Mikuma Hotel
8/10 Excellent - Based on 113 reviews
Perched on the banks of the Mikuma River in Hita, this riverside property presents itself as a traditional yet accessible retreat, combining tatami-floored Japanese-style rooms and some Western-bed options with uninterrupted river views. Guests can borrow colorful yukata to stroll the historic streets of the town, and large windows in public spaces frame the river and surrounding mountains. The hotel markets itself as a ryokan with onsen in Ōita, emphasizing a relaxed pace, attentive service, and seasonal menus that showcase local river fish and regional produce.
The bathing facilities are a defining feature: a high-level panoramic indoor bath and multiple cypress open-air baths on the upper floors afford sweeping vistas over the valley, while a family-sized private bath with both indoor and open-air elements is offered for exclusive use. The onsen draws an alkaline simple spring noted locally for its smooth, skin-friendly feel, often described as “beauty” water; day-use bathing is available during set hours and the property operates a rental/private bath option for guests who prefer solitude. Note that public-bath access policies may restrict entry for guests with visible tattoos; private baths remain an alternative for those guests.
Accommodation ranges from intimate futon-style rooms to twin-bed and deluxe family layouts, many arranged to face the river and capture sunsets. Dining focuses on kaiseki and grilled river specialties, and from May through the end of October the hotel runs a signature yakatabune houseboat dinner — sometimes paired with nightly cormorant fishing displays — which adds a ritual touch to the riverside experience. Practical touches include shuttle service to the station, on-site parking, a reception desk with multilingual support, and options for room service and luggage storage.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Mikuma Hotel
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviews praise the staff for being kind, helpful and responsive — assisting with recommendations, finding lost items, and addressing issues quickly.
Excellent onsen and bathing facilities
Guests repeatedly highlight the large public baths and rooftop/outdoor onsen as clean, well maintained and offering pleasant views and a relaxing experience.
Scenic location and room views
Many reviewers enjoyed the riverside setting and high-floor views; several mention pleasant evening scenery and good location for walking by the river.
Clean, comfortable rooms and atmosphere
Rooms are often described as clean, comfortable and spacious; guests appreciated the hotel's calm, traditional atmosphere and comfortable high-floor rooms.
Good traditional meals and family-friendly touches
Several guests liked the Japanese-style meals (kaiseki) and overall food quality; families noted small thoughtful extras for children (juice on arrival, a toy at checkout).
Negative Reviews
Mixed food quality, value and limited breakfast offerings
Some guests found the food lacked taste or value and reported limited breakfast variety, items running out early, or insufficient buffet replenishment.
Aging or inconsistent facilities
A number of reviews mention that parts of the property feel very old or unevenly renovated across rooms, leading to mixed impressions depending on the room.
Missing or inconvenient room amenities
Guests noted lack of certain amenities such as coffee, suitable mirrors, and convenient placement of electric kettles; some found bathrooms cramped with combined bath/toilet and small wash spaces.
Hygiene/maintenance concerns in some areas
A few reviewers reported unpleasant corridor odors, damp or discolored slippers in bathing areas, and issues like water temperature or insufficient hot water in rooms.
Inconsistent service on specific requests
While staff were generally praised, some guests experienced refusals for early breakfast, unresolved booking/mistake handling, or felt some staff seemed inexperienced despite being earnest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from 2-person twin/deluxe rooms to Japanese-style rooms and family rooms that can accommodate up to six guests; capacity varies by room type so check the room details when booking.
The hotel offers public indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, including a rooftop open-air bath with river views for guests to enjoy.
Private/reservable baths are not listed among the standard facilities; contact the hotel directly to ask about private-bath options or special arrangements.
No dedicated airport shuttle is listed; the hotel is about a 15‑minute walk from JR Hita Station, and visitors commonly use local trains, taxis or regional buses to reach Hita from nearby airports or cities.
Staff primarily speak Japanese but many make efforts to assist non-Japanese guests using basic English and translation tools; multilingual materials may be available on request.
Guests can stay in tatami rooms and wear provided yukata robes; the property also serves traditional Japanese meals and offers river-view experiences such as seasonal boat rides (extra charge may apply).
The hotel is close to Kangi-en Garden and within easy reach of Hita’s historic Mameda-machi district; local sights and the Sapporo Beer Hita Factory are also nearby.
Standard check-in is from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and check-out is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Pet policies are not specified in the general listing; please contact the hotel directly to confirm whether pets are permitted.
The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving Japanese cuisine and offers breakfast (and sometimes dinner) options; convenience stores and local shops are available within walking distance in Hita for basic supplies.