Irorinoyado Ashina
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 50 reviews
Irorinoyado Ashina is a compact, traditionally restored ryokan located in the Higashiyama Onsen area of Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima. Housed in a mid-Showa era building, the inn preserves an authentic atmosphere with seven guest rooms, tatami floors, shoji screens and an irori (sunken hearth) around which evening meals are often prepared and served. Public spaces display period furnishings and local craft, creating a calm, domestic scale that suits couples and small groups seeking a measured, culturally grounded stay rather than a large modern hotel.
The ryokan offers on-site hot spring bathing fed by a flowing source; guests can use both an indoor bath and a modest open-air bath set within the property’s garden. Baths operate as genuine gensen kakenagashi (continuous natural spring water) and can be reserved privately for short, timed sessions on request, making this an appealing ryokan with onsen in Aizuwakamatsu for travellers seeking solitude and authentic bathing rituals. Facilities also include a small reception area and free parking.
Meals focus on local Aizu produce and the ryokan’s signature irori kaiseki, where courses are finished over charcoal at the hearth; menus traditionally highlight Aizu beef, freshwater fish and seasonal mountain vegetables supplied by regional producers. Rooms are Japanese-style with futon bedding, and some larger rooms accommodate small groups; the scale and staff attention support private service such as in-room dining on tatami or full-house rental for family gatherings. Practical details include multilingual information at reception and straightforward access to nearby historic sites, making it a practical ryokan with private onsen in Fukushima for visitors who prioritise cultural immersion and restorative onsen time.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Irorinoyado Ashina
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional atmosphere
Many guests praised the ryokan's historic, well‑preserved decor and charming antiques; walking around the property and the irori (sunken hearth) dining create a memorable, authentic experience.
Excellent food
Dinner and breakfast received frequent compliments — locally sourced ingredients, charcoal/irori cooking and grilled breakfast items (e.g. mackerel) were described as delicious and a highlight of the stay.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff and the proprietors were repeatedly called very kind, helpful and hospitable, contributing strongly to guests’ positive experiences.
Clean, comfortable rooms with cozy features
Rooms were noted as clean, spacious and comfortable; guests enjoyed kotatsu seating, futon bedding and warm, cozy interiors during cold weather.
Relaxing onsen with private option
The hot spring was described as very pleasant and clean; many appreciated the ability to reserve/use a private bath for a relaxing soak.
Negative Reviews
Rooms can feel cold / heating limited
Several guests reported insufficient heating in cold weather (relying on kotatsu and AC), leading to discomfort when moving around the room or using common toilets located down the corridor.
Small bath / narrow wash area
Some reviewers found the onsen or communal washing area small and tight, noting that the bathing/wash spaces feel cramped compared with expectations.
Floor‑seated dining can be uncomfortable for some
Irori dining requires sitting on the tatami/floor (sometimes cross‑legged), which a number of guests found tiring or difficult, especially for those unaccustomed to floor seating.
Limited English / communication issues
A few guests experienced communication problems due to limited English; this led to misunderstandings about services (for example dinner booking) and required extra effort from staff and guests.
Occasional insects and access/price concerns
A minority of reviews mentioned finding insects in rooms or corridors. Other drawbacks noted by some guests included perceived high price for solo travelers and occasional accessibility issues (distance from station or narrow, steep stairs).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futons; some rooms accommodate up to 8 people. Extra beds and baby cots are not available, so enter exact guest numbers when booking.
Yes — the ryokan has both indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths using natural spring water. The men’s and women’s baths can be reserved privately for 40 minutes per room after dinner (first-come, first-served); otherwise baths are available separately and at most hours.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; guests typically arrive by train or car. Contact the ryokan directly if you need a private pick-up or help arranging a taxi transfer.
Fukushima Airport is the closest airport by road (about 70–75 km). Nearest rail access is Aizuwakamatsu area stations (for example Nishi-Wakamatsu and Aizuwakamatsu), with taxis or local buses to Higashiyama Onsen.
The ryokan provides English-language information and staff can assist in English for common guest needs. If you require detailed assistance, notify the ryokan in advance.
The inn preserves a historic atmosphere with a traditional irori (sunken hearth), tatami rooms and locally sourced Aizu cuisine. Meals and communal spaces emphasise regional ingredients and classic ryokan customs.
The ryokan sits in Higashiyama Onsen near Aizuwakamatsu; nearby highlights include Aizuwakamatsu Castle, Mount Iimori and the surrounding Higashiyama area, with Ouchi-juku and Mount Bandai reachable by day trip. Local sightseeing and walking routes are convenient from the ryokan.
Free private parking is available on site for guests who drive. If using public transport, take a train to the Aizuwakamatsu area and continue by taxi or local bus to Higashiyama Onsen.
Typical check-in windows are in the late afternoon (check the booking confirmation for your plan) and check-out is before 10:00. Note the property may close its entrance around 21:00–22:00, so advise the ryokan if you expect to arrive late.
The ryokan serves set local dinners and breakfasts (dinner service usually around 18:00–19:00; breakfast around 8:00–8:30) featuring Aizu specialties; please inform the ryokan of dietary restrictions when you book. The Higashiyama Onsen area has small shops and eateries, with larger supermarkets located in central Aizuwakamatsu.