Gensen Itto Iwate Shizukuishi

Just over two hours from Tokyo to Morioka by Shinkansen, and before you know it—while chatting about what to do once we arrive—you’re already there. The inn offers a shuttle bus, but since we were going all the way to Shizukuishi, we rented a car and stopped by Koiwai Farm on the way.This long-loved traditional inn reportedly closed once during COVID and has now been reborn. Stepping inside, you feel both the weight of an old ryokan and the lightness of new design elements coexisting in harmony—it truly embodies “learning from the past to create something new.”The hot spring is Oshuku Onsen. The source has been flowing for over 450 years, and here it’s used exactly as it is: no added water, no heating, no filtration, and no circulation. The moment you sink into the bath, the water feels silky and gentle, leaving your skin smooth. It’s not overly hot—just the kind of temperature you can soak in forever. The large public bath also has a reclining area where you can lie down on the warm floor as overflow water runs around you—a style sometimes called “toto-napping.” I was skeptical at first, but once I tried it… I couldn’t get up. Seeing natural mineral deposits floating on the surface really drives home that this is fresh-from-the-source spring water.From the open-air bath, you get mountain views—and morning air feels completely different from night air.What surprised me most was dinner. There were so many welcome drink options that I ended up having more than I should… which was a mistake—because dinner offered an even greater variety of sake. The lineup features local Iwate specialties: Tohoku dishes paired with Tohoku sake. There’s even a tuna carving demonstration right in front of you—and you can enjoy it freshly prepared on the spot. You can also build your own seafood bowl with your favorite toppings, and of course finish with Morioka reimen (cold noodles). It’s rare to find a place where you can taste so much of Iwate all at once. My advice: go easy on the welcome drinks and save room for dinner. Breakfast is also buffet-style; after such a memorable evening meal, being able to choose something lighter based on how hungry I felt was genuinely appreciated.True to its name—devoted entirely to its natural hot spring source—this is an inn that treats its water with absolute care. And beyond that: enjoy exploring the town during the day, then come back here at night—that kind of trip feels perfect here.On the Shinkansen ride home, I was already looking up more about Shizukuishi. In autumn there are beautiful mountain colors; in winter there’s a nearby ski resort that has hosted world competitions; in spring Koiwai Farm’s famous lone cherry tree blooms again. This time we came mainly for this inn—but next time, it seems like there will be countless reasons to return—or rather… I’ve realized I’m already looking for reasons to visit Shizukuishi again just so I can stay here one more time.

This was my first trip to Iwate Prefecture. It’s far from home, so I hesitated a bit, but since I could use a municipal Discount Coupon, I decided to book—and I’m glad I did.I had seen a Review saying check-in took a long time, but for me it was around 3:50 p.m. on a weekday and everything went smoothly with no issues.The Room was new and impeccably clean.It was a Room with a semi-open-air bath, and I really appreciated having two bath mats and two thick bath towels per person.The tuna carving show was fun, and the food was delicious.What impressed me most was the excellent service.I wish I could give six stars!From the Shuttle Service driver from Morioka Station to the dining staff—everyone was polite and kind.The temperature of the open-air bath in my Room felt a little cool late at night, so at 5:00 a.m. I called the front desk even though I felt bad about it.They came to my Room right away without showing any displeasure and adjusted the temperature for me.They were so pleasant that it left me feeling warmly cared for, and it really stayed with me.The reason I rated “Guest room & amenities” as 4 is that there were no towels in the toilet area of the Room,and there were no shower caps or hair ties.For women who take multiple baths, these are essential, so please consider providing them.I’m truly glad we made the trip.Even my usually critical husband praised both the meals and how comfortable the Room was.Thank you very much for your hospitality and for giving us such wonderful memories.I would definitely like to stay again.