Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Higashiyama Grand Hotel
7,4/10 Very good - Based on 370 reviews
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Higashiyama Grand Hotel sits within the Higashiyama Onsen area of Aizuwakamatsu and operates as part of the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari group. This ryokan with onsen in Aizuwakamatsu centers its offering on abundant natural hot spring water that the property describes as beneficial for common complaints such as nerve and muscle discomfort; guests can relax in a variety of bathing spaces that reflect the onsen tradition. The property presents a mix of Japanese-style and hybrid rooms, some with indoor baths, and suites that feature a private open‑air bath option for greater privacy.
Facilities emphasize communal bathing and leisure: large public baths and open‑air baths are complemented by a sauna and interchangeable bathing arrangements, while public areas include an open kitchen buffet that highlights seasonal, locally sourced dishes across Japanese, Western and Chinese menus. Onsite entertainment and amenities are practical and family‑oriented, with a karaoke room, game corner, table‑tennis and mahjong spaces, plus a morning market that connects guests with local produce and crafts. The hotel’s layout and services are designed for easy access from the Higashiyama spa district and for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Fukushima.
Practical details for planning a stay include a range of room types tailored to solo travelers, couples and groups, dining plans that can be arranged with bathing access, and the availability of day‑use bathing options for non‑resident visitors; some services—such as private bath suites, reservations for dinner‑with‑onsen packages, and towel rental—are offered directly by the property. The overall experience focuses on onsen bathing paired with buffet dining and simple leisure facilities, making it suitable for visitors looking for a traditional hot‑spring stay with modern conveniences in the Aizu Higashiyama area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Higashi…
Positive Reviews
Excellent buffet meals
Many guests praised the breakfast and dinner buffets for variety and quality, describing the meals as excellent or ‘out of this world’ and a highlight of their stay.
Very good onsen and spa facilities
The hot spring baths and spa area were frequently mentioned as fantastic — spacious outdoor baths, relaxing onsen experience, massage services and a pleasant bathing atmosphere.
Friendly, helpful staff and useful amenities
Reviewers noted polite and kind staff, good customer service, and convenient on-site amenities (shops, massage chairs, kids’ areas, large lobby) that enhanced their stay.
Scenic location and memorable atmosphere
Many guests enjoyed the hotel’s mountain setting and views, describing the approach and surrounding nature as an ‘experience’ and recommending the observatory or rooms with views for sunsets and scenery.
Good value and roomy Japanese-style accommodation
Several reviewers felt the hotel offered excellent value for the price, with spacious Japanese-style rooms (tatami) and a traditional atmosphere that guests appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Limited shuttle service / difficult access without a car
Multiple guests mentioned the shuttle runs were infrequent (only a couple times per day) and that the property is high in the mountains, so arriving without a car can be inconvenient; they recommended asking staff about transport options.
Property feels dated and needs refurbishing
A number of reviews pointed out visible wear, older interiors and areas in need of renovation, saying parts of the hotel feel dated and could use refurbishment.
Crowded peak dining and restricted onsen times
Some guests experienced busy buffet times with crowding at breakfast, and reported that scheduled use (e.g., for school groups) sometimes limited access to the onsen during peak periods.
Room comfort and odors in some rooms
A few reviewers reported issues with room comfort — e.g., strong smoking smell in smoking rooms and firm/small beds — which affected sleep quality for those guests.
Limited in-room conveniences and connectivity/parking distance
Guests noted small practical drawbacks such as no complimentary bottled water in rooms, Wi‑Fi mainly concentrated in the lobby/front desk, and parking located a fair distance from some guest areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; some Japanese‑style rooms offer multiple futons and can sleep groups of up to seven. Children aged 3 and over are counted as adults, and cribs or extra beds are not available.
The property features large public baths and open‑air (rotenburo) baths with gender‑separated bathing and rotating schedules. Public bathing is typically available in the morning and evening (generally 07:00–10:00 and 15:00–24:00, final admission around 22:00).
Private or reservable family baths are not listed as a standard offering; please contact the hotel directly in advance to ask about any private‑bath options or special arrangements.
There is no regularly published airport shuttle; the property is reachable from Fukushima Airport (about 75 km) and from Aizu‑Wakamatsu Station by local bus or taxi. Guests should contact the hotel ahead of arrival to enquire about any optional pickup service.
Aizu‑Wakamatsu Station is the nearest major station; you can take a local bus to Higashiyama Onsen and walk a short distance or take a taxi (roughly 15–20 minutes). The hotel also provides free on‑site parking for guests arriving by car.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and English may be limited; notify the hotel in advance if you require English assistance or special language support.
Check‑in is from 3:00 PM (15:00) to 7:00 PM (19:00) and check‑out is by 11:00 AM.
Yes — the ryokan welcomes families and offers room types with multiple futons suited to groups. Children of any age are accepted, but those aged 3 and over are treated as adults for occupancy purposes.
Pets are not permitted at the property. For private hire or exclusive use for events, contact the hotel directly as private‑hire options are not listed as standard.
The ryokan offers buffet dining with a broad seasonal selection—including Japanese, Chinese and Western dishes prepared in an open kitchen—featuring local seasonal ingredients. Special meal requests may be accepted if arranged with the hotel in advance.