Hotel Shidotaira
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Hotel Shidotaira is a resort-style ryokan set along a river in Hanamaki, Iwate, combining traditional Japanese rooms and modern family-friendly facilities. The property has around 176 guest rooms and communal spaces designed for multi-generation stays, including a heated indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pools, and a children’s play area called Asobi no Mori. Rooms range from classic tatami-and-futon layouts to larger suites with river or mountain views, and public areas include a lounge with regional decor and a 24-hour front desk that supports shuttle and luggage services.
The bathing complex is a central feature: extensive thermal facilities include large indoor public baths, an open-air rotenburo with landscape views and a separate sauna. Day visitors are accommodated at set times, and the baths are arranged to showcase the changing seasons, with river-facing views from some pools. For visitors searching for a ryokan with onsen in Hanamaki, these multiple communal hot spring options and well-maintained changing facilities make it suitable for families and groups.
Dining emphasizes a generous buffet and local produce from the region, with live-cooking stations and a family-friendly restaurant layout; private dining or multi-course kaiseki can be arranged depending on room plan. Ancillary services include free parking, event space, and year-round activities such as guided walks and nearby cultural attractions. Positioned within southern Iwate and within easy reach of regional transport, the property serves as a practical base for exploring the area as a ryokan with onsen in Iwate.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Shidotaira
Positive Reviews
Excellent food and buffet variety
Many guests praised the meals—dinner and breakfast buffets were described as delicious, abundant, with live cooking and seasonal highlights (notably all-you-can-eat crab at times). Food was repeatedly mentioned as a major plus.
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviews highlighted attentive, welcoming staff who provided clear explanations and good service across reception and dining, contributing strongly to guests' positive experiences.
Great onsen and scenic location
The property’s hot-spring baths were described as large, relaxing and beautifully sited by the river; guests enjoyed the outdoor onsen views (including snowy riverside scenery) and the overall bathing facilities.
Family- and child-friendly facilities
Reviewers noted family-focused amenities such as a children’s play area, availability of yukata sizes for kids, diaper bins, night lights, small hangers, strollers for use, and a lounge with free drinks and evening treats—making stays convenient for families.
Clean, comfortable rooms and facilities
Many visitors reported tidy rooms, comfortable tatami-style layouts, and pleasant public areas; baths and communal spaces were often described as comfortable and well maintained.
Negative Reviews
Buffet inconsistency and limited options at times
Several guests said the dinner or breakfast buffet did not always meet expectations—comments include limited variety, shorter-than-expected dining time, fewer drink options, and occasions when served crab was low in meat (recently molted), reducing satisfaction.
Towel and onsen amenity issues
Some reviews noted that towels were not provided in the onsen area (guests needed to bring room towels), towel racks in rooms were too small for larger groups, and certain onsen amenities (comb, razor) were not available at the baths.
Room comfort and maintenance shortcomings
Complaints included insufficient room heating at night, dated or confusing fixtures (e.g., faucet lever design), an old/weak hairdryer, duvet covers coming off during sleep, and isolated cleanliness concerns (e.g., insect in bathroom ventilation).
Occasional inconsistency in staff performance
While staff were often praised, a few guests reported variability in service—notably uneven attention or responsiveness in the buffet area during busy times.
Limited leisure/guest-service features
A small number of visitors missed additional facilities or services: requests for a designated smoking area, disappointment that a game zone was closed, and desire for more amenities available at the hot-spring area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from double/twin to Japanese-style rooms with futons; some rooms can sleep up to six people on futons—check the specific room capacity when booking.
Yes — the property has public hot-spring baths including indoor and open-air (rotenburo) facilities, plus a sauna.
Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using the public baths, so please contact the hotel if this applies to you.
A complimentary shuttle service is listed for the hotel; guests should contact the property in advance to arrange pick-up times and locations.
Iwate-Hanamaki Airport is about 14 km away and Shin-Hanamaki Station is around 17 km; Morioka is roughly 46 km from the ryokan.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 (often until about 19:00) and check-out is until 10:00; confirm exact times with the property when you book.
Japanese is the primary language, and staff can usually assist in basic English; if you need detailed language support, notify the hotel before arrival.
The ryokan has a restaurant offering buffet breakfast and dinner with local dishes; half-board options are commonly available.
Pets are not permitted on the property; there is no on-site supermarket, but staff can direct you to nearby convenience stores or markets in town.
Nearby highlights include the Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum and local nature/ski areas; the hotel offers free on-site parking (ample spaces), so driving is convenient—ask reception about local buses or sightseeing routes.