Shizukatei
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 56 reviews
Shizukatei sits in the historic town of Hiraizumi and presents a measured, traditional ryokan experience focused on seasonal rhythm and simple comforts. Rooms are predominantly Japanese-style with tatami flooring and futon bedding; guests are offered yukata for in-house wear and access to communal spaces that include a small garden and early-morning walking routes. The property markets hands-on cultural programs—made-to-order soba, vegetable-dye workshops and sutra copying—so a stay is arranged around participatory activities as much as restful passages. This ryokan with onsen in Hiraizumi balances cultural immersion with straightforward service.
Bathing facilities centre on a natural hot spring that feeds both indoor and open-air baths; published usage times run in the late afternoon to late evening and again in the early morning, allowing quiet, staged visits rather than continuous 24-hour access. The baths are presented as communal rather than strictly private, and staff guidance on etiquette is part of the welcome. Practical amenities include shuttle connections to nearby temple sites, complimentary parking and mobility-friendly access in parts of the building, all of which support convenient touring of the local World Heritage area. The setting fits the expectation for a ryokan with onsen Iwate visitors commonly seek.
Meals emphasize local produce and daily-made specialties: hand-rolled soba noodles, seasonal vegetables from the on-site garden and regional meats and sake feature in multi-course dinners and a traditional steamed-rice breakfast. Service routines encourage three soak cycles—after arrival, after dinner and at dawn—to fully experience the spring’s effects, and small-house comforts such as kettles, refrigeration and television are provided without abandoning the ryokan’s traditional tone. For travellers wanting a considered, activity-rich stay near Hiraizumi’s temples, Shizukatei presents a clear, service-oriented option rooted in local craft and seasonal cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shizukatei
Positive Reviews
Outstanding traditional cuisine (kaiseki)
Many guests praised the high-quality, varied meals using fresh, often house-grown ingredients; several called the kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast exceptional and a highlight of their stay.
Warm, attentive staff and genuine hospitality
Reviewers repeatedly noted very friendly, helpful and patient staff who offered pickup from the train station, assisted with late arrivals, dried wet shoes, and provided excellent service throughout the stay.
Relaxing onsen and bathing experience
The indoor and outdoor baths were described as pleasant and rejuvenating; guests enjoyed bathing in kimonos and found the onsen atmosphere very relaxing (some specifically loved the outdoor bath in the rain).
Peaceful countryside location
The ryokan’s serene setting among rice fields and near temples was appreciated for quiet, restful stays and a genuine rural Japanese experience.
Comfortable rooms and good facilities
Guests mentioned comfortable, well-decorated rooms (including modern touches like electric beds and massage chairs), helpful amenities, and overall clean, pleasant facilities.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport logistics
Several guests warned the property is a bit out of town and can require a taxi; the shuttle/pickup service is useful but its schedule can be confusing and should be booked/confirmed in advance.
Cash-only payment and limited ATM options
Some visitors were surprised that checkout required cash and noted local ATMs near the station may not accept foreign cards, so bringing enough yen is recommended.
Onsen and shower maintenance issues
A number of reviews mentioned problems such as poorly working showers and broken or insufficient lighting in the outdoor bath, making parts of the bathing area less comfortable or too dark at night.
Noisy metal roof by some rooms
At least one guest reported a corrugated/metal roof in front of the room that made rain very loud and reduced the view, which could affect enjoyment during heavy rain.
Wi‑Fi/connectivity and occasional language barriers
A few guests experienced unreliable Wi‑Fi connectivity, and some noted occasional communication difficulties when staff and guests did not share a language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional Japanese rooms use futons and can sleep up to four guests; standard twin rooms sleep two. There are no cots or extra beds, and children of all ages are accepted.
The ryokan offers gender-separated indoor baths and open-air baths. Onsen hours are generally 16:00–24:00 and 06:00–09:00.
Guests with tattoos may be refused access to public bathing areas; please contact the property in advance to discuss alternatives or private options.
A free shuttle runs from JR Hiraizumi Station (departures about 14:30 and 16:40) with returns around 09:00 and 10:00; you should notify the ryokan of your arrival time in advance. The nearest airport is Iwate Hanamaki Airport, roughly 60 km away, and free parking is available for guests who drive.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English support may be limited but the property provides guidance materials for foreign guests and will assist with basic requests if informed ahead of arrival.
Shizukatei runs seasonal cultural programs such as handmade soba noodle classes, vegetable dyeing, sutra-copying, guided morning walks and other local workshops. Ask when booking to reserve specific activities.
The UNESCO sites Chuson-ji (Konjikidō) and Motsu-ji temples are nearby, and other recommended visits include Takkoku no Iwaya and Iwate Safari Park. The ryokan can arrange shuttle trips to local temples on request.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is by 10:00. You must inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance, especially if you need the station shuttle.
The property primarily offers gender-separated public indoor and outdoor baths; private/reservable baths may be possible on request—contact the ryokan before arrival to confirm availability.
There are no convenience stores or supermarkets in the immediate neighborhood; the nearest convenience store (Family Mart) is near JR Hiraizumi Station. Pets are not permitted at the property.