Matsushima Ichinobo

Matsushima Ichinobo

What kind of onsen ryokan is Matsushima Ichinobo?

If you are looking for large modern resort onsen ryokans near Matsushima Bay in Miyagi prefecture, you should stay here.  You can see amazing beautiful views in good weather while chilling out on the property.  If you have a chance to visit Sendai, you should visit Matsushima and stay here.  It’s well worth a visit.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a room with a private onsen, this is not.  There is no room with a private one.  Perhaps, if you are a hot spring freak, this is not.  The spring quality wouldn’t be special.

The ambiance tends to be family-oriented.  If you are a couple, you may want to stay on weekdays.  The property would be great for families, groups, or couples, but not solo travelers or business persons.
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Is the location easy to access?

Yes, take a shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Sendai Station.  It takes 95min.  Then change to JR Tohoku Main Line and get off at Matsushima Station.  It takes 25min.  Then free shuttle service is available from Matsushima Station or MatsushimaKaigan Station.  It takes just 5 to 10min by car.  You don’t need to book it.  Refer to the info.

Rooms I would recommend?

If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with a nice view on the upper floor.  We fully enjoyed the wonderful panorama of Matsushima Bay with a large garden.  After checking in, we were taking a walk around there.  Also, there are some rooms with private outdoor baths, but they are not hot springs.  Facilities tend to be a bit aged, but it’s well-maintained and the housekeeping was good.

How about toiletries & in-room amenities?

All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, samue outfits, and a green tea set, etc.  Complimentary coffee, tea, fresh juice, and Japanese sweets, etc., are available at the lobby lounge.  Complimentary milk and popsicles are available near the communal bathing area.  You can borrow a DVD player.  Free Wi-Fi reception was good on the property.   Room service is not available.  There is a vending machine including beer.  There is a convenience store nearby.  Then this is child-friendly.  Staff can provide yukatas, samue-outfits, and amenities if you request in advance.  Also, strollers are available for borrowing.

How about In-house Facilities?

There are indoor and outdoor communal hot springs with saunas.  The spring quality is creamy, thick, and moist.  You should visit the outdoor baths at the time of sunset and sunrise.   We were overwhelmed by the beauty of the views while soaking in the bath.  All of them are open from 5:00-10:00, 15:00-24:00.  *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing areas.

There is an outdoor swimming pool.  You need to bring your own swimwear, etc.  It’s open from 12:00-17:00 between late July and late Aug.  Then bicycles are available for borrowing from 9:00-17:00.  Also, there is a class museum in-house.  You can enter for free during your stay.

Then the property is universal design.  Wheelchairs are available.  If you bring people with weak feet, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the lift.
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How about meals?

The western and Japanese buffet for dinner and breakfast was just divine.  All local ingredients are high-end, such as oyster, tempura, sushi, and beef, etc.  On top of that, complimentary beer, wine, Japanese sake, whisky, and fresh fruit juice, etc., are available.  Don’t forget to bring your empty stomach.  Buffet for dinner is from 17:00-20:15.  The buffet for breakfast is from 7:00-9:30.  If you are a couple, you may want to have kaiseki cuisine for dinner at the Japanese restaurants in-house.  The ambiance would be more serene if compared to the buffet restaurant.  Kaiseki Dinner starts at 17:30 or 19:30.  After dinner, local artists hold daily concerts such as violin, saxophone, and piano.  Don’t forget to join it.

My impressions

All staff tends to be helpful, but they wouldn’t be sophisticated.  If you expect 5-star hotel service, this is not.  Overall, the property has great value for money if you stay on weekdays.  Then, the property would be popular.  If you want to relax in a tranquil atmosphere, you may want to avoid staying during Lunar New Year, late April to early May, weekends in Aug, Oct, and Nov, and the end of the year and New Year holiday.  At last, don’t forget to check the weather forecast.  That’s the most important.  Have a nice trip!  Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space.  *All information is as of the date that I posted on my blog.  Check-in and out times 15:00/11:00  Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda

Info about Matsushima Ichinobo

Style Modern Onsen Ryokan
Guest Rating 15:00/11:00
Estimated Price 50,000 JPY for 2 adults per room
Contact Fill in the form
Internet Connection Free wifi in the ryokan
Facility Information Wheelchairs are available
Pets are not allowed
The free parking lot is available
Location Matsushima Ichinobo’s MAP
Access 5 to 10min from Matsushima or
MatsushimaKaigan Station
Address and TEL

Hama-1-4 Takagi, Matsushima, Miyagi District,
Miyagi 981-0215  Tel 0570-050-240