Hotel Shion
--- The property is not yet rated
Hotel Shion sits on the lakeside edge of a well-known hot-spring district near Morioka, offering panoramic views across the water and surrounding mountains. Accommodation ranges from spacious lake-view suites and western-style rooms to traditional Japanese rooms with futons; many rooms include seating areas and large windows designed to bring the seasonal scenery inside. Practical touches for travellers include an on-site parking area and a scheduled shuttle service to Morioka station by prior reservation, making the property a convenient base for exploring nearby sights and outdoor activities around Iwate.
The property is built around a generous bathing programme: two large public baths and lit open-air baths provide different moods for day and evening soaking, and the house promotes source-fed hot spring water in its bathing facilities. For guests seeking privacy, there are rentable private baths and secluded outdoor options that can be reserved for exclusive use, so the property functions both as a ryokan with onsen in Iwate and as a ryokan with private onsen for quieter, more intimate experiences. A small spa area complements the baths with a sauna, whirlpool and massage services to round out relaxation choices.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Shion
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviewers praised the staff for being kind, accommodating and proactive (helping with transport, reservations and language support), contributing to a relaxing stay.
Excellent onsen facilities
Guests highlighted several high-quality onsen options — including open-air baths and the ability to hire a private onsen — and consistently called the hot spring experience a major highlight.
Beautiful lake and mountain views with spacious rooms
Many guests enjoyed large, comfortable rooms with scenic views of the lake and Mount Iwate; several noted the room size and the relaxing atmosphere as strong positives.
Very good food (breakfast and dinner)
The hotel’s meals received frequent praise: buffet breakfasts, impressive kaiseki dinners and live-cooked steak/beef at the buffet were repeatedly described as delicious and memorable.
Good shuttle and transport assistance
Reviewers appreciated the shuttle service to/from Morioka Station and that staff could arrange taxi or shuttle rides, which made reaching nearby attractions easier when public transport was limited.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport cost/time
Several guests noted the hotel is somewhat isolated; reaching it from Morioka station can require a long taxi ride (and cost) or careful bus timing, which may be inconvenient without planning.
Dinner availability and limited casual options
Some guests found it difficult to get a dinner reservation (fully booked even days ahead) or felt on-site casual dining choices were limited to noodle options unless choosing the more expensive dinner.
Wear and maintenance issues in some rooms
A few reviews mentioned dated decor and visible wear — stained carpets, peeling wallpaper, scrapes and older bathrooms — indicating some rooms could benefit from updating and repairs.
Breakfast/service timing concerns
At least one guest felt breakfast service finished too early (before 9:00am), which created scheduling issues for their plans and reduced perceived value.
Occasional cleanliness or service inconsistencies
While most feedback on staff and cleanliness was positive, isolated comments reported dust, a dirty window shade or staff lacking enthusiasm, suggesting some variability in standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single/double to family suites; the largest rooms use multiple futons and can accommodate up to about 6–8 guests.
Yes — the property has indoor and outdoor onsen facilities and guests can usually reserve a private bath; contact the hotel in advance to book a private session.
The hotel offers a shuttle service between JR Morioka Station (West Exit) and the ryokan; reservations are required and you should confirm the schedule with the property before arrival.
Iwate Hanamaki Airport is roughly 30–45 minutes by car (about 45 km); taxis or rental cars are common, and you can ask the hotel about transfer options in advance.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; hotel personnel are generally helpful and may speak some basic English, but guests who need detailed English assistance should contact the hotel ahead of arrival.
The ryokan has an on-site Japanese restaurant and serves breakfast as an Asian buffet; dinner (often traditional Japanese courses) is available — note that dinner service may require earlier check-in to be served.
Check-in starts at 15:00 and the official check-in window closes in the early evening; check-out is at 10:00. Guests should check in by about 19:00 if they plan to have dinner at the property.
Pets are not permitted at the property; private use of some bathing facilities is available by reservation — contact the hotel to arrange privatization.
Nearby highlights include Lake Gosho, Morioka Handicraft Village, Tsunagi Onsen and Koiwai Farm, plus local sightseeing in Morioka and surrounding hot-spring areas; the hotel can provide local information at reception.
There are few shops immediately next to the ryokan; a convenience store and basic services are within a short drive, so it’s sensible to stock up in Morioka before arriving if you need more variety.