Monjusou
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 57 reviews
Monjusou sits on the waterfront at Amanohashidate, offering a compact resort ryokan experience designed to showcase the sandbar and pine-lined views. The property comprises 29 rooms with terraces or balconies that frame the inlet and the nearby pine avenue; interiors pair traditional Japanese elements with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, in-room tea and coffee facilities and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Its shoreline position places the beach and local temples within a short walk, making the hotel practical for guests who want straightforward access to scenery alongside quiet evenings by the water.
Wellness is central to the stay: onsen facilities include a communal hot spring bath, sheltered open-air baths and bookable private open-air baths for couples or families, alongside a sauna and massage services. Baths are supplied from a local thermal source, and public and private bathing options are scheduled to balance privacy and shared use. These bathing choices, together with seaside views and a small garden, make Monjusou a convenient choice for travelers searching for a ryokan with onsen in Amanohashidate that combines bathing variety with coastal scenery.
The restaurant highlights seasonal seafood from the Sea of Japan and regional produce, presented in multi-course menus and lighter breakfast options, while a small bar and a beachside terrace extend dining into the evening. Practical amenities include free on-site parking with EV charging, luggage storage and an optional shuttle from the nearby station; staff can arrange bicycle hire and local sightseeing. With a compact floorplan and family-friendly room types, the property functions well as a ryokan with private onsen in Kyoto for guests seeking a seaside hot-spring stay near Amanohashidate.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Monjusou
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff and service
Multiple guests praised the staff as very friendly, helpful and attentive, often going above and beyond to assist (including orientation on arrival and help with local queries). Reviewers felt welcomed and well cared for throughout their stay.
Authentic, well‑appointed traditional rooms
Reviews highlight spacious, beautifully appointed Japanese‑style rooms with clean, thoughtful interiors and good attention to detail. Several guests enjoyed room features such as terraces, canal or shore views, and comfortable furnishings.
Excellent onsen and bath facilities
Guests loved the hot‑spring offerings: clean public baths (some with sauna and cold plunge), private/in‑room onsen options and pleasant open‑air baths, all noted as relaxing and well maintained.
Great location and peaceful surroundings
The property sits in a quiet, attractive area near the beach, woodland walks and Amanohashidate station (short walk). Many reviewers enjoyed the serene garden/canal setting and views, and found it a peaceful escape from city bustle.
High‑quality food and dining experience
Multiple reviews praised the meals—meticulous, refined kaiseki dinners and substantial breakfasts. Reviewers frequently mentioned the high standard of the food and the careful presentation and service in dining.
Negative Reviews
Limited dining options nearby; reservations needed
Several guests warned that local restaurants close early (around 6pm) and that hotel dinner reservations should be made in advance; otherwise finding alternatives can be difficult.
Bedding comfort concerns
A number of reviewers found the sleeping futons too thin or less comfortable than expected, noting occasional bedding discomfort for some guests.
Additional fees and small extras
Some guests pointed out extra charges (for example a small fee to rent bicycles) which add to the overall cost and were seen as unexpected in an already premium hotel.
Occasional room/maintenance issues
A few reviews reported minor problems such as difficulty regulating room temperature, an unpleasant sewage smell from a toilet in one case, or long distances from the entrance to certain rooms—issues that affected comfort for some guests.
Inconsistent help at departure
One review described staff at checkout who did not assist with luggage loading when requested; this was seen as out of step with the generally high service standards by other guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monjusou has 29 rooms with capacities ranging from 2 to 5 guests, including suites and family-style Japanese rooms.
The ryokan features a public onsen with an open-air bath and a sauna (public bathing area renovated in 2023), plus communal hot-spring facilities for guests.
Some room types include an in‑room hot spring bath; for private use of public baths or room-type availability please request details when booking.
A shuttle/transfer to Amanohashidate Station is available by advance reservation; there is no regular airport shuttle, so most guests arrive by train or booked transfer from major airports.
The nearest small airport is Toyooka/Tajima (about 50–60 km), but most visitors use Kansai International or Osaka Itami; expect about 2–3 hours travel from those airports by public transport or car.
Japanese is the primary language, but the property provides English information and staff can assist in English to a practical degree; many guests report helpful English support.
Expect a traditional Japanese ryokan experience focused on waterfront views of Amanohashidate, seasonal kaiseki-style cuisine, tatami and futon or mixed Western/Japanese rooms, and relaxed onsen and sauna time.
Monjusou sits beside the Amanohashidate sandbar; nearby highlights include Chionji Temple, Amanohashidate View Land, Kasamatsu Park, beach walks, and day trips such as the boat‑house village of Ine roughly 40 minutes by car.
The ryokan is within a short walk of Amanohashidate Station, offers bicycle rental, and is well served by local trains and buses for regional sightseeing; taxis are also readily available.
Pets are not accepted at Monjusou; for private hires or special-event reservations you should contact the ryokan directly to discuss options; convenience stores and local shops are close to Amanohashidate Station, with larger supermarkets a short drive away in Miyazu.