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Ishiba Ryokan

2.5 star property
Escape to a tranquil retreat near historic Hirosaki Castle where you can soak up serenity in an indoor public bath.

Photo gallery for Ishiba Ryokan

Rollaway beds, free WiFi
Separate bathtub and shower, free toiletries, hair dryer
Balcony
24-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels, TV
Rollaway beds, free WiFi
Located close to Hirosaki Castle, Ishiba Ryokan offers a serene escape. Relax in the indoor public bath or unwind in the garden and spa tub. With free self parking, bike rentals, luggage storage, and smoke-free premises on hand - enjoy your stay connected with WiFi.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast available
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

Japanese Style Quadruple Room with Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Futons

Japanese Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Futons

Japanese Style Triple Room with Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Single Futons

Japanese Style Triple Room with Private Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Single Futons

Japanese Style Twin Room with Private Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Futons

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About the area

Map
Mototeramachi 55, Hirosaki, Aomori-ken, 036-8355

What's nearby

  • Hirosaki Park - 4 min walk
  • Hirosaki-kōen - 10 min walk
  • Hirosaki Castle - 11 min walk
  • Hirosaki City Museum - 13 min walk
  • Hirosaki City Apple Park - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • Hirosaki Gaukuin Dai Mae Station - 3 min drive
  • Chuohirosaki Station - 8 min walk
  • Aomori (AOJ) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪煮干結社弘前店 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪葡瑠満 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪コトリcafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪パティスリー ヴェルジェ - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪時代屋 - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Ishiba Ryokan

Historic ryokan near Hirosaki Castle
Take advantage of an indoor public bath (no minerals), a garden and a hot tub at Ishiba Ryokan. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self-parking
  • Full breakfast (surcharge), bike hire and smoke-free property
  • Luggage storage
Room features
All guest rooms at Ishiba Ryokan offer comforts, such as air conditioning, as well as
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Separate baths/showers, free toiletries and hairdryers
  • 24-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
  • Coffee/tea makers and daily housekeeping

Languages

English, Japanese

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7 AM to 9 AM for a fee: JPY 864 for adults and JPY 1,296 for children

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Spa tub

Family friendly

  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden

Spa

  • Public bath open from 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Public indoor bath (no minerals)
  • Separate men/women areas in public bath
  • Yukata (Japanese robes)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower

Entertainment

  • 24-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Air conditioning

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 3 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for JPY 1080.0 per day.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately JPY 864 for adults and from JPY 1296 for children
  • Rollaway bed fee: JPY 1080.0 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards

We should mention

Reservations are required for private bath/onsen; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file
Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the on-site public bathing facilities

Property is also known as

Ishiba Ryokan Hirosaki
Ishiba Ryokan
Ishiba Hirosaki
Ishiba
Ishiba Ryokan Ryokan
Ishiba Ryokan Hirosaki
Ishiba Ryokan Ryokan Hirosaki

Frequently asked questions

Is Ishiba Ryokan pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Ishiba Ryokan?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Ishiba Ryokan?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ishiba Ryokan?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Ishiba Ryokan located?

Situated in Hirosaki, this historic ryokan is within a 15-minute walk of United Church of Christ in Japan Hirosaki Church and Hirosaki Castle. Hirosaki Catholic Church and Hirosaki Park are also within 5 minutes. Chuohirosaki Station is 8 minutes by foot and Hirosaki Station is 19 minutes.

Ishiba Ryokan Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 85 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 29 out of 85 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 85 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 85 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 85 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome, atmospheric place to stay a mere minutes walk from the park made this the perfect place for visiting to view the blossoms. The hospitality of the host was also unmatched with great recommendations of the area!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Warm and Welcoming Ryokan
We had a thoroughly relaxing overnight stay at Ishiba Ryokan. The owners’ hospitality exceeded expectation, even driving us to a local restaurant. The on-site onsen was soothing and the traditional beds comfortable. It was a wonderful experience.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay took us back in time due to the ryokan’s historic past. It’s rustic charm, welcoming owner and helpful staff made for a memorable experience.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The boss is very kind to send us to the train station. he also give us a welcome drink likely if you inform early he will be able to provide you transport if he is free walking distance to hirosaki castle
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Budget traveler
Perfect central location to Hirosaki Castle and sights. Very walkable. This is wonderful for the budget traveler looking to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sean, Irvine, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just to get the only negative out of the way, keeping a 100+ year old building updated isn't easy. For example, the indoor plumbing is exposed in the restroom. That's really all I have for a negative comment. Moving on... The people running this place really left a good impression on me. Very attentive. They kept tour information handy, so my first day's adventures were thanks to what was at the front desk. I wasn't just handed the tour guide, we walked through it together. I was told the cafe at one of the gardens is really good, so I ate there, and had to agree. Also, because there was a festival going on (Neputa), those who wanted to go were walked to two rows of reserved chairs 15 minutes before things got started. Oh, and the seats were conveniently located between a couple of food stalls. The room was nice as well. The standard futon, tatami mats, and tea set (and hot water container delivered outside your door twice a day). I also had a nice view of a little garden.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

PhoebeT, Sugar Land, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unaware this ryokan is considered a "nationally designated important cultural property" until we saw the plague on the wall outside the main entrance. The young manager/owner(?) is very courteous and insisted driving us to restaurants for dinners even though they are 10 - 15 min. walk away. He also drove us to the train station early in the morning so we can catch our connection. We truly appreciate his Japanese hospitality. Another unexpected thing was that one early early morning, we found mama-san (old lady) cleaning our shoes left on the shoe racks at the hotel entrance. I felt embarrassed but also very pampered. Definitely excellent service and an experience not found in hotels. Have already recommended this ryokan to my friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Scott, Seattle, WA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A True Historical Experience
I was looking for an authentic Japanese ryokan experience, and Ishiba Ryokan is it! Built in 1879, it is a designated historical property, and although it has updated electrical and plumbing systems, it still has the ambiance of an old Japanese inn, with old wood and creaky stairs in the original wing (there is an additional wing with slightly newer rooms as well) and rooms with tatami mats and futon for bedding. So comfy! It is definitely not one of the super-premium, high-priced, estate ryokan with its own sushi master and kimono-clad staff. It is family run and friendly, perfectly located near the Hirosaki castle park, gardens and old samurai residences. For large groups, there is a dining room, and a kaiseki Japanese breakfast is extra by request. The communal bath is clean and not too hot (I have been scalded by the bath in other inns), and the rooms all have views of the simple but beautiful courtyard. And next door is a tiny private bar with a 1960s Rat Pack theme! Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

elaine, Honolulu, HI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice ryokan and super nice people in Hirosaki!
Since we stayed at Ishiba Ryokan in September, the weather was lovely and we didn't need any space heaters, unlike some of the experiences of other guests. We did need the air conditioner, however, which was a bit tricky to turn on (no remote control, just a switch on the air conditioner itself), simple and functional. When we arrived at 3 p.m., we were greeted by a long-time staff who had been with the Ishiba family for years. Our check-in was conducted completely in Japanese, in our room, over a cup of freshly brewed green tea, sitting on zabuton cushions--and we understood about 5-10 percent of her explanations, LOL--but filled with a lot of smiles and kindness. And Ishiba-san welcomed us in the evening when we returned to the inn, treated us to apple cider and apple wine at the bar just a few steps away. Thank you, Ishiba-san! And thanks for recommending the loveliest place for apple pies and coffee! The inn is only a 5-minute walk to the gardens and castle. I would love to see this town in spring and autumn with all the splendid colors of nature. We plan to be back. We've met some of the friendliest and nicest people in Japan in Hirosaki.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Ryan, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay for the cherry blossoms.
A neat and tidy Ryokan in Hirosaki. Staff was extremely friendly and very helpful with any questions regarding food and things to do. Would definitely go back again.

10/10 Excellent

Travis, Phoenix, AZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic Family Stay in an Old Samurai House B&B
The owner and his wife were outstanding in welcoming us to their Ryokan. The House is over 140 years old, and has the rustic feel as if you were traveling in time to the Meiji Period. My children enjoyed staying on the futons and tatami mats in our room, which looked out over the snow-covered garden. Only a 5-minute walk to Hirosaki castle grounds, where my children had a great time looking at all the preparations for the snow festival. The mini-onsen on site was also fun for my 2 boys. The owner and his wife also adjusted the breakfast meal to accommodate my children's taste. Overall, very memorable for our 2 nights.

4/10 Poor

Glenn

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disappointed
Ishiba Ryokan needs a major update. None of the rooms are heated except with space heaters. On arrival, our room had an old kerosene heater running that put out a strong and noxious odour.it was so bad that for the next 2 days we had to leave it off. This meant the room was so cold we had to keep allof our outdoor gear on while in the room - same as outside. The toilet is crude and not up to Japanese standards. The shower/tub room (like the toilet) is also not heated so going in for a shower or a bath is not fun. This ryokan may be OK in a warmer season but not mid November onwards. The owner is very nice and helpful. Helped us find restaurants as there were none around and drove us to the station on departure. He also speaks pretty good English. The location is good for seeing the main reasons for visiting Hirosaki. All of the major spots can be walked to from the ryocan. The castle does not exist anymore and the castle grounds are average. The Fujita Garden is the highlight of things to see - very beautiful. The street of Buddhist shrines/temples is OK but not special. Mostly relatively new except one at the end of the street. Lived in Japan for a dozen years and return often. Have stayed in many ryokans and small hotels. Cannot recommend this place and would not return.

10/10 Excellent

Archie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Authentic, personal and friendly
My girlfriend and I stayed here for two nights before heading off to Aoni Onsen. I was on the outset a little apprehensive about Hirosaki because it doesn't appear to be a key point on a tourists trip to Japan, but this soon changed. Hirosaki was by far the most personal, memorable and welcoming place I have been to in Japan. This was exemplified by our stay in Ishiba Ryokan, where we were met with warmth. The building is historic, and the rooms extremely comfortable. For those seeking an authentic experience look no further. Yes the bathrooms are far away, but that is to be expected at a traditional Ryokan. I was sad to leave the town after the kindness received, and my girlfriend on the verge of tears. The recommendations provided by the host and his wife were spot on and he drove us to the station - he also helped me with my onward plans, calling up the next Ryokan, and writing down bus and train times for me.

8/10 Good

Wai Yun, Hong Kong

Liked: Staff & service
With hospitality, it is a super nice hotel for stay and relaxing. It is clean even the hotel is old. Some room facilities need to refurbished. We will stay this hotel again when we visit Hirosaki

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Traditional
First time in japan I wanted a heritage experience, something traditional. the staff was excellent in providing service.

10/10 Excellent

Marc, Paris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice ryokan
I found this ryokan just one day before I arrived. I booked very easily here. It's well located, near the castle and the garden. It's an old house but very clean and lovely. The owner was very kind. He spoke many languages fluently : Japanese, English and French. He invited me to have a drink in a bar close to the ryokan. The room was very clean and typically Japanese. There was an onsen too.

10/10 Excellent

Rach, Melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Walking distance to Hirosaki Castle
Beautiful ryokan, quiet and extremely clean. Room was spacious and comfortable. Staff were friendly and had everything prepared before I arrived.

10/10 Excellent

Chansuda, Japan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location to visit Hirosaki Castle, just only 5 minutes walk from Hotel

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A Step Back in Time
We felt privileged to stay at this almost 150-year old ryokan, first opened by a Samurai in the Meiji period when times they were a-changin' and alternative forms of employment had to be sought. The current owner is the great-grandson.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Closest hotel to the Castle
Great old place with atmosphere, will stay there again!

10/10 Excellent

Akira, United States

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One of a kind experience
Ishiba-san went the extra mile to make my stay as enjoyable as possible. I probably was one of few stayers that day, I beleive. I was on an Onsen trip in Aomori and Akita. He drove his own car to show me around the city. He even drove me to a nearby hot spring that's known only to the locals. The breakfast was yummy.

8/10 Good

HARUTO

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
雰囲気があり良かったです。
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

MANAMI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024