Hoseikan
7,2/10 Very good - Based on 65 reviews
Hoseikan sits on the banks of the Tamayu River in the Tamatsukuri Onsen district of Matsue, presenting a long-established Japanese inn that blends wooden architecture and a landscaped garden. The property comprises several distinct wings and roughly mid‑fifties guest rooms, including a registered cultural building known as Yūsenttei that speaks to a history stretching back around 300 years. For visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Shimane, the inn pairs tatami-floored accommodation and seasonal kaiseki cuisine with views over the garden and the riverside paths that define this hot‑spring quarter.
Bath facilities draw on the Tamatsukuri hot spring source and include multiple gender‑separated large bathing areas plus at least one open‑air bath, with the property operating scheduled gender rotations between morning and evening to manage usage. Rooms are predominantly Japanese style with private bathrooms, tea kettles and climate control, while communal amenities include a restaurant serving local seafood, a lounge with tea service, an on‑site bar and optional massage treatments; entertainment and meeting spaces such as karaoke and banquet rooms are available for group stays.
Practical services reported by listings and the property itself include free parking, station pickup by prior request from the nearby Tamatsukuri Onsen stop, and front‑desk support for local arrangements and luggage forwarding. The location places guests within easy reach of Tamatsukuri Shrine, craft shops and Matsue’s lakeside sights, making the inn a convenient base for cultural touring. For travelers prioritizing a traditional ryokan with onsen experience, Hoseikan offers a garden‑facing, well‑equipped option with a range of room types and onsen access.
Highlights of this ryokan
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Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hoseikan
Positive Reviews
Polite and helpful staff
Multiple guests praised the staff’s polite, attentive service and warm hospitality, noting helpful interactions that made family and couple stays comfortable.
Tasty meals and generous breakfast buffet
Reviews frequently mention delicious cuisine—both set meals and large breakfast buffets—with many highlighting local rice and a wide variety of dishes that guests enjoyed.
Relaxing onsen and outdoor baths
Many guests reported that the hot springs were very pleasant, including the outdoor (rotenburo) and mountain baths; some enjoyed the atmosphere and were able to rent a private bath, making the stay relaxing.
Cleanliness despite an older building
Several reviews said the property felt clean and well maintained inside, even though the facility is older, giving visitors confidence about hygiene.
Nice location and scenic views
Guests appreciated the location—riverside walks, cherry blossoms, and good views of the onsen town from rooms or upper floors were highlighted as pleasant aspects of the stay.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and equipment
A recurring issue is that the property and its equipment feel old or worn; guests noted outdated fixtures and other signs of age throughout the building.
Inconsistent service and occasional brusque staff
While many found staff courteous, several guests reported being hurried, spoken to abruptly (especially at check‑in or during meals), or experiencing inconsistent service standards.
Onsen-related problems (temperature, insects, weather cover)
Some visitors mentioned issues with the baths—an outdoor bath that was lukewarm and had insects, and frustration at being unable to use the open-air bath due to heavy rain or lack of shelter.
Comfort and room amenity complaints
Problems cited include thin or firm futons and hard pillows, tatami that snags clothing, cigarette smell in one room, limited TV channels (no BS), and small amenity shortfalls such as only one towel set for bath/vanity.
Food/price and service logistics concerns
A few guests noted high alcohol prices at dinner, isolated reports of buffet items that tasted off, and practical inconveniences like the on‑site shop closing at checkout time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hoseikan is in the Tamatsukuri Onsen area of Matsue (1191-1 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho). It is about a 10-minute drive from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station and roughly 30 minutes by car from Izumo Enmusubi Airport.
Check-in generally begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you expect to arrive outside those hours, contact the property in advance.
Yes, a shuttle from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station is available; you must request it in advance and pickups are typically arranged in the mid-afternoon to early evening (confirm exact times when booking).
Room capacities vary but many Japanese-style rooms accommodate up to four guests; the property operates multiple guest rooms (around several dozen). Specify the number of guests when booking to ensure the right room type.
Hoseikan features hot-spring baths including indoor and open-air (rotenburo) facilities supplied by the local Tamatsukuri spring. Public baths are typically separated by gender.
Some room types include a private bathroom, but exclusive-use (reserved) family baths are not guaranteed; if you need a private onsen experience, ask the property ahead of arrival about available room types or possible private-bath options.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals focused on seasonal seafood and local ingredients; dinner and breakfast are offered and the dining arrangement (in-room or dining room) depends on your reservation plan.
Staff can assist in English to a reasonable degree and the ryokan can help with local information and arranging nearby activities. For detailed tour bookings it’s best to ask in advance.
You are steps from Tamatsukuri Onsen and a short walk to Tamatsukuri (Tamatsukuri-Yu) and Tamatsukuri Shrine; Matsue city sights such as Matsue Castle and museums are a 20–30 minute drive away. The area is suited to onsen strolls, shrine visits, and short drives to regional attractions.
Pets are generally not accommodated at traditional ryokan—contact the property to confirm exceptions. The area has small shops and restaurants within walking distance, the ryokan provides on-site parking, and guest Wi‑Fi is typically available.