Kesennuma Plaza Hotel
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Perched on a hillside overlooking Kesennuma Bay, Kesennuma Plaza Hotel blends hotel comfort with traditional bathing culture, offering a deep-source natural hot spring and an open-air bath that frames views across the water and toward Oshima. The property operates a large public bathing complex with separate indoor and outdoor pools and a sauna, making it a local ryokan with onsen in Kesennuma for guests who want a coastal soak rather than private-only facilities. Rooms are arranged to maximise bay views so many guests wake to a seascape foregrounding the morning light.
Accommodation choices include Japanese-style and mixed Japanese-Western rooms across the house, with in-room basics such as en-suite facilities, air conditioning and complimentary internet; the hotel lists roughly 65 rooms and provides free onsite parking and a scheduled shuttle service on request. Public facilities extend beyond the baths to a restaurant focused on seafood drawn from the adjacent fish market, banquet and ceremony spaces, a lounge and entertainment rooms; towels and standard toiletries are available in the bathing area and a sauna complements the hot-spring experience.
Well suited to travellers seeking a coastal base for seafood dining and day trips around the Sanriku coast, the property positions itself as a practical seaside ryokan with onsen Miyagi, combining panoramic harbour views with straightforward access to local attractions such as the fish market and nearby coastal trails. The mix of communal bathing, bay-facing rooms and on-site dining makes it a clear choice for visitors prioritising a regional maritime experience and the restorative ritual of hot-spring bathing during a stay in the area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kesennuma Plaza Hotel
Positive Reviews
Outstanding food and seafood
Multiple guests praised the gourmet, multicourse meals featuring very fresh local seafood (sashimi, abalone, bonito, oyster soup) and called both dinner and breakfast delicious.
Relaxing onsen (hot springs)
Reviewers repeatedly enjoyed the onsen — described as lovely, large and included with the stay (with a small local onsen tax) and comfortable bathing temperatures.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were described as very kind, helpful and accommodating (e.g. room changes, dietary needs); some guests appreciated staff recommendations and sightseeing advice. Free shuttle service to stations was also noted.
Great harbour views and comfortable rooms
Guests liked the harbour and bridge views from rooms and open baths. Many mentioned large, clean traditional-style rooms that were quiet and comfortable, with convenient elevator access from the parking area.
Good value and convenient local location
Visitors highlighted good value for price, generous breakfasts, proximity to seafood shops and restaurants, and useful services (free shuttle to Kesennuma/Sendai stations).
Negative Reviews
Dated building and furnishings
Several guests noted the hotel feels somewhat old or dated; furnishings and some interior areas could use refreshing or modernization.
Early morning music/chime
A few guests were disturbed by music or a chime at around 6am, which affected morning sleep for some visitors.
Drafty or cold rooms and pillow quality
Some reviewers reported rooms being cold or drafty and suggested better-quality pillows would improve sleep comfort.
Intermittent Wi‑Fi and old-fashioned dining room areas
At least one guest experienced intermittent Wi‑Fi. Others felt the breakfast room/large dining avenues or some lobby posters felt old‑school or slightly tacky.
Distance to certain points of interest and nearby car-rental issues
A few guests mentioned the hotel is a bit far from their personal points of interest, and one reported nearby car-rental shop closures and unclear signage (a local inconvenience to note).
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese-style rooms use futons and some configurations can sleep up to six people; most rooms are also suitable for two to three guests. Cribs and extra beds are not provided, so include children’s ages when booking.
Yes — the hotel features a natural hot spring with public baths, an open-air bath overlooking the bay and a sauna for guests. Large tattoos may be restricted; contact the hotel if you have specific concerns.
Private onsen rentals are not listed among standard facilities; please contact the hotel directly to ask about private-use options or special arrangements.
The hotel offers a scheduled pick-up from Kesennuma Station for reservations of two or more guests (reservation required) and has limited shuttle times; outside those times guests normally use a taxi. Check with the hotel in advance to reserve a station transfer.
You can reach Kesennuma by express bus from Sendai (about 2½–3 hours) or by train with transfers; from Kesennuma Station the hotel is a short taxi ride or the hotel shuttle if reserved. Driving via the Sanriku Expressway also connects the area to Sendai in roughly 2–2½ hours depending on traffic.
English is limited but staff are generally helpful and can handle basic requests; the hotel provides some foreign-language menu support and can assist with simple arrangements. For detailed or special requests, contact the hotel before arrival.
The on-site restaurant serves Japanese cuisine with multi-course dinners featuring local seafood such as swordfish and Sanriku oysters, and a buffet-style breakfast is available. Dietary requests (vegetarian/other needs) can be accommodated if noted in advance.
The hotel sits above Kesennuma Bay and connects directly to the local fish market; nearby highlights include the Rias Ark Museum, Karakuwa Peninsula and the city’s tsunami memorial sites. Many local seafood stalls and sightseeing points are within short driving distance.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and reception accepts arrivals through the evening, with check-out by 10:00. If you expect to arrive late, notify the hotel in advance so they can note your arrival.
Pets are not permitted at the property; on-site parking for cars is available and the building has elevator access to nearby market areas. Convenience stores and local shops are within easy reach in the town center.