Ookawaso
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 167 reviews
Ookawaso is a longstanding ryokan set on the banks of the Ookawa valley in Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen, where a multi-level atrium and a floating stage introduce guests to traditional music upon arrival. Rooms face the river with a range of types from compact modern twins to expansive corner suites with view terraces, making it a notable ryokan with onsen Aizu for travelers seeking river-facing rooms and cultural touches like live shamisen.
The property centres on its onsen: a terraced open-air complex called Shiki Butai Tanada and outdoor baths that look over the stream, fed from an abundant local source whose water can reach high temperatures; the onsen is offered as source-flow (kakenagashi) with seasonal management. Facilities include a pink-salt sauna and a stone 'lying' sauna, and since 2025 several VIP rooms have been refurbished with private sauna and baths, making it a ryokan with private onsen Fukushima for guests who prefer secluded bathing.
Dining highlights local Aizu produce in seasonal menus and a breakfast/dinner service that combines Japanese and Western options; the kitchen accommodates menu requests when possible. The ryokan runs a complimentary shuttle from nearby Ashinomaki Onsen station with prior reservation and serves as a practical base for sightseeing to Tsuruga Castle, Ouchi-juku and other regional attractions. Regular cultural programming — daily shamisen recitals, occasional mochi-pounding demonstrations and an on-site shop featuring local crafts — complements extensive communal baths and multiple room configurations, suiting couples, families and cultural travellers seeking an onsen-centred stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ookawaso
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional atmosphere and live music
Multiple guests highlight the memorable arrival with a shamisen/koto performance and overall traditional decor that creates an immersive, relaxing Japanese experience (some likened it to Demon Slayer ambience).
Excellent onsen facilities, including private outdoor baths
Reviewers praise the onsen(s) — clean, beautiful outdoor baths and a standout private bath suspended over the stream. Many found the hot springs very relaxing and a major reason to stay.
High-quality dinner (kaiseki) and notable local food
Kaiseki dinners and evening meals receive strong praise for flavour and presentation. Guests also enjoyed local specialties (e.g. AIZU yogurt and local maple syrup) and said dinner was a highlight.
Friendly, attentive staff and useful shuttle service
Staff are frequently described as kind, patient and helpful (some English speakers available). The hotel offers a bookable shuttle to nearby stations, and guests appreciated staff arranging pick-up/drop-off.
Clean, spacious ryokan-style rooms with great views and family-friendly features
Rooms are reported as spacious, very clean and authentically ryokan (tatami, futons) with river/forest views. Families noted child-friendly amenities (yukata in sizes, high chairs, arrival kits) and comfortable layouts.
Negative Reviews
Breakfast quality or choice inconsistent
Several guests felt the breakfast buffet was weaker than dinner or offered limited choices; some found the traditional breakfast not to their taste and would have liked more variety.
Remote location and limited public transport
The ryokan is in a remote area; trains and buses are infrequent so planning is required. Guests warned that taxis can be expensive if shuttles or timed connections are missed.
Private onsen temperature and usability issues
A number of reviewers said private outdoor onsen pools were too hot with no easy way to adjust or mix cooler water, making booked sessions unusable or uncomfortable.
Language and booking/address problems
Some guests experienced language limitations with staff (understandable given location) and one reported an incorrect address on the booking app, which caused them to miss a booked private onsen.
Occasional room comfort issues and limited large yukata
A few guests noted practical issues: noisy radiators in a room, some rooms lacked air conditioning (people opened windows as a workaround), and availability of very large (2XL) yukata was limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are traditional Japanese-style and can sleep up to five guests on futons; exact capacity varies by room type and is shown at booking. No extra rollaway beds or baby cots are available.
Yes — the ryokan has multiple hot-spring baths, including open-air baths with valley and river views, and some reserveable family/private bath options on certain plans. Public baths are separated and available to guests.
A complimentary shuttle runs from Ashinomaki Onsen Station (about a 5–7 minute drive) and must be booked with your arrival time; the dedicated shuttle from Aizuwakamatsu Station ended in March 2025, so plan connections accordingly. For airport travel, combine shinkansen/local trains to Aizuwakamatsu or Ashinomaki Onsen Station then take the shuttle or a short taxi.
From Tokyo take the shinkansen to Kōriyama then a local train to Aizuwakamatsu, transfer to the Aizu Railway to Ashinomaki Onsen Station, then use the hotel shuttle or a taxi for the final 5–10 minute leg. Allow extra transfer time; some guests travel via Fukushima or Sendai airports with similar regional train connections.
Japanese is the primary language; staff are experienced with international guests and can assist in basic English, but complex requests are best arranged in advance. The front desk is helpful and will arrange transfers or activities when notified.
Expect a traditional ryokan stay with river-valley views, a welcoming open-air lobby, seasonal cuisine served in buffet formats, and occasional live traditional performances such as shamisen. Guests typically wear provided yukata and can enjoy a calm, authentic onsen atmosphere.
Ookawaso is a good base for Aizuwakamatsu highlights such as Tsuruga Castle, Ouchijuku historic post town, local samurai/cultural programs, and scenic mountain and river walks. Many regional attractions are reachable by train or short car ride.
The Aizu Railway serves Ashinomaki Onsen Station, and the hotel shuttle covers the short transfer; local taxis and rental cars are common for sightseeing. Free on-site parking is available for guests who drive.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you plan to use the station shuttle or arrive late, notify the ryokan of your arrival time in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the property; private or family-use baths may be available on certain plans but should be reserved in advance. The ryokan offers seasonal Japanese and Western buffet meals for dinner and breakfast at the on-site restaurant.