Ryokan Seishounagon
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Ryokan Seishounagon sits on the banks of the Yunosegawa river in the Sakakibara Onsen area of Mie Prefecture, a traditional Japanese inn that foregrounds calm and seasonal hospitality. The building combines tatami rooms and a small number of Japanese‑Western guest rooms; public bathing facilities draw on the long‑renowned Sakakibara spring, historically celebrated for its skin‑softening mineral content. The property operates a shuttle from the nearest Kintetsu station, offers free parking, and places guests within about an hour’s drive of Ise Shrine and motor‑sport attractions, making it a practical base for regional sight‑seeing.
Guest accommodation ranges from classic Japanese futon rooms to beds in Western‑style layouts, with room types that include private en‑suite bathrooms; some plans retain shared bathing to preserve the communal onsen atmosphere. Meals emphasize seasonal kaiseki courses prepared from local produce and are served in dining rooms or at the table, depending on the reservation type. Onsite services include a 24‑hour reception, luggage storage, and a small programme of leisure options such as table tennis and karaoke, reflecting a family‑oriented ryokan experience.
The inn’s public hot spring pools are the central feature: warm, silky water associated with the area’s reputation as a “beauty” onsen invites slow soaks and quiet recovery after a day of travel. For travellers searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen in Mie, Seishounagon presents a straightforward, traditionally styled option where the emphasis is on restorative baths, unhurried service and seasonal dining rather than modern luxury; reservations and transport details are advised in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Seishounagon
Positive Reviews
Excellent hot springs
Many guests praised the onsen’s quality—describing the water as silky or ‘tromo’ and noting it made their skin feel smooth; several reviewers said they used the baths repeatedly and found them a highlight of the stay.
Delicious meals
Dinner and breakfast were frequently described as very tasty and satisfying, with several guests saying the meals were a major reason they enjoyed the stay.
Quiet, natural setting
Reviewers appreciated the peaceful, green surroundings and the rural, calm atmosphere—good for relaxation and getting away from crowds.
Traditional ryokan atmosphere
Many guests liked the classic, nostalgic ryokan character—the traditional interior, decor and old‑world charm added to the experience for visitors who value that style.
Kind and efficient staff
Staff were often described as friendly, polite and efficient; some guests noted helpful service and appreciated small amenities provided (e.g., skincare items) and working Wi‑Fi.
Negative Reviews
Aged facilities and maintenance needs
Numerous reviews mention the building and some fixtures feel old or worn (e.g., damaged mats, dirty windows), giving a sense that updates or maintenance are needed in parts of the property.
Bathroom layout and cleanliness concerns
Several guests reported problems with room bathrooms or wash areas: poor fittings (doors that wouldn’t close), sinks located inconveniently (inside toilets or on the engawa), lingering smells or a lack of perceived cleanliness in some water‑area surfaces.
Accessibility and transport issues
The property is reported as difficult to reach without a car: guests noted it’s far from the Kintetsu express stop and there is no hotel shuttle, making public‑transport access challenging.
Food portioning and serving timing
Some guests felt meal portions were too large and that the sequence/timing of dishes was awkward (e.g., certain items arriving much later), which led to leftovers and a less satisfying dining flow for those guests.
Missing or faulty amenities and limited room details
A few reviews mentioned missing or broken items (no toothbrush set in one room, a non‑working washlet) and limited conveniences (few power outlets); reviewers also wanted clearer room descriptions (e.g., smoking vs non‑smoking, washbasin location).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary from twin-style rooms to family rooms with multiple futons; some rooms list up to 10 futons. Children are welcome but there are no extra rollaway beds or baby cots available, so check the room capacity when booking.
The property offers a public onsen (hot-spring bath) for guests and some room types include a private bath. Standard Japanese bathing etiquette applies and guests with visible tattoos may be refused entry to public baths.
Yes — the ryokan provides a shuttle to and from Kintetsu Sakakibara-Onsenguchi Station; you must inform the property of your arrival time. The shuttle service operates only until about 20:00, so late arrivals need prior arrangement.
The nearest major airport is Nagoya (Chubu Centrair), roughly 100 km away; from there take trains toward Tsu or Osaka lines and transfer to Kintetsu to reach Sakakibara-Onsenguchi Station. From the station the ryokan’s shuttle or a short taxi ride completes the journey.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English may be limited. If you need assistance in English, contact the ryokan in advance to confirm support or prepare a translation aid.
Guests can expect a traditional ryokan stay with tatami rooms and futon bedding plus kaiseki-style dinners; the property is known to serve local seafood and Matsusaka beef options. Dinner service typically starts in the evening and guests with dinner plans are asked to check in early (by about 18:00) to be served.
The ryokan sits in the Sakakibara Onsen area and is within driving distance of regional highlights such as Suzuka Circuit, Matsuzaka/Tsu attractions and the Ise area. Local onsen facilities and small-town sights are also walkable or a short drive away.
Free on-site parking is available for guests arriving by car, and the ryokan is reachable from the Ise Expressway/Hisai IC in around 15–20 minutes. Public transport options include Kintetsu trains to Sakakibara-Onsenguchi Station plus the ryokan shuttle.
Check-in is from 15:00 (guests with dinner should arrive earlier, around 18:00) and check-out is by 10:00. You must inform the property of your expected arrival time so they can arrange shuttle pickup if needed.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. There are convenience stores and small shops a short drive away (roughly five minutes by car); the front desk can give exact directions.