Ryokan Masuya
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Ryokan Masuya is a family-run ryokan established in 1910 in the hot‑spring town of Yunotsu, Shimane. Housed in a three‑storey wooden building dating from the Meiji era, the property preserves historical architectural details while offering refreshed interiors in parts of the guest areas. The operation emphasises cuisine as its core offering, serving handmade seasonal dishes that highlight local seafood and produce and maintaining an intimate, traditional atmosphere reflective of its long history.
Guest accommodation ranges from classical tatami rooms to larger Japanese‑Western suites; some rooms have been updated with modern conveniences such as private washbasins, air purifiers and small refrigerators, while other rooms retain period proportions and antiques. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi, on‑site parking and arranged transport from the nearby station on request. Staff provide local guidance and can arrange visits to nearby cultural performances; meals are offered as multi‑course seasonal dinners with advance notice taken for dietary restrictions.
The property operates three source‑flowing baths and a reservable family bath, named Hajiura, Okidomari and Kushijima, each reflecting different aspects of the local geology: Hajiura functions as a family/private bath with a glass frontage toward the shoreline, Okidomari shows mineral deposits, and Kushijima reveals hand‑worked rock features. That mix makes the inn a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Shimane and, when privacy is preferred, a ryokan with private onsen in Shimane. The ryokan sits within convenient driving distance of the Iwami Ginzan heritage area and regional museums, making it a suitable base for local sightseeing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Masuya
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviews highlight attentive, accommodating staff who assisted with local recommendations, arranged transport, fetched umbrellas in the rain, helped when a guest was ill, and provided welcoming service (even interacting with guests socially).
Authentic traditional ryokan atmosphere
Guests appreciated the historic, old‑style charm and authentic Japanese rooms decorated with antiques, describing the stay as a genuine cultural/heritage experience.
Clean, comfortable rooms and renovations
Several reviewers noted rooms were clean, recently renovated or upgraded, spacious (including family suites) and thoughtfully detailed, making the accommodation comfortable despite the building's age.
Good onsen and bathing facilities
The ryokan offers multiple onsen and a private onsen option for booking; guests found the baths very pleasant, with good toiletries provided and ability to bathe multiple times (morning and evening).
Convenient location and parking; local recommendations
Reviewers found the property easy to find, appreciated available parking (including covered parking for bikes), proximity to public baths and eateries, and staff suggestions for local activities and restaurants.
Negative Reviews
Price perceived as high
Several guests commented the accommodation felt expensive for what was offered; one review specifically noted an extremely high surcharge to add meals and questioned value versus alternatives.
Accessibility and stairs
Because the building is older and has internal stairways, guests with mobility issues experienced difficulty (carrying luggage up stairs, rooms on upper floors, bath access described as distant).
No private bathroom in some rooms / shared bathing
Some rooms do not include a private shower or bathing area, requiring use of shared facilities; this was inconvenient for certain guests (illness or preference for privacy).
Noise and aging building issues
A few reviews mention building noise problems — creaking corridors, a noisy service elevator transporting meals, and doors that did not close tightly — reflecting the property's age.
Limited in‑house dining or operational inconveniences
Guests reported occasional lack of in‑house meal options (especially during holidays), intermittent electricity/TV problems, and parking tower limitations that forced use of an outdoor lot during bad weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single to large Japanese-style rooms with multiple futons; some room layouts can accommodate groups of up to around ten people — please confirm exact capacity when you book.
Yes — the ryokan operates natural hot-spring baths on the property with multiple bathing areas.
Yes — private baths can be reserved and the ryokan occasionally offers free private-bath slots in low season; ask when you make your reservation.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the nearest airport is Izumo (about 69 km). The ryokan can arrange meet-ups or local pick-ups to nearby attractions such as Iwami Ginzan if contacted in advance.
Japanese is the primary language; only a couple of staff members speak English, so basic Japanese phrases or advance requests help ensure smoother communication.
Meals are handmade, kaiseki-style dishes using local ingredients, and the ryokan offers local cultural options such as temple visits and nearby Iwami Kagura performances.
The ryokan sits on Yunotsu’s hot-spring street and is a short drive from Iwami Ginzan World Heritage area, the Nima Sand Museum, local shrines, and coastal spots.
The property is most easily reached by car and offers free on-site parking; local buses serve Yunotsu and the ryokan can provide directions from nearby stations or arrange local transfers on request.
Exact times vary by booking; the ryokan does offer flexible options (early check-in or late check-out) upon request, so please confirm your arrival and departure times in advance.
Pets are not accepted for standard bookings; whole-house private hire is not typical but group bookings can be arranged by contacting the ryokan directly; convenience stores and local shops and restaurants are within walking distance in Yunotsu.