Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Masuya
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 220 reviews
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Masuya sits within the Naruko Onsen area of Osaki, a property operated under the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari brand that focuses on accessible, family-oriented hot spring stays. The hotel comprises a main and newer wing with roughly seventy rooms, a front desk open for evening arrival, and common facilities designed for mixed-age groups. Guest accommodation ranges from traditional Japanese-style rooms to hybrid layouts, and on-site services emphasize convenience for regional travellers, including parking and luggage support.
The bathing facilities are the centrepiece: Masuya is a ryokan with onsen offerings that include large indoor public baths and an open-air bath positioned to take advantage of views over the Naruko valley. Bathing areas are gender-separated and operated on schedules that can change periodically, and the property promotes the sulphurous, locally distinctive waters of Naruko for their sensory character. Towels, basic toiletries and hot-spring bathing etiquette are provided; quieter times are generally available outside peak evening hours.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Masuya
Positive Reviews
Extensive, high-quality buffet meals
Many guests praised the breakfast and dinner buffets for their wide selection and quality, mentioning stations (ramen, sushi), fresh items (snow crab, fruits), and unique touches (pancake maker). Several reviews called the buffet a highlight and surprisingly good value.
Very good onsen facilities
Visitors frequently praised the natural hot spring baths—multiple indoor and outdoor baths, clean and spacious public baths, scenic views from some baths, and the enjoyable hot spring water. The rotating gender schedule lets guests try different baths.
Excellent location and access to local attractions
The hotel is consistently described as being close to the train station (short walk) and well placed for hiking, visiting nearby onsens, and local shops, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
Good value and comfortable traditional rooms
Many reviewers felt the hotel offered good value for money, with comfortable futons and traditional Japanese-style rooms. Some guests noted rooms were spacious and clean, especially in the newer building.
Authentic Japanese experience and extra amenities
Guests enjoyed the traditional ryokan elements (yukata provided, onsen culture) and on-site amenities such as game machines, ping-pong, and a large manga selection, which added to the overall experience.
Negative Reviews
Parking offsite and shuttle required
Multiple reviews noted parking is not on-site; guests must use a separate parking area and rely on a hotel shuttle, which can be inconvenient despite the shuttle being available often.
Limited or no Wi‑Fi and lack of in-room air conditioning
Several guests reported that Wi‑Fi is limited to the lobby (or absent in rooms) and that some rooms lack central air conditioning, which can make rooms uncomfortably hot in warmer months.
Communication and inconsistent service/hospitality
A number of reviewers experienced language barriers (limited English from staff) and inconsistent hospitality—examples include curt responses from buffet staff, refusal to allow taking certain items, and confusion over services like station vans.
Aging or worn areas in parts of the property
Some guests observed tired-looking facilities or back-of-house areas, with reports ranging from creaky fittings to more serious issues (worn furnishings, mould and threadbare carpets in one review), indicating maintenance variability.
Buffet timing and food removal issues
Although the buffet itself is praised, a few guests reported that food was taken away before official closing times and that they were not informed about last calls, which led to missed items or an unsatisfactory dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single to family layouts with up to around five to seven futons in the largest Japanese‑style rooms; typical bookings are for 1–4 guests but family rooms seat more — check room type details when booking.
The property offers public, gender‑separated hot spring baths with indoor and open‑air sections; there is no regular private (chartered) public bath for all guests to book.
The hotel runs guest shuttle services; a free direct shuttle from Sendai Station is offered on a limited schedule and seat reservation is required, so request it in advance.
The nearest major airport is Sendai; typical travel is by train to Sendai Station then Shinkansen/transfer toward Furukawa and the Rikuuto Line to Naruko‑onsen Station, with the ryokan a short walk from the station — allow roughly 1.5–2 hours depending on connections.
English support is limited; some staff can assist but many notices are in Japanese, so bringing a translation app or basic phrases is helpful.
Standard onsen rules apply: wash before entering, no swimsuits, and tattoos are often restricted from public baths; yukata are provided for guests to wear around the ryokan.
The ryokan offers buffet dinner and breakfast with local dishes and a live‑kitchen style setup, plus traditional ryokan touches such as yukata and communal entertainment areas for an authentic Japanese onsen stay.
The ryokan sits in Naruko Onsen village near Onsen Shrine and kokeshi (wooden doll) shops, with easy access to local walking trails and Kurikoma Quasi‑National Park for day trips and sightseeing.
Naruko‑onsen Station on the Rikuuto Line is a short 3–5 minute walk from the property; there is parking associated with the hotel though some guests report the parking area may be offsite with a shuttle to the entrance.
Pets are not permitted on property, onsen privatization options are generally not available, and there are small shops and eateries within walking distance of the station for basic supplies while larger supermarkets are found in nearby towns.