Dai Onsen Matsudaya Ryokan
6,6/10 Good - Based on 63 reviews
Dai Onsen Matsudaya Ryokan sits within the Dai Onsen hot-spring cluster in Hanamaki, Iwate, and presents itself as a traditional ryokan with onsen in Hanamaki, Iwate that combines large communal bathing areas and open-air baths with guest-room bathing options. On-site facilities include a main indoor hot spring, a rotenburo (outdoor bath) and multiple reservable bath spaces; some accommodation types offer semi open-air tubs or private in-room baths so guests can time their soak in greater privacy.
Accommodation ranges from classic tatami rooms with futons to suites that feature semi-open-air bathing areas or a private bathroom, with select recently refurbished rooms fitted with continuously flowing hot-spring taps and local timber tubs. The layout options cater to couples and small groups seeking a quieter, more intimate onsen experience, and the property maintains several reservable private baths and guest-room baths that allow for short, exclusive soaks without additional booking platforms. Room descriptions note traditional fittings such as cypress bathtubs and sunken dining spaces.
Meals emphasise seasonal, locally sourced produce prepared in contemporary Japanese course style, with some courses finished over an irori hearth and private dining options available for seated meals; breakfast programs highlight regional ingredients. The ryokan with private onsen in Iwate also positions itself as a practical base for exploring nearby attractions in the Hanamaki onsen area, and services include in-house parking, communal lounges and multilingual reservation details for travellers planning a regional onsen itinerary.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Dai Onsen Matsudaya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Excellent food (breakfast & dinner)
Many guests praised the meals as delicious and abundant, highlighting especially the rice, simmered dishes and the quality of both dinner and breakfast.
High‑quality hot springs and variety of baths
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned the onsen’s pleasant water quality, suitable heat, multiple baths (including family/private options) and 24‑hour access, which provided a relaxing experience.
Warm, attentive staff and homely atmosphere
The small, friendly ‘mom‑and‑pop’ service and helpful staff were frequently noted; guests felt welcomed and received prompt, accommodating service.
Charming retro setting and scenic views
Visitors enjoyed the nostalgic, historic ryokan character and town atmosphere, plus memorable room views (snowy mornings and rooftop/mountain scenery were highlighted).
Good value and comfortable rooms/amenities
Many reviewers felt the ryokan offered strong cost‑performance: clean rooms, comfortable in‑room baths for some room types, yukata and other amenities, and overall satisfaction for the price.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and maintenance needs
Several guests noted visible wear or needed repairs (e.g., worn areas, suggestions to fix the lobby ceiling) and occasional coldness in public areas, reflecting the property’s older condition.
Room comfort problems (bugs, bedding, small amenities)
There were reports of small insects in rooms, old futons with feathers coming out, and minor missing items (for example a mug in the room), which affected comfort for some guests.
Noise and nighttime disturbances
Multiple reviewers experienced disruptive noise from other guests (late‑night talking, footsteps) or unusual/creepy sounds in certain rooms that disturbed sleep.
Room‑specific issues (smoke smell, lighting, shower)
A few guests were assigned smoking rooms and disliked tobacco odor; others mentioned lack of blackout curtains causing streetlight glare, weak shower pressure, or limited temperature control in some baths/showers.
Access, parking and small extra costs
Some visitors found public transport options limited (few bus services) and parking awkward; occasional remarks also mentioned high prices for items like canned beer in the lobby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has about 18 rooms and a total capacity around 50 guests, with room layouts ranging from single rooms and Japanese-style rooms with futons to suites that sleep up to six people.
The property offers public indoor baths, an open-air bath, and multiple reservable private baths fed from the local hot spring source.
Yes — several private baths can be reserved for exclusive use; reservations are typically made at the front desk and are often free of charge.
There is no regular hotel shuttle publicly listed; the ryokan is about 13 km from Shin‑Hanamaki Station and about 8 km from Iwate‑Hanamaki Airport, so a taxi or private transfer is the usual option.
Check-in is from 15:00 (guests are asked to arrive by around 18:30) and check-out is between 07:00 and 10:00; confirm times with the ryokan if you expect to arrive late.
This ryokan requires guests to be at least 18 years old to check in and generally does not accept children.
Guests are not permitted to bring pets, though the property does note the presence of a resident cat on site.
Meals typically focus on regional Japanese cuisine with multi-course dinner options and breakfast; dining is served in the ryokan’s dining areas with partitions or private-style seating on request.
Japanese is the primary language used; some English assistance may be available but guests should contact the ryokan in advance if they need specific language support.
The ryokan sits in the Hanamaki onsen area with nearby highlights such as the Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum (about 14 km); free on-site parking is available for guests, and taxis or rental cars are the most practical ways to explore the wider area.