Matsushima Ichinobo
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 151 reviews
Matsushima Ichinobo sits on a low hill overlooking the islands of Matsushima Bay, offering rooms designed to frame the bay rather than hide it. The property blends contemporary comfort with ryokan traditions: rooms provide bed and futon options, large picture windows or balconies, and in some cases private outdoor bathtubs that let you linger over the view. As an ocean-facing ryokan with onsen Miyagi travelers can easily pair a sea-swept horizon with the ritual of a hot-spring soak, making the coastal setting part of the stay rather than a backdrop.
The bathing facilities include multiple indoor baths and a top‑floor open-air onsen that faces the bay, plus a sauna and spa treatments for fuller relaxation; guest reports and the property information note the mineral-rich water and the panoramic sightlines from the baths. Dining is organised around an order-buffet concept in a mural‑lined restaurant that highlights local seafood and seasonal produce; for many stays the offer is presented on an all‑inclusive basis, and there are casual lounges and a club floor for quieter hours. An adjacent glass museum and landscaped garden are part of the resort footprint, and a free shuttle service links the property to nearby stations.
Practical features favour a relaxed, adult-focused retreat: luggage assistance, on‑site parking and English-language support are available, and the layout is intended to encourage slow pacing rather than a packed itinerary. The combination of sea-facing rooms, multiple public baths with a bay view, and on-site cultural amenities makes this a straightforward choice for visitors who seek a coastal ryokan with onsen in Matsushima and throughout Miyagi prefecture, especially those who value integrated dining, art and easy access to the bay’s temples and walking routes.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Matsushima Ichinobo
Positive Reviews
Excellent, attentive staff and service
Many guests praise the friendly, professional staff and high level of customer service, describing warm welcomes, helpful attendants and VIP treatment that enhances the stay.
Outstanding food and beverage offerings
Reviews highlight a varied, high-quality dinner and breakfast with live cooking stations, plentiful buffet choices, complimentary lounge drinks/snacks and surprising extras (e.g. free ice cream and good wine selection).
Stunning views and spacious comfortable rooms
Guests repeatedly mention postcard-quality sea and island views, large rooms with modern touches, generous space and very comfortable beds, often upgraded or newly renovated.
Excellent onsen and bathing facilities
Multiple reviewers praise the onsen and public baths (indoor and open-air) with sea views, noting they are clean, relaxing and a highlight of the property.
Wide amenities and good convenience features
The hotel offers many value-added amenities — 24-hour lounge drinks, souvenir shops, bike/e-bike rentals, good Wi‑Fi and plentiful power sockets — and is within walking distance of the JR station with additional shuttle/taxi options.
Negative Reviews
Pool closed or uncertain availability
Several guests reported the outdoor pool was not in use and that its reopening was uncertain, which may disappoint travelers expecting pool access.
Dining repetition, waits and limited midday service
Some guests found the menu repetitive on multi-night stays, noted long waits at live-cook stations during busy buffet times, and pointed out there is little or no hotel lunch service, requiring guests to go out for midday meals.
Limited English information/communication
A number of reviewers said English signage and information can be sparse and that communicating sometimes requires translation apps; although there are English menus in some places, general guidance is often Japanese-only.
Some dated areas, occasional odors and noise
A few comments mentioned parts of the hotel feeling slightly old-fashioned, occasional corridor smells, and minor noise sources (e.g. minibar/fridge sounds) that affected room comfort for some guests.
Restricted beverage/coffee options and early dining hours
A few guests noted specific drink items were unavailable at times (e.g. no Coca‑Cola at the bar or no cappuccino at breakfast) and that dinner hours can feel early or limited for late diners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are designed for two guests, with triple and family room options available; check the specific room type for maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes — the property has multiple hot-spring baths including indoor and outdoor sea-view onsen; public baths are gender-separated and yukata are provided.
Tattoos are not permitted in the public onsen; guests with visible tattoos should ask about private-bath options or cover-up rules in advance.
Yes — the ryokan offers free shuttle/train-station pick-up from nearby stations (Matsushimakaigan and Matsushima); contact the property ahead of arrival to reserve a transfer.
Sendai Airport is the nearest airport (about 30–40 km); by car it takes roughly 40 minutes, and by public transport you can reach Matsushimakaigan/Matsushima stations with transfers in around 50–60 minutes.
Staff are multilingual and can assist in English; the restaurant offers vegetarian options and foreign-language menus are available on request.
The ryokan operates an on-site restaurant serving buffet-style dinner and breakfast featuring local seafood and regional dishes; some room rates include meals, so confirm your reservation details.
Major sites such as Zuigan-ji, Godaido, the Fujita Kyohei Glass Museum and Matsushima Bay viewpoints are all within a short walk or a few minutes by local transport.
The ryokan is walkable from local stations (around 10–20 minutes depending on the station) and offers free on-site parking for guests arriving by car.
Some room types include private open-air baths or in-room baths; pets are not allowed on the property; convenience stores and small shops are within walking distance for basic supplies.