Ichinoyu Honkan

We wanted somewhere rustic and traditional, and that’s exactly what this ryokan felt like. It’s old-fashioned and can seem dated, so it won’t suit anyone looking for a fancy, upscale stay. For what we paid, though, we had an amazing time. Our spacious Matsuda room was the best room, and came with a private outdoor onsen looking over the rapids. Soaking there at sunrise and sunset is something I won’t forget. Dinner and breakfast were delicious, just be ready to deal with bones in the fish. The multi-course drinks lounge also has free drinks around the clock, including alcohol, though the free alcohol is available only for a limited time.

The room was spacious and comfortable, with a lovely view of the nearby river. You hear it flowing from the balcony day and night. We could pick from beautiful yukatas on arrival and wear them around the property, including in the public dining area. The room has what you need to make your own bed, and there were tea, tea powder and simple Japanese biscuits as a welcome treat. One teacup was dirty, though, which spoiled that otherwise pleasant, relaxing moment. It’s a very traditional ryokan by the main bus road, about a 15-minute walk from the nearest train station. The old look is appealing, but the place also seemed a little neglected. There are private onsens, but I understood that most bedrooms use the pleasant public one. Tattoos are welcome. Toilets are shared, with one on every floor. The staff were polite, especially the women serving food on the top floor. There are only a few restaurants and convenience stores nearby, as the area is residential. I’d suggest booking the traditional dinner and breakfast for comfort and a more immersive stay. The food was really good and portions were generous, though it’s very traditional and may not suit everyone. I enjoyed my one night here. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but at this price I’d consider other places next time, especially ones that are more updated and better maintained.

The river’s sound, the charming historic building, and the warm, friendly, hospitable staff made us want to love this place. It’s also right on the bus and train routes, so arriving and leaving is easy. We stayed at Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan in October 2025, and the ryokan has so much culture and character, but it’s falling short of what it could be. As others have said, it badly needs remodeling. There’s a distinct smell of mould and mildew throughout, and we saw it in some of the wet areas too. I really hope they can restore the ryokan to its former glory, because it could be wonderful.

The staff were kind and apologetic, and even offered a small gift for the trouble. That’s why I’m giving three stars instead of two. The building is beautiful and the location is gorgeous, and with better upkeep and sanitation this could be a great stay for the price. As it stands, though, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it. My private in-room onsen was only half full and warm rather than hot. At checkout I was told they could have filled it if I’d called while using it, but I didn’t know that and there was no sign explaining it. The spacious room has a nice traditional feel, though parts like the bathroom look dated and have some mildew. The toilet door couldn’t open all the way because the sink blocked it. Its flush was operated by an old-fashioned metal stick, and the sink only gave cold water. I also found several hairs in the sink when I checked in, which made me doubt how thoroughly the room had been cleaned. I booked the full kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Both were pretty good, but finding three hairs across dishes at both meals ruined some of the experience and made me question the kitchen’s sanitation. It also put me off breakfast. I’d hope they improve maintenance, get the onsens in good shape, and step up cleaning.