奥州平泉温泉旅館 itsumu
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 49 reviews
ITSUMU is a contemporary ryokan set on the gentle hills overlooking the historic Hiraizumi area, opened in 2025 and designed with regional timber and clean, restrained interiors that blend Japanese tatami spaces with western comforts. Room types run from 36 m² modern twin rooms to a spacious 82.7 m² suite; superior rooms and the suite are equipped with an in-room view onsen bath so guests can enjoy a private soak while looking over the surrounding landscape. Positioned to serve visitors to the nearby temple precincts, the property operates as a ryokan with private onsen in Iwate for those seeking an in-room bathing option alongside communal facilities.
The property’s hot spring provision comprises a semi-open (half-roofed) large public bath sited to frame a planted garden and seasonal views, and the in-room view baths that the hotel describes as carrying the same spring effects as the main bath. Water is presented as a clear, mild spring suited to leisurely bathing; towels and basic toiletries are provided and an amenity corner supplies skincare items for guest use. Bathing hours and guest capacity for the public bath are managed to avoid crowding, while rooms with dedicated baths allow discrete, private use without sharing the larger facilities.
Culinary offerings emphasise local sourcing: tasting menus draw on regional produce such as Maesawa beef and northern salmon, with house condiments crafted from local spring water; meals are served in-house with attention to seasonal presentation. Practical features include hotel-managed parking and building-wide Wi‑Fi, and the layout is adapted for small groups and families as well as couples seeking a quiet base. The combination of accessible communal onsen and rentable in-room onsen makes ITSUMU a pragmatic choice for travellers wanting a ryokan with onsen in Ōshu (Iwate) while exploring the cultural sites of the area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 奥州平泉温泉旅館 itsumu
Positive Reviews
Newly renovated and very clean
Many guests highlight that the property is recently renovated and spotless, with a stylish lobby and modern-traditional design throughout.
Friendly, attentive staff (English available)
Staff are repeatedly described as exceptionally kind and helpful; several guests noted clear English communication and thoughtful gestures from reception and restaurant teams.
Excellent food (dinner & breakfast)
Dinner (including kaiseki) and breakfast received high praise for presentation and quality, using fresh local ingredients; child-friendly meal options were provided for families.
Relaxing onsen with pleasant water
The onsen is frequently mentioned as a highlight — attractive, well-maintained, sometimes semi-outdoor with garden views; comfortable water temperature and tattoo-friendly policy were noted.
Peaceful location, spacious rooms and good views
Guests enjoyed the tranquil countryside setting (rice fields, hilltop views), roomy tatami-style and Western-mix rooms with comfortable futons, often describing the stay as great value for money.
Negative Reviews
Remote location with limited nearby dining
The hotel is in a rural area with few nearby restaurants; guests mentioned relying on a convenience store at the bus stop or needing to reserve dinner at the hotel and sometimes taking a taxi from the station.
Outdoor bath limitations
Some guests expected a larger open-air bath or were disappointed there was no substantial outdoor onsen; a few described the semi-outdoor/露天 area as small.
Room technology and controls can be confusing
Several guests had trouble with in-room systems (projector/TV, blinds, safe) and needed to ask front desk staff for help; one reviewer described the projector as awkward to use.
Safety and footwear concerns
A few reviewers reported issues: traditional geta footwear caused foot pain for one guest, and low beds/room steps could pose a tripping risk in the dark—potential concern for elderly guests.
Occasional smell in changing area / breakfast value concerns
A minority noted an unexplained smell in the men's changing area, and one guest felt the priced breakfast did not match expectations (suggesting a buffet would be better).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin and standard rooms for two guests to family rooms that can sleep up to six; the suite can accommodate up to five using a king bed plus futons.
Yes — ITSUMU features a natural hot spring with a semi-open large public bath overlooking the garden, and some suites include a private onsen-style bath.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; the nearest airport is Hanamaki (about 52 km). Guests commonly use taxis or rental cars, and the ryokan can be contacted for special transfer arrangements.
The closest airport is Iwate/Hanamaki Airport, approximately 52 km from the property.
Japanese is the primary language; staff have assisted international guests but English support may be limited, so please contact the ryokan in advance if you require confirmed English-language assistance.
Meals emphasize seasonal local ingredients — for example Maesawa beef and regional fish — served in traditional set menus (kaiseki-style dinners and breakfast options).
The ryokan is a short drive from Chuson-ji (about five minutes) and is conveniently located for visits to Motsu-ji, Geibikei Gorge and other Hiraizumi heritage sites.
The nearest major station is Ichinoseki (around 13 km); from there you can take a local bus or taxi, though many guests arrive by taxi or rental car — free on-site parking is available.
Check-in and check-out times can vary by rate and plan; please confirm the exact times on your booking confirmation or by contacting the ryokan directly.
Some suites offer in-room private onsen baths; the property’s pet policy is not explicitly listed so you should confirm with the ryokan before travelling; restaurants and convenience stores are available a short drive away in Hiraizumi town.