Minakami, Gunma Prefecture hotel rooms at the Independent

"Tourist IG trap. Feels nothing like Japanese. Very much an American ran hotel that pretends to be Japanese. Food both breakfast and dinner very westernized Japanese food and don’t taste good. Everything is designed to look good for a camera but no substance. My shoes were very dirty from a hike. Staff informed us they shoe cleaning service for free. Turns out just tapping the shoe. I went to front desk and ask if I can pay for a proper shoe clean. Staff was confident they have this service but this isn’t his “department” and informed me they will have the “proper team” contact me to arrange, never heard back! Horrible service. Incredible over priced for what they provide. I moved from a Japanese brand ryokan and this hotel can’t remotely compare in service and room, and they are also much more competitively price. This place is just a IG trap!!! The hype is a fraud. "

"Do not pay for the kaiseki breakfast and lunch it is really not worth it. The onsens and the staff are great. But avoid paying for the diner and breakfast. When we pay more than 500 usd per night we expect the possibility to choose a vegetarian meal. But they just refused. They offer a list of 28 ingredients that you have to remove all together (including sea food, eggs, milk....and some meat). And even if you order this, they still can serve you lamb or duck... It is not my first high end ryokan but it is th first time i see this kind of process.... The kaiseki is a big part of the price we pay and it is definetely not worth it..."

"Staff was very accommodating, room was very spacious and the hotels animals are very friendly. We were able to use the onsen having tattoos. Would definitely stay here again"

"Very nice hotel with a great location!"

"We had a wonderful stay. The dinner and breakfast were so delicious and spa facilities are clean and great."

"Great location and ski in ski out. Small but comfortable room for family of 4, Onsen is a blessing! It’s a little tired, super busy hotel. Outrageously priced buffet dinner, go elsewhere. Free shuttle makes that easy, but make sure you book all offsite options. "

"Very clean and well maintained hotel. Staff were very helpful they had a native English speaker at the desk. Great amenities. "

"Nice place to be. Staff very nice and cordial. "

"Good breakfast, friendly staff, clean room"