Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 180 reviews
Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya is a family-run, traditional ryokan founded in the mid-16th century and set in the wooded Itamuro hot-spring district of Nasushiobara. The property retains spacious Japanese-style rooms and communal spaces that emphasize timber, shōji screens and garden views, and it displays a modest collection of art and antiques that complements a calm, nature-focused stay. Framed as a ryokan with onsen in Tochigi, the house presents a measured blend of historic architecture and contemporary guest services for visitors seeking an unhurried, restorative experience.
The thermal facilities are central to the offering: guests can choose from multiple baths including an open-air onsen, a hinoki (cypress) wooden bath and a stone bath fed by free-flowing source water with typical temperatures reported around 38–45°C, alongside a sauna. Baths are described as source-fed and kept at comfortable temperatures for longer soaks, and some property listings note reservable private-bath options for visitors preferring seclusion. The ryokan emphasizes traditional bathing etiquette and the gentle, steady quality of its spring water.
Accommodation ranges from tatami-floored rooms with futons to larger suites with sitting areas; many guests comment on roomy layouts and river or garden views. Meals focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients presented in multi-course dinners and breakfasts, often served in-room or in a communal dining space, while staff provide practical services such as reception, parking and assistance with local transfers or excursions. Located within easy reach of hiking trails, waterfalls and regional attractions, the ryokan is positioned for short restorative stays that combine onsen bathing, local cuisine and outdoor exploration.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya
Positive Reviews
Outstanding food
Multiple guests praised the breakfast and kaiseki-style dinners — delicious, authentic cuisine made with local ingredients; for many the meals alone justified the stay.
Beautiful natural setting and gardens
Reviewers highlighted the ryokan’s scenic location by the river and mountains, spectacular garden views (including sakura in bloom) and tranquil atmosphere that enhances relaxation.
Excellent onsen and wellness facilities
Guests repeatedly noted very clean, well-maintained hot-spring baths, outdoor onsen and sauna facilities that provide restorative experiences and memorable night/morning views.
Attentive, warm staff and personalized service
The staff were described as very friendly, attentive and accommodating — from thoughtful touches (seasonal baths, special desserts) to guided tours of the on-site museum, making visitors feel pampered.
Unique artful atmosphere and well-preserved traditional architecture
Many appreciated the ryokan’s combination of traditional Japanese architecture and curated modern art (including Kishio Suga’s garden designs), spacious rooms and a distinctive, meditative design that guests found memorable.
Negative Reviews
Some rooms feel dated or sparsely furnished
A number of guests mentioned rooms as a bit dated, plain or under‑decorated — this was seen by some as adding character, but by others as unfinished or in need of refresh.
Perceived high price
At least one guest felt the hotel was slightly overpriced relative to expectations.
Meal choices and portion concerns for some guests
While food was widely praised, a few reviewers wished for a simple Western breakfast option (e.g., bread and butter) or noted that portions could be modest.
Practical room layout issues
Some visitors reported minor practical inconveniences such as room level differences/steps that bothered them, and one review mentioned a combined toilet/wash area layout that was less convenient.
Minor service/external drawbacks
A few guests noted small service inconsistencies (some staff not making eye contact) and one mentioned the nearby town feeling run‑down — these did not generally detract from the ryokan experience but were observed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from single and twin rooms to Japanese-style rooms with futons; some Japanese rooms sleep three to four guests. Note the property’s booking information indicates children are not allowed and extra beds/cribs are not available.
The ryokan offers multiple hot spring facilities including a large public bath, open-air bath, stone bath and wooden bath, plus a sauna and spa services. The springs are natural and the source temperature is reported around 38–45°C.
A shuttle runs between JR Nasushiobara Station and the ryokan twice daily; times listed on booking information are from the station at 13:35 and 16:35, and from the property to the station at 11:00. Reservation with the property in advance is required and the ride takes about 25 minutes.
The nearest major train access is JR Nasushiobara Station; the area is also served by regional airports (booking lists Fukushima Airport at roughly 70 km). Tokyo’s airports require a longer transfer by train or car.
The property provides English-language information and staff can assist in English to varying degrees, but language support may be limited; contact the ryokan ahead of arrival if you require detailed assistance in a language other than Japanese.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals and breakfast in its dining areas and a coffee shop; room service is also available. Expect evening meals prepared in a Japanese style that reflect local ingredients and ryokan customs.
According to the property information, children are not allowed and cribs/extra beds are not available; pets are not permitted on the premises. Please confirm any special family requests with the property before booking.
The property’s facilities focus on public and open-air baths; private-use bathing options are not clearly advertised so requests for private or chartered use should be made directly to the ryokan in advance. The staff can advise availability and any reservation procedures.
Standard check-in is listed from 14:00 to 17:00 and check-out from 07:30 to 10:30; guests are asked to inform the property of expected arrival time in advance. Note the entrance is closed overnight between midnight and 05:00.
The area offers hot-spring towns, nature walks and nearby attractions such as Nasu Garden Outlet and Hunter Mountain Shiobara, while the ryokan itself includes an art collection and garden. For daily needs, convenience stores and local shops are available in Nasushiobara town—ask the property for directions and transit advice.