Shiobara Onsen Hotel Ohruri
6,6/10 Good - Based on 150 reviews
Shiobara Onsen Hotel Ohruri sits in the Shiobara hot-spring valley north of Nasu, offering a mix of traditional and modern rooms suited to families and solo travellers. Accommodation ranges from Japanese-style tatami layouts with futons to western twin rooms, many offering mountain views and private bathrooms. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi, lift access and a shuttle service, while communal areas such as a lounge and a family-style restaurant make the property a convenient base for exploring nearby hiking trails, waterfalls and seasonal ski areas.
The bathing facilities include indoor hot-spring pools and an outdoor open-air bath supplied by local spring water, alongside reservable family or private open-air baths for guests seeking exclusive use. Public bathing follows customary onsen etiquette and may restrict guests with visible tattoos; basic toiletries and towels are available in shared bathing areas. As a ryokan with onsen Tochigi, the property pairs straightforward wellness facilities with optional massage services and on-site meals that typically cover both Japanese and European-style options for breakfast and dinner.
Services are oriented toward accessibility and family needs: shuttle links to nearby stations, on-site parking for self-drive visitors, a small games area and seasonal activities such as skiing and guided nature walks. Staff primarily communicate in Japanese, so international visitors are advised to confirm arrival times if they require dinner on the day of check-in. For travellers seeking a practical ryokan with private onsen Tochigi experience, the hotel offers easy access to Nikko and other scenic sites while keeping onsen access and family-friendly amenities central to the stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shiobara Onsen Hotel Ohruri
Positive Reviews
Varied and enjoyable onsen options
Guests frequently praised the range of baths — multiple onsen types including outdoor pools, large communal baths and reservable private baths. Several reviews noted the outdoor onsen and 24‑hour flowing hot springs as highlights.
Friendly and attentive staff
Many reviewers commented that reception and other staff were welcoming and helpful, providing good customer service even during late arrivals or busy periods, which improved overall comfort.
Good value and generous buffet meals
Numerous guests felt the hotel offered good value for money. The buffet breakfast and dinner were described as plentiful with a wide selection, allowing guests to eat well for the price paid.
Spacious rooms and nostalgic atmosphere
Rooms were often described as spacious (some with verandas). Several guests appreciated the retro/Showa atmosphere and unique on-site features (e.g., mahjong room, dance hall) that gave the property charm.
On-site activities and family-friendly features
Reviewers liked the on-site entertainment and services — karaoke, table tennis, game center, massages, private baths, and small extras (e.g., drinks/ice cream, pet options) that made stays enjoyable for families and groups.
Negative Reviews
Aged facilities and maintenance needs
Multiple reviews noted the property feels old with visible wear and tear (peeling skirting, dated spaces) and would benefit from maintenance and repairs in certain areas.
Cleanliness and hygiene concerns in parts of the property
Some guests reported musty smells in rooms, bathrooms and toilets that seemed unclean, messy food counters, and unpleasant hallway/dining area views (visible dirty kitchen); reviewers asked for improved cleaning standards.
Onsen/bath issues (temperature and cleanliness)
A number of reviewers mentioned bath problems: some pools were too hot to relax in, private baths were reported to have floating moss/algae needing water change, and the large bath changing areas could be cold.
Limited in-room amenities and small/unsteady TVs
Complaints included missing basic toiletries (such as razors), small or wobbly televisions, and unusable in-room refrigerators (heavy frost). Guests expected more convenient room amenities.
Remote location and dining congestion
Several guests found the hotel far from town with few nearby shops (difficult to buy lunch or supplies), and dining could be congested — long buffet lines and crowded meal periods (especially with student groups), causing waits and rushed meal times.
Frequently Asked Questions
The property offers Japanese-style and family rooms suitable for couples and families; children are welcome but cribs and extra beds are not available and children aged 4 and over are treated as adults for occupancy.
The hotel features hot spring bathing with indoor public baths and an open-air (rotenburo) option, plus bathing facilities suitable for families and general public bathing areas.
Private or family-use bathing may be available on request—ask the hotel in advance to reserve; pets are not permitted on the property.
Guests with visible tattoos may be refused access to the public bathing areas; please inquire about private bathing options if you have tattoos.
The hotel lists a shuttle service and asks guests to notify arrival times in advance; specific pickup points and schedules vary so confirm with the property before arrival.
Common routes are JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasu-Shiobara Station then a local bus or taxi to Shiobara Onsen, or direct highway buses to the Shiobara Onsen bus terminal; travel times vary by route and airport.
Standard check-in begins in the afternoon (typically around 14:00–16:30) and check-out is early (around 09:30); the hotel requests arrival time in advance and notes guests checking in very late may not be served dinner (often by 17:00).
Some front-desk staff can provide basic English assistance, but English support may be limited; non-Japanese speakers should be prepared to use simple phrases or a translation app for detailed requests.
Expect hot-spring bathing, mountain views, Japanese-style rooms or layouts, and meals featuring Japanese options (the dining format may be set meals rather than buffets depending on the period).
The ryokan is close to Shiobara Onsen facilities (footbaths and local temples) and outdoor attractions like hiking and a ski area; convenience stores or small shops are within a short drive—ask the front desk for directions and local recommendations.