Villa Inawashiro
6,7/10 Good - Based on 25 reviews
Set at the foot of Mt. Bandai with forested slopes around the property, Villa Inawashiro presents itself as a hybrid resort and traditional inn where Japanese-style tatami rooms sit alongside a selection of Western and Japanese-Western twin rooms. Bedrooms are arranged to maximise views of the surrounding national woodland and come with standard guest amenities such as en-suite facilities, air conditioning and in-room tea-making equipment; larger family and group configurations are available. The hotel positions itself as a convenient base for outdoor pursuits, linking directly with nearby ski terrain in winter and trailheads for hiking and lake activities in warmer months, making it an accessible ryokan with onsen in Inawashiro for seasonal travellers.
The property centres around its thermal baths sourced from the volcanic area near Mt. Bandai; public onsen facilities and spa services are available for overnight guests and day users, with bathing areas open late to accommodate skiers and sightseers. Communal bathing areas are complemented by an on-site spa, massage options and multipurpose leisure spaces including a small game area and lounge. Dining emphasises regional ingredients and house-prepared produce, with buffet and set-menu breakfast services and an on-site restaurant that serves a mix of Western and Japanese dishes, plus banquet and conference rooms for larger groups.
Practical conveniences include on-site parking, a ski equipment rental counter and a shuttle connection for station transfers, alongside free Wi‑Fi and family-friendly room configurations. Reception and house rules note standard check-in and check-out windows and a curfew for late-night access to the building; staff can arrange local activities such as canoeing on the nearby lake, guided walks and day-trip planning. For visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Fukushima, the property combines straightforward service, direct access to winter sports and a wooded setting that suits both short stays and extended regional itineraries.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Villa Inawashiro
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised the staff for good service and attentive responses, including helpful actions in difficult weather (e.g. driving guests to a distant station, assisting with cars).
Relaxing onsen (hot spring)
The onsen was noted positively by guests as a highlight of the stay.
Tasty buffet meals
Dinner and breakfast buffets were reported as flavorful and satisfying.
Convenient for skiing
Guests mentioned the property is very close to the ski area, making it convenient for ski trips.
Good parking and transport support
Visitors appreciated parking and staff assistance related to vehicles, including snow removal from cars and practical help during heavy snowfall.
Negative Reviews
Outdated facilities
Several reviews commented that the property's facilities and equipment feel old and in need of updates.
Bathroom/toilet issues
Some guests noted problems or dissatisfaction with the toilets and bath facilities.
Room comfort problems
Complaints included cold rooms, thin futons causing back discomfort, and creaky floors that made walking noisy.
Insect and cleanliness concerns
A few guests reported insects in the room (e.g. beetles or many stink bugs), which affected their comfort while sleeping.
Misleading information and extra charges
At least one guest reported discrepancies between the website and final charges (breakfast price) and criticized the hotel for not informing them about planned train suspensions despite being told they would travel by train.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese-style rooms typically sleep up to four guests on futons, standard twin rooms accommodate two, and family-room options are available—check the room type when booking for exact occupancy.
Yes — the property uses local Hayama onsen water with communal baths; private-bathing options may be available by request, so check the current schedule at reception.
Yes — the hotel operates a shuttle to/from JR Inawashiro Station (about a 10-minute ride); please reserve or confirm shuttle times with the hotel before arrival.
The nearest airport is Fukushima Airport (around 68 km). Visitors typically travel by train or car to JR Inawashiro Station and use the hotel shuttle for the final leg.
Some staff speak basic English and the hotel provides English information online; using a translation app is recommended for detailed requests.
The hotel offers breakfast (buffet/Asian) and dinner with Japanese-style dishes using local ingredients; notify the hotel in advance for dietary requests.
Guests can wear yukata, use communal onsen baths, and enjoy seasonal local cuisine, plus easy access to regional outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.
The hotel sits next to Inawashiro Ski Resort and is close to Lake Inawashiro, Mt. Bandai, Urabandai and the historic Aizu‑Wakamatsu area for sightseeing and outdoor excursions.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 22:00 and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00; contact reception if you expect to arrive outside these hours.
Pets are not permitted on the property. Private-use bathing may be arranged by request when available, and the front desk can direct you to nearby supermarkets and convenience stores for supplies.