Kyukamura Ura-Bandai
8/10 Excellent - Based on 37 reviews
Kyukamura Ura-Bandai sits at roughly 800 metres amid Urabandai’s lakes and forests, offering both Japanese‑style and Western‑style rooms that look toward Mt. Bandai. Rooms are fitted with basic amenities and washbasins, and the property highlights seasonal scenery from fresh summer greenery to autumn colour and winter snow. As a ryokan with onsen in Urabandai, the hotel pairs practical services—free parking, a shuttle linking JR Inawashiro Station, a small shop, terrace and garden—with a calm mountain setting suited to families and outdoor travellers.
The onsen complex, KOGANE‑NO‑YU, comprises a tea‑brown outdoor bath rich in iron and a clear indoor bath that share the same mineral composition; both operate as public bathing facilities rather than private units. A sauna and a compact wellness area supplement the baths, and the outdoor setting encourages star‑gazing on clear nights. Dining is centred on buffet service using seasonal ingredients from Bandai, Aizu and Fukushima, including themed Aizu‑inspired banquet menus that change with the season; child‑friendly meal options and a café are provided for convenience.
Onsite activities cover hiking, canoeing, cycling and, in winter, alpine skiing, cross‑country trails and snowshoeing; a recently renewed campsite and observatory facilities extend the programme across summer and autumn. Practical amenities include Wi‑Fi in guest rooms, bicycle rental and multilingual reception staff during opening hours; house rules restrict pets and public bathing etiquette applies where tattoos are visible. This ryokan with onsen in Fukushima functions as a practical base for exploring Bandai‑Asahi National Park while offering straightforward, activity‑focused services and family‑oriented facilities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kyukamura Ura-Bandai
Positive Reviews
Clean, well-maintained rooms and public areas
Multiple guests noted that guest rooms and the hotel interior were clean and gave a good sense of hygiene and care.
Comfortable, warming onsen experience
Several reviewers praised the hot springs and outdoor baths as relaxing and very warming, often mentioning they enjoyed the bathing facilities.
Buffet meals with variety and local ingredients
Many guests appreciated the buffet-style meals, citing a wide selection, use of local/seasonal ingredients and generally satisfying flavors; complimentary touches (free coffee, post-bath ice cream, welcome drinks/snacks) were also welcomed.
Relaxing atmosphere and ample common spaces
Reviewers highlighted quiet, calm surroundings, plenty of common space to relax and a family-friendly environment with activities for children, making the stay restful.
Good value, pleasant views and adequate room size
Several comments mentioned the property offered good cost balance, rooms were sufficiently sized for two, and some rooms provided impressive views (e.g., mountain scenery).
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent food quality for some guests
While many praised the buffet, a few guests felt the meal quality or variety was lacking (some found selections poor or sparse, citing low ratings for the dinner on their stay).
Occasional onsen cleanliness/maintenance concerns
One reviewer reported seeing floating debris in the large public bath late at night and noted chlorine/circulation practices; the issue appeared intermittent (noted as clean in the morning).
Inconsistent staff service and attitude
Comments show mixed experiences with staff: some guests found particular younger staff at the restaurant unfriendly, whereas others felt staff (including foreign staff) were smiling and helpful, indicating uneven service levels.
Buffet operation and replenishment problems
A few guests noted that buffet management could be improved — items were not refilled promptly, passenger flow at breakfast could use staff guidance, and visible leftover packaging should be cleared to avoid confusion.
Room comfort and small amenity issues
Several practical concerns were raised: rooms sometimes felt too hot (heavy summer duvet, AC issues), noisy in-room refrigerators, lack of a small night light for late-night toilet trips and a desire for a nearby toilet when multiple guests share a single room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include twin and Japanese-style options; some Japanese rooms sleep up to five on futons and family rooms are available. Children of all ages are welcome but cribs and extra beds are not provided; children 13 and older are charged as adults.
Yes — the property operates Kogane-no-yu with a clear indoor bath and a tea-brown outdoor (rotenburo) bath fed by the same mineral spring. Public bathing hours span morning, daytime and evening so you can choose quieter or scenic times.
Policies vary: the Kyukamura group allows tattooed guests to use baths if tattoos are covered with waterproof cover stickers, but some public baths may still refuse visible tattoos. If you are concerned, ask the front desk or request a private/family bath if one is available.
There is a free shuttle linking JR Inawashiro Station and the hotel; timetabled departures require reservation by the previous day. If you miss the shuttle you can reach the ryokan by taxi or private car; free parking is available on site.
Travel typically involves arriving at Fukushima Airport or a nearby regional airport, taking public transport or a taxi to JR Inawashiro Station, and then using the hotel shuttle or a local taxi for the final leg. Plan connections in advance, as the shuttle runs on a fixed timetable and needs prior reservation.
Staff communicate in Japanese and English, and frontline staff can assist with basic English inquiries about facilities and transport. For complex requests, a brief Japanese phrase or advance notice can help.
The ryokan serves regional seasonal cuisine with a dinner buffet featuring local Aizu and Bandai specialties and a breakfast buffet; baby food options are available. Typical meal service hours include breakfast around 7:00–9:00 and dinner in the early evening.
The ryokan sits in the Urabandai highlands near Bandai-Asahi National Park, offering hiking, cycling, canoeing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus scenic views of Mt. Bandai and nearby lakes. Cultural attractions and Aizu/Wakamatsu-area sites are reachable by car or local transport.
Check-in is generally from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the front desk is staffed long hours. Note the property locks external entrances around midnight until early morning, so plan late arrivals with the hotel in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the property. Private bath rentals are not listed among standard facilities, so inquire at the front desk for any family/private bathing options; a small on-site shop is open for basic necessities and souvenirs.