Hanare Matsushimakaku
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Hanare Matsushimakaku occupies a cluster of suite-style rooms in the Aizu Higashiyama hot-spring district, where greenery and mountain views frame a contemporary take on traditional ryokan hospitality. The property emphasizes suite accommodation with private open-air baths, pairing tatami and wood finishes with modern conveniences to create a calm, restorative atmosphere; suites marketed as having their own rotenburo allow guests to soak in mineral-rich waters without leaving the room. This setup makes it a clear choice for travelers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Aizuwakamatsu who value privacy and quiet immersion in a thermal setting.
Guest facilities extend beyond the suites to include a public hot-spring bath and a sauna, an on-site restaurant serving regional Japanese menus with vegetarian options, and practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi and parking. The accommodation operates pickup-by-request from the local train station and sits a short drive from local attractions including a historic hilltop and museum district, making it convenient for day excursions around Aizuwakamatsu. Room plans commonly feature options for in-room or private-room dining, and some suites offer terraces or balconies overlooking wooded slopes.
The overall experience is oriented toward relaxation and discretion: rooms are arranged for acoustic privacy, staff service follows customary ryokan attention to detail, and dining emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients presented in a restrained kaiseki-influenced style. Families and couples alike will find both communal and private bathing options, while the suite configuration suits longer stays and those prioritizing a secluded thermal retreat. For visitors planning a restorative stay in the region, this ryokan with onsen in Fukushima presents a balanced blend of traditional onsen culture and contemporary suite comforts.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hanare Matsushimakaku
Positive Reviews
Beautiful setting and views
Many guests praised the property's picturesque location and atmosphere — scenic views, waterfall sounds near rooms and an overall very pretty, peaceful environment.
Excellent food
Numerous reviews highlighted the high quality of meals, describing the cuisine as delicious, gorgeous and a standout part of the stay.
Private onsen and great bathing facilities
Guests appreciated the private/on-room onsens and the large bathing areas, calling the open-air baths and relaxation spaces luxurious and very enjoyable.
Friendly, helpful staff
Staff were frequently described as welcoming, professional and accommodating; many noted that staff made an effort to communicate despite limited English.
Comfortable, spacious rooms
Several reviewers mentioned roomy, clean accommodations with a high-end feel and that the suites were worth the price for comfort and space.
Negative Reviews
Cleanliness and hygiene concerns in bathrooms
Multiple guests reported issues such as limescale in bathrooms, mouldy ceilings at balconies, musty or moldy smells in rooms and some outdoor bath areas needing better cleaning.
Signs of ageing and maintenance issues
Reviews noted water stains, rusty fixtures, slippery wooden baths and areas that felt older than pictured; some rooms were dark or had poor lighting.
Dining and staffing problems
Several guests experienced slow service due to insufficient staff during dining hours and reported that on-site restaurants require pre-ordering, which caused inconvenience if not arranged in advance.
Value and room mismatch concerns
Some visitors felt the price was high for what they received, mentioning rooms that did not match booking photos or expectations and overall poor value compared with other properties.
Operational and security inconveniences
A few guests reported front-desk responsiveness issues (slow replies to messages), confusing house rules, concerns about late-night security/noise near rooms, and limited on-site convenience options (nearby restaurants closed, conbini a long walk).
Frequently Asked Questions
Suites vary by type; most accommodate 1–5 guests and some rooms offer futon bedding for extra guests—check the specific room description for exact maximum occupancy.
Yes. The property has large public baths, open‑air baths, a sauna and reservable private baths, and several suites include a private open‑air onsen.
Yes. The ryokan runs a complimentary station pick‑up and return service on a fixed daily schedule; you must reserve this service in advance and capacity is limited.
From Fukushima Airport take the limousine bus to Aizu‑Wakamatsu, then use the station shuttle or a taxi; total travel time is about two hours including transfers.
The property provides English information online and some staff can assist in English, but language ability varies—contact the ryokan in advance if you need specific language support.
Dining focuses on Aizu regional cuisine with multi‑course dinners and breakfast; room or private dining and vegetarian options are available on request depending on the plan.
Nearby highlights include Tsuruga Castle, Aizu Bukeyashiki (samurai residences), Mount Iimori and the historic Ouchi‑juku, all reachable by short drive or local bus.
The ryokan provides free parking for one vehicle per reservation with staff guidance to the lot; it is about 15 minutes by taxi or bus from Aizu‑Wakamatsu Station and served by local buses and taxis.
Standard check‑in begins in the afternoon (from around 14:00) and check‑out is in the late morning (around 11:00); please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
Private baths can be reserved; pets are not permitted at the property; convenience stores and supermarkets are a short drive away.