Eirakukan
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 171 reviews
Eirakukan (also operating under the name Hagihime No Yu Eirakukan) sits at the Bandai-Atami hot-spring district and is a short walk from Bandai-Atami Station, making it accessible for train travellers exploring the Tohoku region. The property presents a compact mix of renovated common areas and traditional ryokan details: a small garden, a guest lounge with local refreshments, and parking for visitors arriving by car. The setting earns the ryokan a practical position for excursions toward Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro while keeping an intimate, rural atmosphere for overnight stays.
Bathing facilities are central to the experience, with mineral thermal baths that include both public indoor and outdoor onsen pools; selected room types offer en-suite hot spring tubs, so guests seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Fukushima will find those options available on specific room plans. Guest rooms combine tatami spaces and raised Western-style mattresses in some layouts, and standard in-room amenities include yukata, complimentary Wi‑Fi, flat-screen TV and toiletries. The property also provides a sauna, accessible communal areas for post-bath relaxation, and multilingual signage in key spots to assist non-Japanese visitors.
Meals focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients served in a single on-site restaurant with Japanese-style set dinners and breakfast offerings that many guests describe as traditional in composition. Practical details: check-in is generally from mid-afternoon and check-out by mid-morning, children are accommodated under standard policies, and the ryokan maintains a quiet-hours policy overnight. For travellers wanting a straightforward hot-spring stay close to Bandai-Atami transit links, Eirakukan presents a reliable, service-oriented option described by visitors as a well-equipped ryokan with onsen in Bandai-Atami, Tohoku.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Eirakukan
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities (including private baths)
Many guests praised the hot spring facilities—public and private onsens were described as relaxing, tattoo-friendly in some areas, available for extended hours, and a highlight of the stay.
Very friendly and helpful staff
Numerous reviews mentioned attentive, polite staff who went above and beyond with service, local advice and itinerary/helping with directions.
High-quality, tasty meals
Dinner and breakfast were repeatedly noted as refined and delicious, often using local ingredients; guests described memorable, gourmet meals and satisfying traditional breakfasts (with lighter options available).
Convenient location and easy train access
Reviewers appreciated the short walk to the nearby train station and found the ryokan well placed for sightseeing and onward travel; some noted nearby attractions like cherry blossoms and a kimono museum.
Clean, comfortable rooms blending traditional and modern elements
Rooms were described as spacious, clean and comfortable—tatami rooms with elevated mattresses, modern design touches, complimentary amenities (e.g. free beer hours, massage chairs) and good value for money.
Negative Reviews
Onsens can be small and crowded
Several guests noted that some public baths were small, so they could feel crowded when busy, which made usage less convenient at peak times.
Some rooms lack an in-room shower
At least one reviewer reported their room had no shower, meaning reliance on the communal onsen rather than a private shower in-room.
Maintenance or clutter in common/onsen areas
A few comments mentioned that common areas felt cluttered or unpolished and that certain onsen areas could use maintenance or updates.
Occasional noise issues in some rooms
One guest reported a loud noise from a ventilator (room-specific), indicating potential for occasional noise disturbances depending on room location.
Minor extra charges and strong seasoning for some dishes
Some guests noted small additional charges (e.g. sake charged per glass) and one comment mentioned breakfast side dishes tasted a bit salty for their preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include single and twin beds plus Japanese-style family rooms with futons; family rooms typically accommodate up to five people and some larger Japanese rooms sleep four or more. Please check the specific room type when booking.
Eirakukan operates multiple public baths with alternating male/female schedules; a day-use bathing window is offered (typically 10:00–18:00) and there are set morning and evening onsen hours. Follow the posted gender‑swap schedule and onsen rules at the property.
Yes, the ryokan offers rooms with private open‑air onsen (private rotenburo) that must be reserved as specific room types, usually intended for two guests. Reserve these rooms in advance as availability is limited.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the easiest public route is Shinkansen to Koriyama then a local train to Bandai‑Atami Station, about a three‑minute walk to the ryokan. Guests arriving by car can use the free on‑site parking.
Staff are primarily Japanese but the team assists international guests and some English is spoken; many past guests note helpful service. If you need extensive support in English, contact the property in advance or use a translation app.
Expect a classic ryokan experience with tatami spaces, yukata for guests, Japanese‑style dinners and breakfast, public onsen and a sauna, plus leisure options such as karaoke and table tennis. Meals focus on local Fukushima ingredients and are served on site.
Nearby highlights include Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, with Koriyama city sights and local cultural craft experiences within easy reach. Distances vary but these destinations are commonly visited from the ryokan.
Take the Shinkansen to Koriyama (about 75 minutes from Tokyo), transfer to a local train to Bandai‑Atami (around 14 minutes), then walk roughly three minutes to the property. Local taxis are also available from Koriyama station.
Standard check‑in is 15:00 and check‑out is 10:00. If you expect a late arrival, notify the ryokan in advance so they can note your arrival time.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. There are convenience stores and small shops near Bandai‑Atami Station within a short walk for basic supplies.