Mimatsukan
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 568 reviews
Mimatsukan is a compact, family-run ryokan in the heart of Ikaho Onsen that balances traditional Japanese rooms with select modern upgrades. The property offers about twenty-one guest rooms, including recently renovated Japanese‑modern twin rooms fitted with Simmons beds and tatami areas; rooms typically include yukata, tea-making facilities, a small refrigerator and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Housekeeping and reception emphasise attentive, personal service rather than large‑scale amenities, and the public areas display a small collection of Japanese art that reinforces the ryokan’s calm, domestic atmosphere.
The bathing facilities are a central feature: an indoor large bath finished with a tatami-style surround provides a warm, communal onsen experience, while the rooftop open-air baths (the named observation baths allow views toward surrounding ranges) offer outdoor soaking by day or night. For travellers seeking privacy there is a purpose-built貸切浴室 (private bath) available to reserve, providing a secluded, bookable soak separate from the public pools; this makes the property a practical choice when searching for a ryokan with private onsen Ikaho. Additional wellness options include a low‑temperature ganbanyoku room and spaces for quietly stretching out after a soak.
Meals are served as multi-course Japanese dinners that highlight local Jōshū ingredients and offer selectable main dishes, with breakfast presented in a similarly traditional style; dining takes place in a communal dining room rather than in‑room service. The ryokan also provides small leisure facilities—table tennis, a compact karaoke lounge and a recently renovated private lounge—that suit groups or couples seeking after‑dinner entertainment. With its mix of intimate hospitality, onsen variety and straightforward facilities, Mimatsukan positions itself as a modest, well‑maintained ryokan with onsen Gumma that suits travelers looking for an authentic Ikaho hot‑spring stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
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Review summary for: Mimatsukan
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff and hospitality
Multiple guests praised the staff for being friendly, helpful and accommodating—assisting with luggage, parking/valet, speaking English when needed and going the extra mile to make stays comfortable.
Clean, well‑kept traditional ryokan
Reviewers appreciated the ryokan’s cleanliness and the well‑presented traditional Japanese rooms; despite the building’s age, many felt maintenance exceeded expectations.
Excellent onsen experience with great views
The public, outdoor and rooftop private onsen were frequently highlighted as a highlight—clean facilities, lovely views of surrounding mountains and high‑quality hot‑spring water.
Convenient location near Ikaho attractions
The property’s proximity to Ikaho town center and the famous stone steps was noted as a strong point, making sightseeing and access to local attractions easy.
High‑quality meals and traditional experience
Guests enjoyed the Japanese‑style dinners and breakfasts and valued the immersive traditional stay (hospitality, décor and meal presentation).
Negative Reviews
No in‑room shower in Japanese‑style rooms
Several guests noted that Japanese rooms lack private showers, requiring use of communal baths; this wasn’t always clear on booking and can surprise guests who expect an en‑suite.
Futon comfort issues
Some reviewers found the futons thin or unsuitable for heavier sleepers, which could lead to poor sleep for those not used to traditional bedding.
Small or limited bath capacity and variable temperature
A number of comments mentioned that some baths (2nd/6th floor or the private rooftop onsen) are small and can feel crowded; one guest reported the private onsen water was not very warm.
Accessibility and check‑in/time constraints
The ryokan sits on a steep slope (requiring climbs if not driving) and several guests warned about limited check‑in hours/late‑arrival procedures and unclear bus information, so arrival planning is recommended.
Limited amenities / extra costs and some dated features
Guests mentioned extra fees for certain facilities, no laundry service, exposed/cold toilets in winter, few electrical outlets and some signs of aging (e.g., curtains) that could be improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mimatsukan has 21 rooms with layouts ranging from single/twin to traditional Japanese rooms; some Japanese-style rooms sleep up to five guests on futons and there are family-friendly 1–4 person options.
The ryokan offers a large indoor public bath, a rooftop open-air bath (Ukigumo) with mountain views, and tatami-style indoor baths.
Yes, a reservable private bath (Komochi no Yu) is available; please request it at booking or the front desk and note it is subject to availability.
Pets are not permitted on the property.
There is no regular airport shuttle; public buses run from Shibukawa Station to Ikaho Onsen (about a 20-minute ride) and the ryokan is a short walk from the stone steps — contact the property in advance for special pickup assistance.
The primary language is Japanese, and many staff members speak some English and assist international guests.
The ryokan serves a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner and a Japanese-style breakfast, both served in the dining hall; please notify the ryokan in advance for dietary requests.
Mimatsukan is close to the Ikaho Stone Steps and within walking distance of Ikaho Shrine, Kajika Bridge, Ikaho Green Bokujō and several local museums and galleries.
By public transport, take a train to Shibukawa Station then a local bus (about 20 minutes) to Ikaho Onsen; by car the property has private indoor parking and a front entrance drop-off where staff will assist.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance and luggage storage is available.