Oyado Tamaki
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 188 reviews
Oyado Tamaki is a traditional Japanese inn in Ikaho that blends tatami-floored guest rooms and attentive service with a quietly modern sensibility. The property is known for its variety of bathing options: large public indoor and outdoor baths plus several room types that include semi open-air or fully private baths with mountain views. The ryokan’s hot water comes from Ikaho’s distinct springs — guests may encounter both the clear “silver” water and the iron-rich “golden” water during a stay — making it a straightforward choice for anyone searching for a ryokan with onsen Ikaho.
Accommodations range from classic Japanese-style rooms to upstairs suites with wooden decks and open-air tubs; many rooms retain authentic futon bedding and low tables while offering conveniences such as free Wi‑Fi and Western-style toilets. Meals follow the multi-course kaiseki pattern, served with regional ingredients and available in private dining spaces or in-room chair seating on request; dietary accommodations including vegetarian and halal options are stated to be possible. On-site facilities commonly cited include relaxation rooms with massage chairs, a hot-stone ganbanyoku area, a small souvenir shop and a communal lounge, and the property operates a shuttle and free parking for guests who arrive by car.
Set at the entrance to Ikaho’s historic stone-step street, the ryokan provides direct access to nearby temples, museums and hiking trails while remaining compact enough for a two-night restorative stay. Day-trip bathing is usually available for non-resident visitors, and staff can assist with luggage delivery and basic English support to help plan local excursions. For travelers specifically seeking private bathing in the region, this property presents a practical option as a ryokan with private onsen Gumma, where room-level baths and rotating public baths let visitors experience both solitude and the communal onsen tradition.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Oyado Tamaki
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff and service
Multiple guests highlighted very warm, helpful and service-minded staff — from welcoming rituals (yuzu tea) to proactive help (shuttle/car service, carrying luggage) and even returning a lost item. Staff go out of their way to make stays special.
Outstanding food (dinner and breakfast)
Dinner and breakfast were repeatedly praised as delicious, elaborate and beautifully presented; several reviewers called the evening meal among the best they had in Japan.
High-quality hot springs and private onsens
Guests loved the onsen experience: private and outdoor baths described as sensational, with rotating male/female baths so guests can try both, and outdoor baths offering mountain views.
Beautiful, comfortable rooms with traditional touches
Rooms were noted as large, clean and attractive — tatami flooring, comfortable futons and linens, and a successful blend of traditional style with modern comforts (in-room/semi-open-air baths, yukata provided).
Convenient location, peaceful atmosphere and cleanliness
Located at the entrance to the Ikaho onsen steps, the ryokan is within walking distance of the main onsen street; reviewers emphasized a quiet, peaceful ambiance and cleanliness (shoes-off policy kept paths and socks clean).
Negative Reviews
Limited English for in-depth conversation
While basic English support was available and staff used translators when needed, some reviewers recommended relying on translation apps or basic Japanese for more detailed conversations.
Occasional variability in meal experience
A few guests mentioned that meal quality could vary between nights — one reviewer found the first day 'eye‑poppingly' excellent while the second day was somewhat less spectacular, though still high standard.
Room seating could be more comfortable
At least one reviewer noted that the chairs in the room were not as comfortable as expected and could be improved.
View obstructed in places by annex buildings
Some rooms or private outdoor baths have limited or interrupted mountain views because later-added annexes/buildings intrude on the scenery.
Occasional layout/connectivity issues
A small number of guests mentioned specific issues: one private hot-spring felt narrow and tucked into an alley-like space, and another experienced the television internet intermittently cutting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single/twin to tatami-style family rooms and suites; check each room’s description when booking for exact maximum occupancy.
Yes — the ryokan has indoor and outdoor public onsen fed by Ikaho’s two springs, plus a ganbanyoku (hot‑stone) spa and relaxation rooms.
Some rooms feature private baths or open‑air tubs with mountain views; these room types are shown separately when you book.
Yes — the property offers reservable private baths; please request a reservation with the ryokan in advance.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the ryokan is about a 15‑minute drive from JR Shibukawa Station and can arrange station pickup on request — confirm before arrival.
From Tokyo, travel by train to JR Shibukawa Station then take a 15‑minute taxi or arranged pickup, or drive via the Kanetsu Expressway to the Shibukawa‑Ikaho IC and follow local roads.
Staff provide assistance in English and Japanese; the ryokan emphasizes traditional tatami interiors, kaiseki-style meals, and a calm, authentic onsen experience.
Guests with tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas, and pets are not permitted on the premises.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course dinners and Japanese-style breakfasts, often in-room or in dining areas; notify the ryokan of dietary requirements before arrival.
Ikaho Shrine and the Ikaho stone‑step street are a short walk away; Mizusawa Kannon and Lake Haruna are a short drive, while local shops and restaurants line the onsen street and larger supermarkets are reachable by car.