Hotel Kameya
6,6/10 Good - Based on 64 reviews
Hotel Kameya sits within the Naruko Onsen area of Miyagi and operates as a traditional ryokan with onsen in Miyagi, offering straightforward, regionally styled accommodation with both Japanese tatami rooms and Western twin rooms. The property maintains communal indoor and open-air baths supplied by local hot spring sources; the water types are described regionally as bicarbonate and chloride springs, and the facility is noted locally for a darker “black” spring often associated with beautifying minerals. Private, bookable baths are not listed among standard guest offerings, so bathing is primarily in public or open-air facilities shared by guests.
Guest rooms range from compact 8-tatami Japanese-style rooms with futons to twin-bed configurations, several of which provide views toward the valley and nearby hills. On-site dining follows local Akiu and Naruko seasonal menus with multiple Japanese-style dining rooms and an option for buffet or set-style breakfasts; two separate dining outlets are available on the property. Practical amenities include complimentary parking, luggage storage, a shuttle pickup from Naruko Onsen station by prior arrangement, free Wi‑Fi in public areas, and leisure services such as massages and an evening bar and karaoke lounge.
Positioned a short drive or 10–20 minute walk from the station, the ryokan is convenient for exploring Naruko Onsen’s walking routes and nearby natural attractions, making it a functional base for travelers seeking a traditional hot-spring stay. The layout and services reflect a practical, family-friendly ryokan with onsen in Naruko Onsen, Miyagi, where emphasis is on shared bathing, seasonal Japanese cuisine and straightforward guest services rather than private onsen suites. Guests planning dinner or station pickup should confirm arrival windows and dining availability in advance.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Kameya
Positive Reviews
Authentic, relaxing onsen
Many guests praised the hot springs as the highlight — authentic baths on multiple floors (including a rooftop bath), enjoyable morning/evening differences, and skin-softening effects.
Friendly, helpful staff
Staff were repeatedly described as kind, welcoming and helpful, improving guests’ experience from check-in to dining and checkout.
Convenient location and facilities
The property is close to a Lawson convenience store, has parking and a shuttle/taxi option to the station, making it easy for guests who drive or need quick access to shops and transport.
Spacious traditional rooms and ryokan charm
Guests appreciated the large tatami-style rooms, traditional atmosphere and period charm — many found the room size and layout comfortable.
Good food and breakfast for many guests
Several reviews complimented the meals (dinner and breakfast), noting variety and taste; rooftop/upper-floor baths were also singled out as excellent dining complements.
Negative Reviews
Dated facilities and need for refurbishment
Numerous guests described the hotel as old or run-down; many felt parts of the building and public areas need updating or maintenance.
Cleanliness concerns in spots
Some reviewers reported issues such as dirty walls or windows, cobwebs in rooms, hair left in onsen changing areas and blackened or worn flooring in bathing areas, indicating inconsistent cleanliness.
Limited in-room connectivity and amenities
Several guests noted there was no Wi‑Fi in rooms, sometimes no hot water in-room, and occasional lack of onsen toiletries; restrictions (e.g. limited hairdryer access) were also mentioned.
Inconsistent onsen conditions
A few guests found bath temperatures inconsistent (either too hot or lukewarm) and reported portions of the bathing area feeling unclean or poorly maintained.
Accessibility and minor comfort issues
Complaints included the property being a long walk from the station (best reached by car or taxi), absence of an alcohol vending machine, late breakfast start times, small toilets, squeaky floors and some guests finding futons hard or food quality disappointing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin rooms for two and Japanese-style rooms (8-tatami) that can sleep up to four using futons; family and quad options are shown on the booking page for each plan.
Yes — the hotel offers public hot-spring baths including an outdoor/observation bath; note that guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas.
A free hotel shuttle from Naruko Onsen Station is available if reserved at booking (pick-up typically between 15:00–17:00); airport access is by regional airports plus taxis or transfers — the hotel lists nearby regional airport options.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; limited English assistance is usually available at reception, so contact the hotel in advance if you need specific language support.
Expect a traditional Japanese ryokan atmosphere with tatami rooms and Japanese meals served in the hotel’s restaurants; dinner often requires prior reservation and you should arrive by 19:00 if you plan to dine on-site.
Nearby highlights include Naruko Onsen town, Naruko Gorge, local kokeshi doll shops and small museums, all reachable by short drive, bus or taxi from the hotel.
Use the hotel shuttle from Naruko Onsen Station, local buses and taxis for local travel; the JR Rikuu East Line serves Naruko Onsen Station for regional train access.
Check-in is from 15:00 (guests should arrive by 19:00 if they wish to have dinner), check-out is by 10:00, and the hotel enforces a 23:00 curfew for entering or leaving the property.
Pets are not permitted at the hotel; private/reserved baths are not guaranteed and must be confirmed with the hotel in advance if you require them.
There are small shops and convenience stores in Naruko town within a short drive, while larger supermarkets may require a taxi or bus trip to a nearby town.