Ishiba Ryokan

2.5 star property
Historic ryokan in Hirosaki

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
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January 2025

Photo gallery for Ishiba Ryokan

Rollaway beds, free WiFi
Rollaway beds, free WiFi
Balcony
24-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels, TV
Separate bathtub and shower, free toiletries, hair dryer

Reviews

8.8 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Breakfast available
  • Hot tub
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Luggage storage
  • Bike hire
Feel at home
  • Children stay free
  • Rollaway/extra beds
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Daily housekeeping

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 Castle - 11 min walk
  • Hirosaki City Museum - 13 min walk
  • Saisho-in Temple - 13 min walk
  • Hirosaki City Apple Park - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • Aomori (AOJ) - 52 min drive
  • Odate (ONJ-Odate - Noshiro) - 78 min drive
  • Chuohirosaki Station - 8 min walk
  • Koguriyama Station - 14 min drive
  • Hirosaki Station - 19 min walk
  • Hirokōshita Station - 22 min walk

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

Ishiba Ryokan is a great choice for a stay in Hirosaki. Guests can enjoy the hot tub, or take advantage of nearby hiking/biking trails.

Languages

English, Japanese

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 18 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
  • Minimum check-in age – 18
  • Check-out time is 10:00 AM

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • Children (3 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding

Pets

  • Pets not allowed

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free on-site self-parking
  • On-site parking is limited

Other information

  • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7 AM–9 AM

Travelling with children

  • Children stay for free (see details)

What to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Skiing nearby

Services

  • Luggage storage
  • Bike hire

Facilities

  • Built in 1879
  • Garden
  • Hot tub

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 24-inch flat-screen TV
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Coffee/tea maker

Sleep well

  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Freshen up

  • Separate bath and shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Special features

Spa

Public bath/onsen services include an indoor public bath and a yukata (Japanese robe). These services feature separate men's and women's areas. The ryokan bathing area is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Full breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately JPY 864 for adults and JPY 1296 for children

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for JPY 1080.0 per day

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for private bath/onsen and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

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.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards on-site.
This property accepts credit cards.
Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the on-site public bathing facilities.

Also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Does Ishiba Ryokan offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Ishiba Ryokan does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Ishiba Ryokan?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Ishiba Ryokan?
Yes, there's free self parking. Parking spaces may be limited.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Ishiba Ryokan?
You can check in starting at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
What is there to do at Ishiba Ryokan and nearby?
Have fun with nearby winter activities such as skiing. Relax in the hot tub after a day on the slopes or enjoy the use of a garden.
What's the area around Ishiba Ryokan like?
Ishiba Ryokan is a short 8-minute walk from Chuohirosaki Station and 4 minutes' walk from Hirosaki Park.

Ishiba Ryokan Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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 Exceptional

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!
Anthony, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Wendy, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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
Steve, 1-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Sean, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
PhoebeT, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Scott, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
elaine, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Orbitz guest review

4/10 Fair

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Traditional
First time in japan I wanted a heritage experience, something traditional. the staff was excellent in providing service.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great location to visit Hirosaki Castle, just only 5 minutes walk from Hotel
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Closest hotel to the Castle
Great old place with atmosphere, will stay there again!
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

雰囲気があり良かったです。
HARUTO, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

MANAMI, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review