Yumoto Kissho
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 159 reviews
Perched on a hillside above Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture, Yumoto Kissho presents a contemporary take on a traditional ryokan experience, with tatami-floored guest rooms, garden and mountain views, and communal bathing facilities fed by the local thermal springs. The property opened in the late 2010s and comprises around fifty‑nine rooms across a main building and annex; accommodation ranges from standard Japanese rooms to larger suites, and a limited number of guestrooms include in‑room hot spring baths. Guests have access to a large indoor public bath, an open‑air onsen, and several free-to-use private rental baths, making it a practical choice for a ryokan with onsen Miyagi visitors seeking both shared and solitary bathing options.
Room categories include compact Japanese‑style layouts and more spacious annex suites with private open‑air baths (examples listed among room types show sizes up to around 100 m²), along with Western‑style twin configurations and mixed tatami areas. Dining emphasizes local produce from the Oshu region: breakfast is served buffet‑style while evening meals combine set course and buffet elements that showcase seasonal ingredients. Practical amenities cover free on‑site parking, complimentary Wi‑Fi, an on‑site restaurant, elevator access and a 24‑hour front desk; shuttle service from the nearby station is available on request, and all rooms are non‑smoking.
Located a short walk from the hot‑spring village and within easy reach of Naruko Gorge and nearby scenic spots, the property functions well as a base for exploring the Tohoku onsen circuit and autumn foliage. The springs are drawn from the local Naruko source, which is noted locally for varied mineral content, and the combination of public baths, semi‑open outdoor bathing and rentable private tubs also positions this ryokan with private onsen Miyagi as a flexible option for couples, families or solo travelers wanting both convenience and a range of bathing experiences.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yumoto Kissho
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Many reviewers praised the onsen experience — both the large public baths and the smaller private baths — noting hot, rich water and enjoyable bathing options.
High-quality food and breakfast variety
Guests frequently highlighted delicious meals: generous breakfast buffets, well-presented evening set dinners, local specialities (eg. mochi), and standout items like good croissants.
Friendly, helpful staff
Staff were described as attentive and accommodating; reviewers appreciated staff efforts to assist despite language differences and to explain how facilities work.
Clean, comfortable traditional rooms and views
Rooms with tatami design, comfortable futons and relaxing lighting were enjoyed; several guests mentioned spacious rooms and attractive mountain or snowy views.
Convenient amenities and extras
Positive notes included the availability of private baths without extra fees, a 24/7 convenience-style shop in the lobby, and a shuttle service to/from the train station (when arranged).
Negative Reviews
Transport and shuttle reliability
Multiple guests warned the hotel is up a steep hill and the shuttle must be reserved — some experienced missing or delayed shuttle pickups, creating difficulty on arrival.
Check-in/access and location issues
Reviewers reported confusing map locations, delayed or difficult access-code information, broken entry/monitor systems, and time-consuming phone/email exchanges to obtain apartment numbers or codes.
Maintenance and worn areas
Several comments noted parts of the property (exterior, some public/private baths) looked run-down or in need of repair and general investment.
Meal service limitations and communication
Some guests were unable to dine without prior reservation, others found meal service styles unclear (eg. buffet vs table service); one noted guests must prepare futons themselves in tatami rooms, which surprised them.
Room/value and minor facility shortcomings
A few reviewers said rooms felt small for the price, there were limited power sockets near tatami beds, and occasional issues such as non-working hot showers in private onsens were reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from small Japanese-style rooms for 1–2 guests to larger tatami suites that sleep up to 6 people using a mix of beds and futons; capacity depends on the room type you book.
The ryokan features large communal baths, an open‑air bath and several private baths; private onsen are available for guest use and can usually be reserved at the front desk.
A complimentary shuttle/pickup service is offered from Naruko‑Onsen Station and nearby bus stops by reservation, and the station is also within a short walking distance (about 5–10 minutes).
The closest airport cited in property information is Yamagata Airport (around 60–70 km); airport or longer transfers may be possible by prior arrangement with the hotel — contact the property before travel to confirm.
Staff generally provide basic English assistance and will try to help guests with limited Japanese, though fluency varies; notifying the hotel of language needs in advance is recommended.
The ryokan serves a buffet breakfast and Japanese dinner (often semi‑buffet or set menus using local ingredients); if you book a room without meals you may not be able to add dinner on arrival, so check with the hotel beforehand.
Guests are in the Naruko Onsen area, close to the hot‑spring district, Naruko Onsen Shrine, local kokeshi doll shops and scenic spots such as Kurikoma Quasi‑National Park and nearby hiking routes.
Naruko‑Onsen Station on the Rikuu East Line is a short walk away and local buses serve the area; free on‑site parking is available for guests who drive, which makes exploring the surrounding region easier.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (check‑in window indicated by the property) and check‑out is by 11:00; if you expect to arrive late, notify the hotel in advance so they can note your arrival.
Private baths are available for guest use (reservations handled at the hotel); pets are not permitted on the property, and there are limited food shops immediately nearby so guests should plan accordingly or ask the front desk for local options.