Ashinomaki Prince Hotel
7,4/10 Very good - Based on 34 reviews
Ashinomaki Prince Hotel sits on a forested valley slope overlooking a river and surrounding mountains, presenting a white, western-style façade and a mix of Japanese and Western room types. Guest rooms frequently combine tatami areas with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, refrigerators and flat-screen TVs, and some room types accommodate families with connecting arrangements or futons; yukata robes are typically available for guests. The property advertises on-site amenities designed for longer stays, including building-wide Wi‑Fi and meeting or work-friendly options.
The hotel operates communal hot spring facilities and an outdoor open-air bath alongside indoor bathing areas, offering the experience expected of a ryokan with onsen rather than exclusively private baths; simple spa and massage services are also listed among wellness options. Practical conveniences include a free shuttle serving the nearby station, on-site parking, and a 24-hour front desk; pets may be accepted with potential fees, and some room plans note breakfast service. Bath etiquette and access rules vary by plan, so guests are advised to confirm bathing hours and any reservation requirements for special baths.
Positioned as a base for exploring the Aizu area, the hotel lies within easy reach of local highlights such as traditional post-towns, historic samurai sites and scenic peaks, making short drives to well-known attractions straightforward and offering seasonal views of spring greenery and autumn colour. The setting and facilities suit travellers looking for a regionally rooted onsen stay in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, with practical access for day trips around the prefecture and nearby natural landmarks. Transport connections and local sightseeing options are regularly noted in guest information.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ashinomaki Prince Hotel
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Many guests praised the staff’s kindness, warm smiles and attentive service — small-team hospitality, helpful gestures and owner/staff effort made stays comfortable and reassuring.
Tasty, generous meals
Dinner was frequently described as delicious, made with local ingredients, served warm at the right time and offered generous portions; some guests appreciated varied daily menus and thoughtful side dishes.
Pleasant onsen and open-air bath
The hot spring baths were noted as clean and relaxing, with comfortable temperatures and a pleasant open-air (rotenburo) experience that many guests enjoyed.
Pet-friendly and convenient services
Several reviewers valued the ryokan’s pet-friendly policy and mentioned practical services such as pick-up/drop-off to the nearby station and a convenient location for sightseeing by car.
Traditional, homely atmosphere and good value
Guests liked the nostalgic, homey ryokan feel, comfortable futons and overall cost-performance — many felt the property offered genuine hospitality and good value for the price.
Negative Reviews
Toilet facilities and comfort issues
Multiple guests reported the absence of modern washlet/bidet features, cold toilet seats and occasional unpleasant toilet odors in rooms or common areas.
Room age, odors and cleanliness concerns
Some reviewers noted dated furniture and fixtures, musty or smoky smells in certain rooms, stained seating and isolated cleanliness issues (e.g., insect marks left on walls).
Bath size or temperature inconsistencies
A few guests found the communal baths small, wished for in-room baths, or experienced overly hot outdoor baths at certain times (for example when few guests used them).
Breakfast and hot beverage limitations
Several guests were disappointed by breakfast beverage options — only tea was available for hot drinks in some cases, coffee was lacking or only provided in paper cups, and access to coffee during breakfast was sometimes inconvenient.
Noise and facility inconveniences
Complaints included thin walls with noise from neighboring rooms, a single elevator causing waits, limited vending access for alcoholic drinks (requiring front-desk request), and occasional service/amenity inconveniences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin rooms and Japanese-style rooms with futons; depending on the room you can book for singles up to groups of about 4–5 people—check the room description when reserving.
Yes, the property offers hot-spring bathing with indoor and outdoor public baths; the site also operates a tent sauna and offers day-use bathing options and sauna reservations.
A free shuttle from Ashinomaki Train Station is available but must be reserved at the time of booking; there is no regular airport shuttle and the nearest airport (Fukushima) is roughly 70 km away.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English is limited, so notify the hotel in advance about special requests or arrival details and consider using simple written notes or a translator if needed.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00; guests are asked to inform the hotel of their expected arrival time in advance.
Private tent-sauna sessions can be reserved; private use of indoor onsen facilities is not guaranteed—contact the hotel directly to request or confirm private bathing options.
The property listing indicates pets may be accepted subject to prior notice and possible restrictions; confirm acceptance and any conditions with the hotel before arrival.
The ryokan offers breakfast and some room plans include meals; available dining options vary by reservation, so check your booking details for included meals or meal plans.
The hotel is in the Ashinomaki Onsen area and is a convenient base for visiting Ouchi-juku (about 14 km), Aizuwakamatsu Castle (about 16 km), Mount Iimori and other Aizu-region sights.
The onsen area is rural with limited shops; larger supermarkets and convenience-store services are located in Aizuwakamatsu about 13–18 km away, so plan accordingly for essentials.