Namari Onsen Kokoro No Toki Jusangatsu
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 5 reviews
Namari Onsen Kokoro No Toki Jusangatsu is the boutique annex of a historic Hanamaki hot-spring estate, occupying a riverside setting in Iwate. Conceived as an intimate "neo-ryokan," it comprises a limited number of individually styled suites, each designed to blend comfort with Japanese materials. Every suite features an open-air bath fed directly from Namari Onsen's natural source, providing a private thermal soak with views to the Toyosawa River. The property positions itself as a ryokan with private onsen in Iwate, offering bathing without shared-tub circulation or reheating.
Public spaces include a lounge and bar with free-flow refreshments during afternoon hours, a footbath, and an on-site restaurant serving seasonally focused Iwate cuisine that highlights local mountain produce and seafood. Guests at the annex may also access additional bathing facilities at the main ryokan, where traditional large baths, a deep natural rock pool and reservable private baths are maintained as source-flowing onsen. Rooms provide typical amenities such as air conditioning, tea kettle and Wi‑Fi, and staff members are comfortable communicating in English and Japanese.
The approach emphasizes unhurried hospitality: dinner is presented as multi-course Japanese cuisine and breakfast leans on regional specialties, while the pace and layout are tailored for couples and small groups seeking restorative stays. Check-in is generally mid-afternoon with morning check-out, and on-property parking plus a 24-hour reception support arrivals from nearby train stations. This carefully curated ryokan with onsen balances privacy, direct spring-water bathing and a close relationship with the surrounding landscape of Hanamaki and Iwate.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Namari Onsen Kokoro No Toki Ju…
Positive Reviews
Extremely luxurious ryokan experience
Guests described the stay as possibly the most luxurious ryokan experience they have had, highlighting overall high quality and pampering.
Exceptional hospitality, ambiance and baths
Reviewers praised the hospitality, the setting and the onsen/open-air baths, noting a very pleasant atmosphere and attentive service.
Beautiful rooms with river view and balcony
Rooms were noted as very nice, some with balconies overlooking the stream and featuring open-air baths, providing attractive views and a pleasant room layout.
Comfortable beds
Several guests specifically mentioned that the bed was comfortable, contributing to a restful stay.
Excellent dinner
Dinner was highlighted as excellent by at least one reviewer, who singled out the evening meal as a strong point of the stay.
Negative Reviews
Lighting controls inconvenient
There are no light switches next to the beds or in the bathroom; a single central switch controls all lights, which guests found very inconvenient.
Limited Western breakfast options
Some guests would like more Western-style breakfast choices (e.g., croissants, brioche, bread, jam, juices) in addition to the existing offerings.
Footbath area lacks a view
The footbath area faces a wall rather than the landscape, which disappointed guests who expected to enjoy the scenery while using it.
Uncomfortable pillows
At least one reviewer mentioned that the pillows provided were not very comfortable.
Ventilation/fan noise disturbed sleep
A guest reported being disturbed by the sound of a ventilation fan, which affected their ability to sleep well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most suites are designed for two guests, though some room types can accommodate up to four; children over 13 are accepted and cribs or extra beds are not available.
Yes — every room at Jusangatsu features its own open‑air onsen bath overlooking the river, so you can enjoy the hot spring privately in your suite.
The onsen baths use 100% natural spring water supplied kake‑nagashi (no reheating, no added water, no circulation), preserving the source’s original quality.
There is no regular public airport shuttle listed; guests typically take a taxi or private transfer from Iwate Hanamaki Airport (roughly 20 km) or arrange rental cars.
The ryokan is roughly 20 km from Iwate Hanamaki Airport and about 20–25 km from Shin‑Hanamaki/Kitakami stations; taxis or a rental car are the most convenient options and free private parking is available on site.
Standard check‑in begins at 3:00 PM (please arrive by the property’s latest check‑in hour) and check‑out is by 11:00 AM, with an early check‑out window available in the morning hours.
Yes — the property lists both Japanese and English among the languages spoken by staff.
There is one on‑site restaurant serving Asian cuisine with breakfast and dinner options; meals are prepared using local seasonal ingredients and served in the ryokan’s dining spaces.
Pets are not allowed on the property; your room’s open‑air onsen is private, while the public baths are communal and generally not reservable — contact the ryokan if you need an arranged private use option.
Nearby highlights include the Miyazawa Kenji memorial/fairy‑tale sites, Namari Onsen ski area, scenic Toyosawa River views and local seasonal activities such as skiing and riverside walks, all within a short drive.