Shinyu Onsen Kurikomaso
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 14 reviews
Shinyu Onsen Kurikomaso sits quietly on the slopes of Mt. Kurikoma, set among a beech forest roughly 600 m above sea level, and presents a compact, traditionally styled mountain lodge experience. The property centers on its natural hot spring: free-flowing thermal water served through an open-air bath that lets guests soak while looking out over woodland. The setting and facilities position the property as a ryokan with onsen in Tohoku, appealing to travelers who prioritize a rustic onsen atmosphere and direct access to mountain trails and local nature.
Guest accommodation follows a classic ryokan layout with tatami-floored rooms and futon bedding; room types range from small doubles to larger family-style arrangements and some categories use shared bathing and toilet facilities while others offer in-room bathing amenities. Practical conveniences include on-site parking, complimentary Wi‑Fi and simple in-room kettles and refrigerators; onsite meals emphasize regional mountain cuisine with dishes that often feature local freshwater fish and seasonal produce. The property’s scale and services make it a straightforward, service-focused ryokan with onsen in Miyagi suited to hikers, anglers and travelers seeking an unhurried rural stay.
Service tends to be personal and locally informed, with hosts guiding guests to nearby hikes and regional points of interest. The spring itself is presented as a continuously flowing source, prized for its traditional hot-spring culture rather than modern spa trappings, and the open-air bathing experience is the primary draw; visitors should plan logistics in advance due to the remote location and limited room inventory. Overall, expect a modest, authenticity-focused stay that highlights natural hot springs, mountain access and home-style regional cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shinyu Onsen Kurikomaso
Positive Reviews
Excellent natural onsen
Multiple guests praised the hot springs — flowing source water, comfortable outdoor baths with forest views, and a restorative effect on fatigue and muscles.
Delicious, generous meals with local specialties
Many reviews highlighted the high-quality food, especially the iwana (rockfish) dishes and plentiful portions using local ingredients; several described the dinners as delicious and unique.
Warm, attentive staff and host
Guests repeatedly noted friendly, helpful service from the owner and staff, which enhanced the overall experience and atmosphere.
Clean shared facilities
Reviewers mentioned that shared toilets, washrooms, and communal areas were well cleaned and maintained, creating a pleasant stay despite shared facilities.
Scenic, relaxing mountain setting
Visitors appreciated the ryokan’s location amid nature (beech forest views) and the peaceful, rustic ambiance that allowed for relaxation.
Negative Reviews
Bedding cleanliness concerns
At least one guest felt the bedding lacked a fresh, crisp feel and would have preferred cleaner-looking sheets despite accepting the mountain-lodge style accommodations.
Aged building and limited in-room facilities
Several guests noted the property’s older wooden construction and mentioned a preference for in-room toilets or washbasins rather than fully shared facilities.
Some find the dinner traditional/dated
While many enjoyed the meals, one guest felt the evening meal was old-fashioned and could use more creativity or updating.
Insufficient access information and safety concerns
A guest reported unclear directions after descending Mount Kurikoma that led to over an hour of walking and worry about bear encounters; they asked for clearer guidance for first-time visitors.
Connectivity, noise and outdoor nuisances
Complaints included poor Wi‑Fi connectivity, noticeable noises at night (air‑conditioner hum and footsteps on wooden floors), and insects (horseflies) at the outdoor bath that disturbed relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin (2 futons), quadruple (4 futons) and larger rooms with multiple futons up to about 6–10 guests; children 13 and above are treated as adults for occupancy rules and cribs or extra beds are not available.
The ryokan offers a communal indoor hot spring and an open-air (rotenburo) bath fed by free-flowing spring water, set beside a beech forest.
The property primarily lists communal indoor and open-air baths; private or reservable baths are not clearly advertised, so please contact the ryokan directly to request or confirm a private bath.
A clear tattoo policy is not published on main booking pages; if you have tattoos, contact the ryokan ahead of your stay to confirm rules or request a private bathing option.
No scheduled shuttle is listed; most visitors arrive by car or taxi from Kurikoma-Kogen or Kawatabi-Onsen stations, and the ryokan provides free on-site parking.
The commonly referenced nearest airport is Iwate Hanamaki (roughly 80–90 km); the usual route is by rental car or taxi, or by train to a nearby station followed by a taxi.
Some English support is reported in regional guides, but fluency can vary; contact the ryokan in advance for assistance with specific language needs.
Breakfast is offered (Asian style), and many guests report traditional multi-course Japanese dinners featuring local ingredients such as iwana (mountain char); confirm meal options when you book.
Pets are not allowed; several room types use shared bathroom and toilet facilities while other rooms may include in-room baths—check the room description before booking.
Popular local activities include hiking Mt. Kurikoma, walking the beech forests and visiting nearby flower gardens and regional temples; a car or taxi is the most practical way to explore surrounding attractions.