Kutsurogijyuku Shintaki
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 107 reviews
Kutsurogijyuku Shintaki is a riverside ryokan in the Higashiyama Onsen district of Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, combining a long-established character with contemporary comforts. The property offers 81 rooms ranging from traditional tatami layouts to western-style suites with river or mountain views; rooms include private bathrooms, climate control and work desks, and several suites add in-room hot spring baths. Public lounges, two on-site restaurants and quiet library corners support relaxed time indoors, making it a practical choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Aizuwakamatsu.
The accommodation’s bathing programme centres on four source-fed hot spring experiences: indoor communal baths, a riverside open-air bath, a historic natural rock bath and small spa tubs for quiet soaking. A limited set of special rooms feature semi-open-air, source-fed baths for private in-room bathing, so guests can select between shared bathing culture and a ryokan with private onsen in Fukushima. The springs are drawn from the local Aizu Higashiyama source, and guests staying here can combine access with the operator’s nearby sister property to sample different bathscapes within a short walk.
Evening menus emphasise creative Aizu regional cuisine prepared from seasonal local ingredients and presented in multi-course dinners or buffet-style breakfasts, accompanied by a curated selection of local sakes. Practical facilities include complimentary Wi‑Fi, on-site parking, luggage assistance, a small shop and lounges with self-service refreshments; staff provide multilingual support and assist with local sightseeing. The overall offering suits couples, families and cultural travellers who want an accessible historic base with varied bathing options and straightforward modern amenities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kutsurogijyuku Shintaki
Positive Reviews
Excellent food and dining experience
Multiple reviewers praised the meals — both set dinners and the buffet breakfast — as delicious, beautifully presented and featuring local seasonal dishes. Many called the dinner among the best they had in Japan and highlighted good value for the set menu.
Outstanding onsen options
Guests repeatedly noted high-quality hot spring facilities: several different baths, relaxing public onsen and private in-room or private onsen options that provided a soothing experience and contributed greatly to the stay.
Attentive, helpful staff and good service
Staff were described as courteous, patient with non-Japanese speakers, and helpful (including clear check-in and transport advice). Reception English was highlighted and many guests appreciated staff hospitality throughout dining and bath use.
Clean, comfortable and spacious rooms
Reviews mention clean, well-maintained rooms with comfortable beds and quilts, generous room size, good amenities and quiet, relaxing interiors. Several guests found the rooms roomy and restful.
Peaceful location with pleasant views and good facilities
Many guests enjoyed the tranquil riverside/forest setting, river-facing rooms, lounge and display areas, free drinks/snacks, available parking and the hotel serving as a convenient base for local sightseeing; overall strong value for quality and relaxation.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited public transport
Some guests found the hotel far from the main station and noted that local tour/bus services end early; they suggested morning/evening shuttle or careful planning of transport.
Large property layout means long internal walks
Several reviews said the building and grounds are extensive, which can result in long walks between parking, lobby, dining areas and baths — inconvenient for some guests, especially with luggage or mobility issues.
Parking not always directly at the lobby
Although parking is plentiful and free, guests noted many spaces are set uphill or away from the entrance, requiring temporary parking at the lobby to unload luggage or additional walking to reach the car park.
Some room types lack en-suite bathrooms
A few bookings were for rooms with shared baths rather than private in-room bathrooms; this was called out by at least one guest who expected an in-room bathroom.
Views and surrounding area vary
A minority of reviewers felt the immediate surroundings or views were less scenic than nearby attractions (for example not as picturesque as Ginzan Onsen) and described parts of the nearby area as a bit run-down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary: most rooms sleep 2–4 guests and some suites can accommodate up to 5 people; check the room description when booking to confirm capacity.
The property offers public hot-spring baths and some suites have private in-room hot-spring tubs; there are also family/private baths that can be used by reservation.
Tattoos may restrict access to the public baths, and guests with visible tattoos could be refused entry to some bathing areas.
There is no regular public airport shuttle; guests typically use taxis, private transfer services, or ask the ryokan in advance to arrange a pickup.
The ryokan is in Higashiyama Onsen near Aizuwakamatsu city center (about a 10–15 minute drive), and Fukushima Airport is roughly 50–75 km away — expect around 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic.
English-speaking staff are available to assist guests, though availability may vary; please request any specific language assistance when you book.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals with seasonal Aizu ingredients, including multi-course dinners and a Japanese-style breakfast; notify the property in advance for dietary needs or allergies.
Popular nearby sights include Tsuruga-jo (Aizu Castle), Mount Iimori, the historic post town Ōuchi-juku, and the Higashiyama Onsen village itself — all are easily reached by short drives from the ryokan.
Aizu-Wakamatsu Station is the nearest major station (about 5 km), and from there taxis or local buses are the most convenient ways to reach the ryokan; driving is also straightforward with free on-site parking.
Pets are not accepted at the property; there are small shops in the Higashiyama onsen area, and larger supermarkets and convenience stores are located in Aizuwakamatsu city center a short drive away.