Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Hotel New Shiobara
7,3/10 Very good - Based on 675 reviews
Reopened as part of a premium relaunch in March 2025, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Hotel New Shiobara frames a modernized take on a traditional ryokan experience, with a new premium lounge sited to overlook the cascading falls and riverside scenery. The property presents a clear Premium-brand concept that emphasizes curated communal spaces, seasonal buffet dining and a lounge designed for relaxed viewing of the landscape. The relaunch and the Premium-series positioning are presented by the operator as central to the guest experience.
Guest accommodation ranges from renovated Japanese‑Western rooms to larger suites, and several suite categories advertise private open‑air baths attached to the room, allowing for in‑room bathing in addition to the hotel’s public onsen facilities; the mix of tatami and bed layouts aims to suit families as well as couples. Onsite dining includes buffet‑style service with local ingredients and two main restaurant spaces, while public bathhouses and multiple indoor/outdoor bathing options are core features — this property is marketed as a ryokan with onsen in Nasushiobara.
Practical details are straightforward: the hotel operates shuttle links and is accessible by car with on‑site parking, maintains a non‑smoking policy in guest rooms, and sets standard hotel check‑in/out windows; it positions itself for multi‑generational stays and groups. Travelers should note temporary works have affected the female large public bath during a scheduled renovation period in late 2025, and some facilities may be periodically adjusted for maintenance. The property’s combination of public bathing and suite options also qualifies it as a ryokan with private onsen in Tochigi for those seeking a room‑level bathing experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium…
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Many guests praised the hot springs — multiple large public baths and varied pools with pleasant views, described as relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Abundant, tasty buffet and free drinks
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned a large buffet with wide variety for breakfast and dinner, plus free-drink lounges (including alcohol/ice) that guests enjoyed after bathing.
Family-friendly facilities and activities
The property offers many on-site entertainment options (kids’ play areas, karaoke, bowling, table tennis, manga corner), which families said kept children and adults entertained.
Spacious, well-equipped rooms in some areas
Several guests reported large rooms with mixed Western beds and futons, bottled water, hot/cold dispensers and nearby parking — contributing to comfort for families and couples.
Generally clean and well-managed public areas
Many reviewers felt the hotel was kept clean and staff-managed areas (baths, dining, common spaces) were maintained, leading to an overall enjoyable stay for most visitors.
Negative Reviews
Aged property and inconsistent renovations
Numerous comments noted the hotel is relatively old; renovations are partial so many areas and rooms still feel dated and in need of further repair or updating.
Appearance and cleanliness concerns in some areas
Some guests reported cleanliness or appearance issues — e.g., mineral staining/blackening in rock baths, old tiled bathrooms, narrow/toilet areas that look worn despite cleaning.
Lack of modern conveniences and missing in-room amenities
Visitors mentioned no in-room Wi‑Fi (reported by one), limited power outlets near beds, absence of common toiletries in rooms, and other small conveniences (no bedside remotes, no bath bags) that reduced modern comfort.
Service and operational issues at times
A few reviews described unfriendly or slow staff, long check‑in waits, futons not set up, and occasional facility outages (one guest received a discount after an onsen was unavailable).
Confusing layout and separation between buildings
The large hotel layout can be confusing — long or unclear routes from some rooms to the main baths, and family bookings were sometimes split between main and annex buildings, causing inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type, including family Japanese‑Western rooms that can sleep up to six; check the specific room listing when booking for exact occupancy and bed/futon layouts.
Yes — the hotel offers hot‑spring baths including large public baths, open‑air (rotenburo) baths and a sauna, plus renovated bathing areas and a湯上り lounge for relaxing after bathing.
The hotel operates a shuttle service from JR Nasushiobara Station; the trip takes roughly 40 minutes, so confirm pick‑up times and reserve a seat with the hotel in advance.
The closest regional airport is Fukushima Airport (roughly 70–80 km away); travel from Tokyo’s airports requires additional trains or road transfers, so allow extra time and check transfer options beforehand.
Japanese is the hotel’s primary language, though front‑desk staff can handle basic English; for complex requests it’s best to contact the hotel in advance or use a translation app.
The property features two restaurants and serves buffet breakfast and family‑friendly dinner service, including a live kitchen with seasonal menus; notify the hotel ahead of arrival for dietary needs.
Private or reserved family baths are not listed as standard inclusions; guests should contact the hotel directly to ask about private‑bath availability or paid reservation options.
Pets are not allowed at the property; there is a small on‑site minimarket for basic items, and the front desk can direct you to larger supermarkets in nearby towns.
Follow Japanese onsen etiquette: shower and wash thoroughly before entering baths, do not wear swimsuits, respect gender‑segregated areas, and note that visible tattoos may restrict access to public baths unless covered per hotel policy.
The hotel sits in the Shiobara Onsen area with scenic waterfalls and hiking, and is a convenient base for Nasushiobara and Nasu area sightseeing; ask reception for current local recommendations and transport options.