厳美渓温泉いつくし園
5,9/10 Average - Based on 45 reviews
Set beside the Genbikei ravine, Itsukushien presents a quiet, folk‑craft style ryokan with timber details, lawned gardens and bamboo groves framing river views. The property offers roughly 47 Japanese‑style rooms, most with river outlooks and a mix of en‑suite and traditional facilities; rooms are described as spacious tatami layouts suitable for solo travellers, couples or families. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout and a small co‑working area available before check‑in and after check‑out, positioning the property as a ryokan with onsen in Tohoku that balances traditional atmosphere with simple business conveniences.
The hot‑spring facilities are the core attraction: seven source‑fed baths supply a sodium‑chloride and bicarbonate spring at about 45°C with a flow around 120 litres per minute and a measured pH near 7.8. The water contains metasilicic acid and is promoted for skin conditioning and for relief of neuralgia, muscle and joint discomfort; bathing options include large indoor granite tubs and renewed hinoki (cypress) open‑air baths that overlook the river. Regular bathing hours run in the mid‑afternoon through midnight and again early morning; day‑use bathing is offered at midday on specified days, and the sauna is currently suspended for maintenance, so confirm availability before planning a visit.
Dining focuses on seasonal local produce and regional specialities — mountain game, Sanriku seafood and locally reared Maesawa beef feature alongside set menu and banquet options, plus an on‑site Chinese restaurant for alternative flavours. The ryokan provides parking and is a short walk from the Genbikei viewing area, with easy driving access to Hiraizumi and Ichinoseki cultural sites. As a service‑oriented ryokan with onsen in Iwate, the property suits travellers seeking straightforward hot‑spring bathing, riverside views and regional cuisine within reach of nearby heritage attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 厳美渓温泉いつくし園
Positive Reviews
Tasty meals with variety
Many guests praised the food—both breakfast and dinner were described as delicious, plentiful, and using good local ingredients (for example local beef), leaving guests very satisfied.
Extensive, enjoyable onsen baths
Multiple reviews highlight the onsen experience: a variety of outdoor baths, relaxing river-side/stellar views while soaking, and generally pleasant hot-spring quality that guests enjoyed.
Friendly and attentive staff
Several guests reported good service and caring staff who made stays pleasant; staff helped with reservation issues and were commended for polite, helpful interactions.
Rooms are spacious and nicely refurbished
Many noted that rooms felt roomy, were clean or had been renovated, and offered comfortable sleeping arrangements (including comfortable beds and large windows with views).
Peaceful, scenic location
Guests appreciated the tranquil surroundings and scenic views (river/Genbikei), which contributed to a relaxing stay and enjoyable room-side tea/relaxation moments.
Negative Reviews
Cleanliness and pest concerns
Some guests reported serious cleanliness problems — musty or moldy smells, visible dirt in places, and pests (bugs and cockroaches) entering rooms at night — which negatively affected their stay.
Aged facilities and need for upgrades
Several reviews mentioned that parts of the hotel feel old or worn (small TVs, dated fixtures, floor stains) and would benefit from renovation or upgrades to meet expectations.
Noise and poor soundproofing
Multiple guests were disturbed by noise from adjacent rooms or halls; inadequate soundproofing and audible neighbour conversations impacted sleep and comfort.
Inconsistent onsen experience and safety/comfort issues
A few reviews noted problems with the baths—chlorine smell in one case, some outdoor baths unavailable, or water being too cool. Also the onsen floor can be slippery and requires caution.
Service inconsistency and small amenity shortcomings
While many praised staff, others experienced unfriendly or blunt front-desk interactions and slow handling of incidents. Guests also mentioned minor amenity issues (e.g., limited in-room tea, requests for stronger blackout curtains, signage that looks old).
Frequently Asked Questions
Itsukushien has 47 rooms with a total capacity around 220 guests; room types are primarily Japanese-style tatami rooms that sleep from about 1 up to 6 guests using futons (examples: 4‑futon and 6‑futon layouts).
Yes — the property uses natural hot spring water and offers multiple bathing options including large public indoor baths and outdoor (open‑air) baths that face the gorge.
Private/family bathing can often be arranged on request for a set time; contact the front desk when you arrive or add the request to your reservation.
The ryokan offers station shuttle/pickup on request (commonly for Hiraizumi/Ichinoseki area); there is no regular scheduled airport transfer, so airport travelers usually take train or taxi to Ichinoseki and then the hotel shuttle or a short taxi ride.
The nearest airport is Iwate‑Hanamaki (about 64 km). Typical routes: shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station then a local bus or taxi (about 15–25 minutes), or drive from Ichinoseki IC in roughly 10 minutes.
Some English is usually available, but staff English levels can be limited; for specific requests or guided services it is best to notify the hotel in advance.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (hotel notes arrivals are typically accepted until around 19:00) and check‑out is by 10:00.
Pets are not permitted at the property; privatization of baths may be possible by prior request — ask the ryokan on booking or at check‑in.
The ryokan has an on‑site restaurant and serves breakfast (buffet/Asian) and seasonal dinner menus featuring local ingredients; inform the hotel in advance about dietary restrictions so they can accommodate where possible.
Itsukushien sits by Genbikei Gorge (short walk), with Geibikei boat rides, Hiraizumi’s temples (Mōtsū‑ji, Chūson‑ji) and Takkoku no Iwaya within easy reach; local buses and taxis run from Ichinoseki Station, and a car is convenient for exploring the wider area.