihata panorama
- Book The House properties for ultimate privacy (one group per night)
- Reserve the shuttle from Osawa Station at time of booking
- Check for Michelin-starred dinner availability when booking
Preparation Tips
- Pack layers -- mountain temperatures can vary significantly
- Bring good walking shoes for nature walks and foraging excursions
- In winter, ensure your vehicle has snow tires if driving
- Download entertainment as the rooms intentionally encourage disconnection
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Osawa Station (JR Joetsu Line)
History
The main building is a 150-year-old traditional kominka wooden townhouse that was relocated and meticulously renovated into a contemporary design hotel. Located in Japan's Yukiguni (snow country), a region immortalized by Nobel laureate Kawabata Yasunari, this area receives some of the heaviest snowfall on Earth -- up to 3 meters in winter. The deep snow has shaped a unique food preservation culture and agricultural tradition that Satoyama Jujo celebrates. The property also extends to restored kominka farmhouses (The House Izumi, Sen, and Kiroku) that accept one to two groups per night.
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