Iwazonokan
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Iwazonokan sits at the foot of the Southern Alps in Minami Alps, Yamanashi. This traditional ryokan with onsen in Yamanashi occupies a mid‑20th‑century building (opened 1950, renovated 1998) and maintains a modest roster of 23 Japanese‑style rooms, including larger family layouts and a single room with an en‑suite bath. Accommodation is tailored to family groups and mountain travellers, with communal gathering spaces, a small shop and a reception area that preserve the character of a classic regional inn.
The property’s hot springs are its primary attraction: several large baths are fed directly from the source and operated as 100% gensen kakenagashi, delivering uncirculated water into a prominent rock open‑air bath (Oiwa), a rooftop open‑air bath and an indoor view bath. The spring issues at about 43.7°C with an alkaline pH near 9.26 and contains sodium, calcium and sulfate ions plus metasilicic acid. The waters are traditionally valued locally for easing nerve, muscle and joint discomfort, supporting recovery and improving skin condition; bathing access and schedules are managed separately from sleeping areas to accommodate day and overnight guests.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Iwazonokan
Positive Reviews
High-quality hot springs
Multiple reviewers praised the onsen—warm, pleasant baths with good water quality (natural, continuously flowing source) that helped them relax and warm up.
Atmospheric indoor and outdoor baths
Guests appreciated the rock-style indoor and outdoor baths and the traditional mountain-on onsen setting, which they found charming and scenic.
Tasty meals and breakfast
Several comments noted that the food was delicious, with appropriate portion sizes and enjoyable breakfast offerings.
Friendly and helpful staff
Staff were repeatedly described as kind and attentive, providing good customer service during stays.
Good for a relaxing mountain stay
Reviewers mentioned the hotel's mountain location and overall setting as positive for a leisure or group getaway.
Negative Reviews
Cleanliness and housekeeping issues
Some guests reported insufficient cleaning (e.g., cobwebs in room corners), indicating housekeeping standards were inconsistent.
Aging facilities and noisy appliances
Multiple reviews noted dated facilities—small TV, older furnishings—and occasional annoying noises such as a loud refrigerator.
Low-quality bathroom amenities
Guests criticized the provided toiletries (for example, only rinse-in shampoo) as subpar compared with expectations.
Problems with outdoor bath maintenance
At least one guest found the open-air baths poorly managed (one tub left unfilled despite assurances), resulting in a cold, unusable tub and disappointment.
Room layout and comfort shortcomings
Comments included lukewarm bath water at times, lack of a washbasin in some rooms, low partition walls between male/female baths affecting privacy, and worn leisure equipment (e.g., old table-tennis paddles).
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese-style family rooms sleep up to five on futons; standard rooms are arranged for two and some room types accommodate up to three guests.
Yes; the property offers natural hot-spring facilities including public indoor baths and an open-air bath, with the source reported as a hot spring around 43°C; guests with visible tattoos may face restrictions in communal baths.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; the ryokan provides free private parking, so arrival by car or taxi is the most practical option.
Matsumoto Airport is the closest listed airport (around 96 km), and travel by car or taxi from regional airports is generally recommended.
English may be limited at this small ryokan; guests are advised to notify arrival times in advance and to bring simple Japanese phrases or a translation app if needed.
Expect a classic ryokan stay with tatami rooms and futon bedding, communal hot-spring bathing, Japanese-style meals (breakfast is typically offered), and a historic, nature-focused atmosphere.
The area is popular for hiking and cycling in the Southern Alps (including Yashagami Pass trailheads), local hot-spring spots, and scenic drives; Lake Shojiko and other regional attractions are reachable by car.
Public transport in the area is limited; plan for regional buses and taxi connections from the nearest train stations or consider renting a car for the most flexible access.
Check-in is usually from 15:00 to 20:00 and check-out by 10:00; the ryokan requests that you inform them of your expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not allowed; private/reservable baths are not advertised—contact the ryokan directly to inquire; basic shops and supermarkets are located in the nearby town and are a short drive away.