Sakunami Onsen Yuzukushi Salon Ichinobo
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 50 reviews
Yudukushi Salon Ichinobo sits in the Sakunami Onsen area north‑west of central Sendai, balanced against the satoyama hills and the upper Hirose River. Presented as an adult‑focused onsen resort, the property blends contemporary guest rooms with traditional ryokan elements across roughly eighty‑six units and public spaces designed for quiet relaxation. The house style emphasises seasonal materials and restrained service rather than overt formality, making it an option for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Sendai that combines modern comfort with a clear sense of place.
The bathing programme is extensive: multiple public indoor and outdoor baths draw from the local source and are scheduled to allow time‑segregated use, while a dedicated private bathing option and select guest suites feature in‑room open‑air baths or private bathing areas. The property has introduced private ro‑ryu sauna suites and offers esthetic treatments alongside communal bathing, a riverside open‑air bath experience, and quiet relaxation terraces. Practical amenities include a scheduled shuttle from the local station, on‑site parking and a small lounge where occasional live music or evening programming is staged, so the facility functions as a ryokan with private onsen in Miyagi for guests wanting both shared and secluded thermal options.
Guest accommodation ranges from standard twin and Japanese‑style rooms with balconies to larger suites with hammocked terraces and dedicated wellness features; most rooms include air conditioning, a small fridge and flat‑screen TV. Dining highlights seasonal and regional produce presented in set and buffet formats, with breakfast served buffet‑style and evening menus that emphasise local seafood and mountain vegetables. The overall tone of the resort is calm and curated, with house rules to preserve quiet hours and an adult‑oriented atmosphere that suits travellers focused on restorative onsen stays rather than large‑group activity.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sakunami Onsen Yuzukushi Salon…
Positive Reviews
Outstanding food and included beverages
Multiple guests praised the dining: a buffet-style service with many freshly prepared dishes (including high-quality local meats and sashimi), desserts, and a wide selection of free drinks (beer, wine, sake and spirits). Several reviewers highlighted the variety and freshness, and that alcohol is included.
Attentive, welcoming staff and service
Reviewers repeatedly noted very helpful, friendly and dedicated staff whose aim was to make the stay excellent. Staff assistance (including shuttle arrangements and on-site help) and thoughtful hospitality were singled out as major strengths.
Beautiful property, design and public spaces
The hotel’s architecture, attention to detail and scenic setting were frequently praised. Guests enjoyed public areas such as the library, piano/fireplace lounge, comfortable seating with views, and romantic night lighting of the hillside.
Excellent onsen and multiple bathing options
Guests appreciated the variety and quality of the hot-spring facilities: large public baths by the Hirose River, several outdoor river-rock soaking areas, a wooden pavilion tub, and private in-room soaking tubs fed by hot-spring water available 24/7. Baths were described as relaxing and well maintained.
Comfortable, spacious rooms and thoughtful amenities
Rooms were described as large, clean and well equipped (balcony, hammocks, drying/heating rack, sofa). Many rooms featured private hot tubs and lovely views. Overall comfort and facilities (snacks, drinks in common areas) supported a relaxing all-inclusive stay.
Negative Reviews
Language and menu information gaps
Many guests found that most staff spoke limited English and that some dining information was not available in English. Several reviewers suggested adding English labels or translated menus to help foreign visitors.
Transport and access can be difficult without a car
Multiple reviews warned that reaching the property can be tricky: taxis are expensive, buses are slow and can be costly, and a free hotel shuttle from Sakunami Station must be booked (or arranged via the hotel website) for smooth arrival.
Dining signage and service flow issues
A few guests noted that the buffet lacked English labels or clear signage, making selection confusing for tourists. Others mentioned occasional queues at chef-prep stations and that some dining rooms felt a bit stark.
Temporary or operational limitations
Some reviewers experienced limitations such as certain outdoor onsens being closed for renovation, lobby/salon areas closing early (for example 10pm) which reduced late-night communal space, and restricted rules around taking certain alcoholic drinks outside restaurant hours.
Minor comfort concerns (smoke, smoking area, stairs)
Occasional minor complaints included fireplace wood smoke carrying into upstairs corridors, requests for larger/cleaner smoking rooms, and many stairs around the property that could be inconvenient for some guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity depends on room type; cots and extra beds are not available. Children are not permitted and the minimum check-in age is 20.
The property offers multiple hot spring facilities, including indoor public baths, outdoor open‑air baths and a sauna.
Yes, some room types include private in‑room spa baths or tubs fed by hot spring water while public baths remain available for all guests.
Please contact the ryokan directly to request private or reserved bathing options, as availability and reservation requirements vary.
A free shuttle from Sakunami Station is available by prior reservation (service runs until early evening); provide your train details to the ryokan to arrange pickup.
From Sendai Airport, travel to Sendai Station and then take the Senzan Line train or a bus toward Sakunami; arrange the hotel shuttle from Sakunami Station for the final leg.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; some staff have limited English ability and the team will assist where possible—using a translation app is recommended.
Dinner and breakfast are typically served buffet‑style featuring local specialties, and the on‑site café/lounge offers snacks and drinks in the evenings.
Check‑in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check‑out from 07:00 to 11:00; entry to the property is closed between 00:00 and 07:00.
Pets are not allowed. Sakunami is a small onsen village with limited shops—for supermarkets and larger stores head to Sendai and bring essentials if needed.