Mogamiya Ryokan
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 106 reviews
Mogamiya Ryokan occupies a traditional wooden building in the Kamasaki Onsen area of Shiroishi, retaining much of its Edo-period framework and a quietly historic atmosphere. The property offers 27 meal-included guest rooms (five with private bath and toilet, eight with toilet only) alongside 12 self-catering rooms; Japanese-style rooms feature tatami, futons and timber furnishings, and the public spaces include a small teahouse, baggage storage and designated parking across two lots. Practical details such as check-in between 15:00–18:00 and check-out by 10:00 are published by the ryokan and staff assist with local travel arrangements.
Bathing is central to the experience: the ryokan runs a large communal hot spring that alternates male and female use and remains open around the clock aside from cleaning periods. A private bath called Wako no Yu — an intentionally ship-shaped tub filled with cloudy nigori water — is available by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis during afternoon and evening hours, and some plans include private-bath access. The baths are finished in wood and stone to echo nearby natural features, making this a clear ryokan with onsen in Miyagi for visitors seeking an authentic soak.
Dining focuses on seasonal, locally sourced kaiseki menus and handmade breakfasts; meals are served in guest rooms or private dining rooms, and the property also offers banquet facilities for larger groups. The kitchen highlights regional ingredients, with options such as Sendai-style beef tongue available on request. Easily reached by car or train, with short drives from Shiroishi and Shiroishi-Zao stations and nearby motorway access, Mogamiya presents itself as a traditional stay with the option of a ryokan with private onsen in Miyagi Prefecture for couples and families who prioritise on-site bathing and regional cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Mogamiya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Warm, helpful staff
Multiple reviewers praised the hospitality — staff and owners are repeatedly described as friendly, accommodating and willing to help with transport, English guidance and guest needs.
Authentic traditional ryokan atmosphere
Guests appreciated the historic, old‑school wooden layout and charming maze‑like corridors that create a unique, ‘Spirited Away’‑style experience of staying in a traditional ryokan.
Delicious, well‑served meals
Many reports highlight excellent food served in private dining rooms, with generous portions and attentive service (some guests note personal taste differences, but overall meals are highly rated).
Nice onsen (hot spring) experience
The hot spring facilities are described as lovely, simple but authentic; private onsen options and a welcoming bathing area contributed strongly to guests’ enjoyment.
Good location for local attractions
Several guests noted the ryokan’s pleasant surroundings and proximity to the fox sanctuary and nearby ski fields; staff often help arrange taxis when buses are infrequent.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited transport
The property is fairly far from city centers and public transport is sparse (only a couple of buses per day in some seasons), so guests often need to take taxis or rely on staff help to get to/from stations and attractions.
Few dining options nearby after early evening
Reviewers warned there is little open for dinner locally after around 6pm, so guests who don't take the ryokan’s meals may find limited alternatives.
Cold hallways and heating variability
Several guests reported cold corridors and heating issues in rooms; some needed supplemental kerosene heaters (which can smell) or had heaters/AC that required staff intervention to fix.
Aging building, occasional maintenance and cleanliness concerns
Some reviewers described the ryokan as old and in need of renovation — noting dust, occasional bugs, small bathrooms/toilets and parts that felt tired; one stay also had the private onsen temporarily closed for strengthening work.
Comfort and personal preference issues (futon/food)
A few guests found futons less comfortable or the traditional meals too particular for their taste; food and bedding comfort were sometimes cited as personal‑preference issues rather than widespread problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include Japanese-style rooms with up to four futons; larger groups can book multiple rooms and the ryokan accommodates group bookings.
Yes — Mogamiya has natural brown, iron-rich hot spring water with separate male and female baths and a private bath available on the property.
There is one private bath on site; availability is limited so request it in advance when you book or contact the ryokan on arrival.
Pickup service is provided for groups of ten or more by prior arrangement; otherwise reach the ryokan by local bus (weekday service), taxi from Shiroishi or Shiroishi-Zao stations (about 15 minutes), or by car.
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shiroishi-Zao or JR Tohoku Main Line to Shiroishi, then a taxi of about 15 minutes; by car use Shiroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway and follow local routes.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; many guests note helpful service and occasional English assistance, so a translation app or simple Japanese phrases can be useful.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 with arrival advised by 18:00, and check-out is by 10:00; please notify the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
Meals focus on seasonal, local kaiseki cuisine served in guest rooms or private dining rooms; breakfast and multi-course dinners feature regional ingredients and options such as thick-sliced beef tongue.
Pets are not permitted on the property; private dining rooms are available and rooms can be reserved for your party, while some facilities (private bath) may be reserved subject to availability.
The ryokan sits in Kamasaki Onsen near Shiroishi, with nearby attractions including Shiroishi Castle, Zao area activities (skiing, hiking) and Zao Fox Village; convenience stores and supermarkets are in Shiroishi town roughly a 10–20 minute drive away.