Suzukiya Ryokan
9,4/10 Exceptional - Based on 13 reviews
Suzukiya Ryokan sits in the wooded Kamasaki Onsen neighborhood of Shiroishi, Miyagi, offering a traditional Japanese-inn experience in Tohoku. The property presents Japanese-style guest rooms with tatami floors, futon bedding and modest seating areas; some room categories share bathroom facilities while others prioritise privacy. Meals are usually arranged as part of the stay, and the atmosphere is intimate and service-led rather than resembling a large resort. This ryokan with onsen Tohoku is aimed at travellers who want a quiet, authentic stay close to regional attractions.
The inn operates multiple natural hot-spring baths, including an open-air rotenburo and a mineral-rich “golden” bath drawn from local springs, and it accepts both overnight guests and day-trip bathers. Traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners and Japanese set breakfasts are commonly served in guest rooms or private dining spaces, and special dietary requests are handled when possible. Practical amenities include free on-site parking and a complimentary shuttle from Shiroishi stations with advance reservation; check room descriptions carefully because bathing arrangements and washroom types vary by plan. This ryokan with onsen Miyagi emphasises straightforward comfort and local hospitality.
Convenient for short excursions to Sendai, the Zao area and Shiroishi Castle, Suzukiya provides a base for exploring southern Miyagi while returning each day to hot-spring relaxation. Staff focus on meal service and onsen care, and the property handles special requests at check-in, making it suitable for adults or couples seeking restorative downtime. Note the house policy limits bookings for children, so the ryokan is best suited to guests who prioritise traditional ryokan routines and thermal‑spring bathing over extensive modern amenities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Suzukiya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple guests praised the service as exceptional—staff were described as very helpful, understanding despite minor language barriers, attentive to needs, and willing to assist with travel arrangements and pick‑ups.
Excellent onsen facilities
Reviewers highlighted high‑quality hot baths, with several onsen (indoor and outdoor) that were relaxing, well maintained and often not crowded, providing a top onsen experience.
Delicious traditional meals
Dinner and breakfast received frequent praise for being tasty, generous and beautifully presented; many guests recommended the meal sets and appreciated that meals could be served in the room.
Authentic ryokan experience
Guests enjoyed the traditional elements—wearing yukata, sleeping on futon and other Japanese-style experiences—calling the stay a lovely, genuine ryokan visit.
Peaceful, scenic and clean property
The ryokan’s location in the mountains/forest was valued for its tranquility and picturesque setting; reviewers also noted clean, nicely designed rooms and public areas.
Negative Reviews
Remote location/transport considerations
Several guests noted the ryokan is somewhat remote and a long way from public transport; while staff offer car pick‑ups and help, visitors should plan transfers in advance.
Occasional noise from other guests
Some reviewers reported noise issues such as children running in corridors that could be heard in rooms, which affected quiet enjoyment for a few stays.
Minor cleanliness nuisance in onsen
One guest mentioned finding an insect (a dead cricket) in the onsen, indicating that occasional natural debris can appear in outdoor baths.
Layout of baths (indoor/outdoor separation)
A reviewer noted that the indoor and outdoor onsen are separated in a way they found inconvenient or unexpected.
Inconsistent reception experience
While many praised staff overall, one guest experienced an unfriendly reception interaction; front‑desk experiences may vary by staff member or shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single and twin layouts to family-style Japanese rooms that list capacities up to seven futons; children are not accommodated and extra beds are not available.
The ryokan features communal hot-spring baths including indoor facilities and an open-air rotenburo, plus a named 'golden bath' for guests to enjoy.
Private baths are not advertised as standard; guests should contact the ryokan directly to ask about private or reservable family-use options.
A complimentary shuttle serves Shiroishi Station (pick-up 14:20) and Shiroishi-Zao Station (pick-up 14:45) and must be reserved in advance (typically at least 3 days); standard check-in is 15:00–19:00 and check-out is 07:00–10:00, and you should notify the ryokan of any late arrival.
The nearest major airport is Sendai (about 43 km); common routes are by train to Shiroishi or Tohoku Shinkansen to Shiroishi-Zao Station followed by a short taxi (around 10–15 minutes), or by car via the Tohoku Expressway.
Staff are known to be helpful though English proficiency can be limited; many guests report attentive service, so bring a translation app for detailed requests if needed.
The ryokan serves a traditional kaiseki-style dinner and a Japanese breakfast, both typically delivered and served in the guest room.
The property notes there are no restaurants or grocery shops immediately nearby, so plan to buy supplies or dine in town before arriving or rely on the ryokan's meals.
The ryokan sits in the Kamasaki Onsen area with easy access to local hot springs; Shiroishi Castle and the Zao region are nearby attractions, while Sendai city sights are roughly 40–50 km away for day trips.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan.