Oyado Kiyomizuya
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 435 reviews
Oyado Kiyomizuya sits quietly in the hot-spring district of Noboribetsu and operates as a traditional Japanese inn that emphasizes tatami rooms, attentive service and in-room dining. Guest rooms keep a classic ryokan layout — tokonoma alcoves, sliding shoji screens and futon bedding — and meals follow a seasonal, course-style approach designed to showcase Hokkaido ingredients; most dinners and breakfasts are served in the privacy of your room or a dedicated dining space. The atmosphere is understated and comfort-focused, making it a straightforward option for travelers seeking an authentic onsen experience rather than contemporary luxury.
Bathing facilities are central to the stay: the property maintains natural, free-flowing sulfur springs with public indoor baths that rotate on a timetable and an outdoor bath that faces the riverside, both available for communal use and refreshed from the area’s mineral-rich source. The ryokan does not promote private in-room hot-spring baths; instead guests use shared indoor and open-air facilities that are kept operational day and night, with the thermal water noted locally for skin and fatigue relief. For visitors searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen in Noboribetsu, the emphasis here is on round-the-clock spring access and traditional bathing customs rather than private, in-room suites.
Practical amenities include provision of yukata and basic toiletries, English access guidance and arrangements for transfers from the nearby rail and shuttle links; check-in typically begins in the mid-afternoon with checkout in the morning. The inn’s location places it within easy walking distance of the volcanic valley, local shops and short walking trails, so guests can combine onsen downtime with outdoor exploration. As a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido, the property’s strengths are its long-standing culinary approach, its continuous natural hot-spring flow and a quiet, low-key setting tailored to a focused hot-spring stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Oyado Kiyomizuya
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple guests praised the welcoming, helpful and attentive staff; several noted the front desk/staff provided useful local information and high-quality service throughout the stay.
Excellent onsen experience
The baths are repeatedly highlighted as a major asset — outdoor and indoor onsens are enjoyed for relaxation and ambience (listening to the river, pleasant outdoor bath).
Delicious, generous meals served in-room
Dinner and breakfast (kaiseki/traditional meals) are frequently described as carefully prepared, plentiful, well presented and often served in guests' rooms, which many guests found exceptional.
Authentic Japanese rooms and atmosphere
Guests appreciated the traditional Japanese-style rooms with futons, spacious layouts and period decor that create a strong and enjoyable cultural experience.
Convenient location for sightseeing and nature
The ryokan’s location was praised for easy walking access to attractions (Jigokudani/Hell Valley), nearby trails and sightseeing, making it convenient for exploring the area.
Negative Reviews
Facility aging and need for renovation
Several reviews mention worn or dated interiors and some equipment showing signs of deterioration; multiple guests felt parts of the property are overdue for refurbishment.
Onsens sometimes small or dated in appearance
While guests enjoy the baths, a number commented the onsen areas are small or ‘in their original condition’ and some found the interior onsen less attractive than expected.
Smoking odor, cleanliness and dusty bedding issues
A few guests reported a persistent cigarette smell in rooms, cleanliness below expectations, and bedding that felt dusty or triggered mild allergy reactions.
Room comfort and amenity problems
Specific room issues were reported such as noisy radiators that disturbed sleep, inability to fully close window blinds, and a lack of accessible power outlets near the bed.
Surprise extra charge and occasional communication/connectivity limits
One guest reported an unexpected hot-spring tax charged at checkout; others noted limited English from some staff and inconsistent Wi‑Fi speeds for certain guests, which affected convenience for a few stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include 8‑tatami rooms (2–4 guests), two‑room Japanese suites (2–5 guests) and mixed Japanese/Western rooms; the property has 41 rooms and a total capacity around 120 guests.
Yes — the ryokan uses a natural sulfur hot spring with public indoor and open‑air baths; the public baths operate around the clock with a rotating men's/women's schedule.
The property provides public hot‑spring baths and each room has a private bathroom, but private onsen rentals are not advertised; contact the ryokan directly to ask about any private‑use options.
The ryokan arranges short pick‑ups from the Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal if you call on arrival, and the airport express bus connects to a shuttle that serves the Onsen terminal; taxis are also available (about 15 minutes from the station).
From New Chitose take the limited‑express train to JR Noboribetsu (about 45–70 minutes), then a local bus to Noboribetsu Onsen terminal (≈15 minutes) and call the ryokan for pickup; alternatively ride the Hayabusa airport bus to the onsen terminal, or take a taxi (~2,500 JPY) to the property.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; the ryokan provides English information on its website but English proficiency at the front desk may be limited, so notify them in advance if you need extra assistance.
Traditional Japanese meals are served in your room or in private dining rooms and should be reserved with your room; cuisine focuses on seasonal Hokkaido ingredients and a set course (kaiseki) style presentation.
Pets are not permitted on the property; the ryokan does offer banquet/private dining rooms for events — contact the hotel directly to discuss private‑use arrangements.
The ryokan is a short walk from Noboribetsu’s Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and local footbaths, with Noboribetsu Primeval Forest, Bear Park and Lake Kuttara a short drive away — ideal for nature walks and onsen sightseeing.
Standard check‑in is from 14:00 (official English site lists until 19:00) and check‑out is by 10:00; remove shoes at the entrance (slippers provided), you will be escorted to your room, and note the onsen area has changing schedules and limited nearby shopping for groceries.