Higashiyama Park Hotel Shinfugetsu
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 117 reviews
This traditional property in Aizuwakamatsu sits within the long-established Higashiyama Onsen village and presents a straightforward, guest-focused ryokan experience. With 81 rooms arranged in a mix of tatami-style and larger Japanese suites, the hotel emphasizes seasonal regional cuisine, relaxed public spaces and easy access to nearby historical sites. Framed as a ryokan with onsen Aizuwakamatsu, it highlights naturally sourced, gravity-fed springs that form the core of the property’s appeal for visitors seeking restorative baths.
Bathing facilities comprise four distinct bathing areas, offering communal onsen and a sauna, with day-use access available in the afternoon. On-site amenities include a year-round buffet dining plan showcasing seasonal dishes, complimentary leisure facilities such as karaoke and table tennis, free Wi‑Fi and private parking, and banquet arrangements for groups. Guest accommodation ranges from economy tatami rooms to more spacious Japanese-style rooms, some of which provide private shower facilities rather than private onsen, making it a practical ryokan with onsen Fukushima option for families and small groups.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Higashiyama Park Hotel Shinfug…
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and bathing facilities
Multiple reviewers praise the large public baths, outdoor onsen and sauna. Guests described the onsen as superb, relaxing and especially enjoyable after a cold day; public onsen amenities (toiletries, makeup removers) were noted as well stocked.
Generous buffet meals and drink options
The breakfast and dinner buffets receive frequent positive mentions for variety and value, including local specialties and all-you-can-drink options (beer, sake, etc.), which many guests found satisfying.
Friendly, helpful staff and good service
Staff are described as kind, attentive and helpful — from clear facility explanations to useful services like shuttle pickup and storing bikes. Several guests highlighted excellent reception service.
Good value for money and comfortable rooms
Many guests felt the price offered strong value, noting spacious rooms for the rate and comfortable bedding. Multiple reviews mention that room size and included meals made the stay good value.
Scenic, peaceful location with extra amenities
The ryokan’s mountain scenery and quiet, isolated atmosphere were appreciated (snowy views, city views). Additional on-site entertainment and amenities — arcade, free karaoke, well-stocked shop — were enjoyed by families and groups.
Negative Reviews
Access and parking difficulties
Several guests reported the property is hard to reach without a car, with long taxi rides from the station, limited on-site parking (overflow parking down the road) and occasional parking attendant issues.
Building age and maintenance issues
Some reviewers described the property as run-down or in need of renovation, noting maintenance problems (e.g., missing light fixtures) and inconsistent overall cleanliness in certain rooms.
Room comfort and layout shortcomings
Common complaints include small in-room bathrooms, cold bathroom/heater problems, hard tatami futon setups (some wished for mattress toppers) and limited robe/kimono sizing for larger guests; luggage access is also hindered by stairs and no ramp.
Busy or chaotic meal service at peak times
While food variety is praised, a number of guests found the buffet crowded and chaotic during busy periods; a few also thought meal quality was only mediocre despite the selection.
Missing services or limited onsite options
A few guests noted missing or limited services such as no laundry service, a gift shop focused on snacks rather than substantial items, and extra walking between multiple building sections due to expansions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single rooms to Japanese-style rooms for families or groups; some rooms can sleep up to eight guests on futons.
The hotel has large indoor public baths, a natural open-air rotenburo and a sauna; typical bathing hours are about 15:00–24:00 and 5:00–10:00, with sauna hours around 16:00–22:00 and 6:00–10:00.
Some guests report that the hotel can provide pickup from the nearby bus stop on request; please contact the hotel in advance to confirm and arrange collection.
The nearest airport is Fukushima Airport (roughly 73 km); from the airport use regional trains or buses to Aizuwakamatsu and then take a local bus or taxi to Higashiyama Onsen.
Japanese is the primary language; some staff can assist in basic English, so a translation app is recommended for detailed requests.
Meals are typically served buffet-style with Japanese, Western and other options for dinner and breakfast; alcoholic beverages are commonly offered during dinner service.
Aizuwakamatsu Castle and Iimori Mountain are close by, and the Higashiyama Onsen area is on the doorstep; Ouchi-juku and Mount Bandai are reachable by car within roughly 30–60 minutes.
Aizuwakamatsu Station is about 4–5 km away; you can take a local bus to Higashiyama Onsen or a short taxi ride from the station.
Check-in typically starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Private reservable baths are not listed among standard offerings, so contact the hotel to ask about private-use options; pets are not permitted; the hotel has a small on-site shop and vending machines, while larger supermarkets and more restaurants are in Aizuwakamatsu a short drive away.